[crossroads] _park A Community Revitalization & Ecological Reclamation Catalyst
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
[Contents]
Site Introduction/Context Site Analysis Design Process Approach/Concept Site Study Design Phasing Aerial Site Plan Safety Map
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
Site Dynamics
10-14
Ecological Function Point Bar & Sediment Collection Vegetation Zones Wildlife Zones Landform
Program Elements
Central Gathering Area Vernal Pool Display/Education Area Railroad Path Railroad Bridge & Landform The Dock River Trail Aquatic Habitat Railroad Greenhouses
Further Recommendation
10 11 12 13 14 15-18 19-22 23-25 26-33 34-35 36-37 38-39
15-39
40
[Hazelwood]
[Riverside]
Located south of Pittsburgh’s city center and up the Monongahela, the neighborhood of Hazelwood has experienced many changes since it was first settled in the late 1700’s. In the late 1800’s the introduction of a railway spurred iron, steel, railroading, and boatbuilding industries, and river trade. These industrial activities led to a booming era for Hazelwood in the 1950’s. Hazelwood became home to various immigrant minority groups that has led to its diverse cultural roots. Once the steel industry began to decline in the 1980’s, however, many of Hazelwood’s residents and businesses began to migrate in search of better economic opportunities. All business traces of the steel industry left in 1998 when LTV closed Hazelwood Coke Works, Pittsburgh’s last operating steel mill. The neighborhood now is left at crossroads as business try to rebuild and the repressed unique identity of the neighborhood is looking to be uncovered and displayed as means to promote community pride/investment and economical stability.
Riverside, a sub-neighborhood of Hazelwood, is a remnant residential enclave of the steel industry as it is a densely built community that served as a location for housing for workers at the once adjacent steel mill. Presently, the neighborhood serves as a diverse housing area. There is much to be understood about such a neighborhood, and some, but not all, can be derived through understanding the history of the neighborhood. The community members who reside in Riverside hold pride in their neighborhood and value its uniqueness. The history and uniqueness of this neighborhood can become physically represented through design.
[The Site]
Almono Site
Riverside
Greater Hazelwood
Monongahela River Rail Yard Recycle Center 0 50 100
200
The current state of the site on which the proposed “Riverside Park” is to occupy is much like the adjacent neighborhood of Riverside, one of a transitional state. The site’s history consists of the presence of naturally occurring flood plain vegetation which then was augmented to meet the needs of the growing industry of Hazelwood through the addition of fill to raise the site up from the river bank about 40-50 feet. This elevated level site then allowed for the introduction of industrial structures and railroad lines. Currently, the site is largely occupied by a salt pile that serves as a source for road deicing for the entirety of Pittsburgh. Multiple railroad lines are located between the site and the river and extend into an adjacent rail yard. Amongst this still industrial-type presence lays a tract of vegetated land that has re-grown into somewhat of a natural forest state. These features of the site are not so much constraints or negatives, but rather opportunities, along with the location of the site, to create a unique space that can potentially meet the needs of ecological function, the local community, as well as the greater Pittsburgh community.
400 in feet
[site] _immediate/context
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
01
Existing Vegetation
River & Flood Plain
Existing Utilities
Existing Access
Possible Entry Areas
Rail lines & Rail Yard
Industrial Artifacts
NO
ALMO
Future Development
Possible River Access
Right of Ways
Various site characteristics have been studied to provide a basis for approaching and exploring design options and limitations that will, in turn, help to adequately recognize/address the needs of the community as well as those of the site.
[site analysis] _opportunities & constraints
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
02
design process
[community goals] - Seating Areas (Benches) - ADA Access - Playground (safe site for kids) - Vegetation Display - Open Fields - Park Hours (not 24/7) - Parking Lot - Greenhouse - Seasonality - Wildlife Education - Education on a Skill for Youth - Place to Ice Skate - Community Garden to Produce & Sell - Lighting (safety) - Visibility in Park - River Access - Use of Recycled Materials - Relaxation Areas - Park for All Ages - “Just Let it Go” Natural Landscape Character - “State of the Art” Technologies - Skate Park (stormwater display) - BMX Park - Food Forest - Nature Center - Buffer Sound of Trains - Buffer Electrical and Other Maintenance Areas - Boating (Kayak & Canoes) - Fishing - Pavilion/Stage - Event Space - Walking & Bike Trails - Lengthen Existing River Trail - Access for Emergency Vehicles
[outcome] [research]
[research] [found goals]
[crossroads park]
_Create a space that allows for various recreational opportunities _Provide Ecological Function and Education
- Remediation of Soils - Increase Biodiversity - Ecological Connectivity - Hazelwood Culture & History Display - Connectivity not just to Riverside/Hazelwood but Pittsburgh as a whole - Honor Riverside’s outstanding citizen, Sam Stratti - Site Operations that Benefit Local Economy - Provide Adequate Space for Festivals/Events
Riverside Tour w/ Sam Stratti
[park development] _community expressed & found goals
_Present and Display the Uniqueness of the Adjacent Community _Act as a Gateway that Connects the Community to Various Entities
Design Charrette w/ Community
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
03
conne
ct
]
o [almon
t
c conne
t
h g r u b [pitts
]
ec n n o c [crossroads park]
[riverside & hazelwood]
Crossroads Park acts a mediation that facilitates the transition of community revitalization and ecological reclamation through exposing the rich industrial past and unique qualities of the community/site. The Park intends to connect the Riverside/Hazelwood community to the greater Pittsburgh community by linking park users to various recreational activities and providing a natural park setting that acts as a theater for environmental education and observation.
[crossroads park] _approach/concept
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
04
Legend: Development Site Marina Riverfront Park Riverfront Commercial Development
Above is a study that provides relevance and the need for the proposed park, its function, and activities. Highlighted are the current boat marina locations and existing major parks located along riverbanks. The correlation of the highlighted areas provides the grounds that there are no current riverside parks that allow for the proposed actives of Riverside Park in close proximity to Hazelwood area. Thus, the park would become a destination point for those in the Pittsburgh region to access by boat, car, bike, or foot.
[site dynamics] _relevance
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
05
Crossroads Park will be implemented through a phasing approach that presents three stages that provides the time necessary to gather public, bureaucratic, civic, and financial support. This is followed by the stage to study and understand the specifics of the site character, and then finally comes design implementation.
Phase 1- The site on which Crossroads Park is
Phase 2- Now that the land has been
Phase 3- Once the site has been remediated
proposed is owned by the CSX Railroad Company. Currently, railroad tracks run through the site and a deicing salt pile is also present. Because the current use of the site is mainly industrial and serves as a hub for the transport of Pittsburgh’s winter deicing salt, the proposed design still allows for railroad function, but calls for the removal and relocation of the deicing salt pile. Working collectively, The Hazelwood Initiative, Heinz Endowment, and the other Almono Partners (Benedum, McCune and R.K. Mellon), can provide the financial and political support for the park’s development. Since the proposed design allows for the full, continued function of the current railroad tracks, and because the standard right-of-ways are observed, CSX should not pose an impediment in acquiring the land for the park. Once the funding and support has been acquired, the site can be purchased through an easement. The Department of City Planning will be consulted on the removal/relocation of the salt pile to a new and more appropriate location.
purchased and owned collectively among the Hazelwood Initiative, Heinz Endowment, and the other Almono Partners (Benedum, McCune and R.K. Mellon), an environmental analysis/study can be performed on the site. This analysis/study will provide such information as soil quality and associated water quality. With this gained data of the specific soil containments, appropriate methods for remediation can be used to clean the site before the construction of the park. These processes can include phytoremediation, and, in extreme cases of contaminated soil, soil removal to an approved industrial waste site can be utilized. Once through with this stage of phase 2, the soil and plant material should be disposed of properly and in accordance to US EPA and PA DEP standards.
to the point to allow for human interaction/recreation, and for water infiltration, the design can begin to be implemented in time stages based on the allotted funding. Certain areas from the previous phase will be left in place to be remediated through phytoreemdiation research plots which allows for park user education.
[crossroads park] _phasing
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
06
Bird's-Eye perspective depicting the conceptual design of Crossroads Park
[crossroads park] _a vision
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
07
7
h St.
17
se Tecum
11 9
8
12 5
6 10
Langho
1
13
rn St.
Monongahela River
ay Path W
3
h St.
Elizabet
2
1 Central Gathering Area 16 2 Vernal Pool Ecosystem 3 Overlook to Vernal Pools 4 Existing Wooded Area / Railroad Path 5 River Access via Under bridge Landform 6 Railroad Bridge & Rainwater Display 7 Small & Non-motorized Boat Dock 8 Boat Launch Parking 9 Phytoremediation Tree Plot (research
area) Almono Entrance 10 Phytoremediation Plot (rhizofiltration research) 11 Tecumseh St. Park Entrance 12 Existing Electrical Station 13 Visitor Parking Lot & Drop off 14 Railroad Car Green Houses 15 Courtland St. Park Entrance 16 River Trail to Nine Mile Run Trail 17 River Trail to Connect to Existing Trail
[crossroads park] _site plan/program
4
Overlaid with layers of vegetation, habitats, paths, open spaces, industrial artifacts, educational areas, and historical references, the designed space enable multiple possibilities, including functioning as a connection between Riverside, Greater Hazelwood, Almono, and Greater Pittsburgh.
14
15
Courtland St.
Rail Yard
[Please Zoom in for a Closer More Detailed View] 0
50
100
200
400 in feet
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
08
Legend
Security Camera
Emergency Call Box
Fence/Gate
In regards to park safety, various interventions have been proposed. There will be park hours that close and gate the park at sunset (with the exception of special events). Even though the park is closed at sunset, some lighting will be on to allow for Riverside residents to observe any strange activity in the park. Solar powered LED lights will be utilized for both overhead and up lighting. There will also be lighting present under the bridge that will illuminate nightly. The lighting installation in the forested tract of land will provide light in this darker area. Video cameras and emergency call boxes will also be strategically placed on light poles in the park and under the bridge to monitor activities after hours.
[crossroads park] _safety map
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
09
Habitat Fragmentation Typologies
Existing Habitat on Site
Proposed Connections
Better
A
B
C
D
E
Worse
“Better�
Currently, the existing riparian/floodplain vegetation on site is left fragmented due to past industrial development and to the presently existing railroad and rail yard. Crossroads Park seeks to connect the fragmented tract of vegetation on site to the existing vegetation on the riverbank. This connection would facilitate the movement of wildlife and plant life, as well as would provide a vegetated buffer to lessen the noise pollution produced by the trains on the railroad tracks and by activity in the rail yard. *note drawings not to scale
[site dynamics] _ecological function
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
10
The site is located adjacent to a point bar on the Monongahela River, which allows for the opportunity to collect naturally occurring sediment deposits as a means of reestablishing the river bank and for the creation of aquatic ecosystems.
A large accomulation of sedment has deposited here, allowing for this to be the opportune area to access the river
River Hydrology Diagram
Maximum Velocity
Deposition (point bar)
A
A’
Erosion
B B’
Erosion
C
C’ Deposition (point bar)
*note river form in Diagram is not accurate to the Monngahela River, idiagramatic only
Section A-A’ Bank Maximum Velocity
Section B-B’ Bank Maximum Velocity
Section C-C’ Bank
*note map is not to scale Maximum Velocity
[site dynamics] _point bar & sediment collection
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
11
[Plant Communities & Plant Types] Trees
Low Meadow
Vernal Pool Ecosystem
Riparian Forest
Turf Grasses
Grasses/ Forbs
Trees
Phytoremediation Plots Plot 1 Forb (rhizofiltration)
1. Agropyron smithii 1. Acer rubrum
1.
2.
Red Maple
2. Acer saccharinum
1.
2.
3.
4.
4. Betula nigra River Birch
5. Gleditsia tricanthos
5.
6.
7.
8.
2.
*This planting area will be utilized for active recreation and allow for foot traffic
2.
2. Ilex glabra
Little Bluestem
1.
2. Ilex verticillata
7.
8.
8. Trifolium repens
2. Dulichium arundinaceum
4.
3. Glyceria spp.( acutiflora, canadensis, melicaria, septentrionalis, Torreyochlo pallida)
Winterberry
4. Lindera benzoin
3.
Spicebush
3.
5.
6.
Elderberry
*The tree species can be planted in rotation or in a polyculture style to allow comparative study of soil quality and plant health.
Northern Arrowhead Viburnum
[Planting Zone Location Map]
Rice Cutgrass
5. Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern
7. Viburnum recognitum
7.
6. Osmunda regalis
7.
Flowering Fern
7. Thelypteris palustris Marsh Fern
Forbs,Grasses,& Sedges 1. Agrostis perennans
1.
2.
3. Eupatorium purpureum
4.
2
*Vernal Pool Plant List Source: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northameri ca/unitedstates/pennsylvania/howwework/vernalpoolb ook.pdf
1
Autumn Bentgrass
2. Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge
3.
Poplar
4. Leersia oryzoides
Northern Bayberry
6. Sambucus canadensis
3. Populus spp.
Mannagrass
5. Myrica pensylvanica
6.
White Birch
Threeway Sedge
3. Ilex verticillata
4.
Sedges
2.
Inkberry
1. Betula pendula
Red Mulberry
White Clover
*The low meadow planting zones can be mowed 2-3 times a year to about 5-6 inches
1. Carex spp. ( canescens, crinita, gynandra, lupulina, vesicaria)
2.
2. Morus rubra
Red Clover
Highbush Blueberry
3.
1.
Plot 2 Tree Study
6. Schizachyrium scoparium 7. Trifolium pratense
Winterberry
Silky Dogwood
5.
6.
Buttonbush
3. Vaccinium corymbosum
1. Cornus amomum
3.
Miner’s Lettuce
Sedges & Ferns
Shrubs 1.
5.
Black Willow
9.
Sunflower
1.
Bird's-foot Trefoil
1. Cephalanthus occidentalis
1.
4. Claytonia perfoliata 5. Lotus corniculatus
Bur Oak Pin Oak
4.
Shrubs
8. Quercus palustrus 9. Salix nigra
3.
Pin Oak
Honey Locust
7. Quercus macrocarpa
Buffalo Grass
Blue Grama
3. Quercus palustris
3.
Sideoats Grama
1.
3. Bouteloua gracilis
Swamp Oak
6. Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore
2.
2. Quercus bicolor
Silver Maple
3. Acer negundo Box Elder
1.
Red Maple
2. Bouteloua curtipendula
1. Helianthus annuus L.
1. Buchloe dactyloides
Western Wheatgrass
1. Acer rubrum
Joe Pye Weed
*The majority of the plant palette has been tested and reviewed to be successful for phytoremediation. The species that have not been tested still provide a cleansing function as well.
4. Heliopsis helianthoides Oxeye Sunflower
5. Juncus effusus
5.
Soft Rush
6.
6. Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot
7. Vernonia altissima
7.
*note drawing not to scale
Ironweed
* The landform under the bridge will be mainly planted with forbs, grasses, sedges, and some shrubs. No trees will be planted under the bridge.
[site dynamics] _vegetation zones
The plant palette chosen for the park consists of native Pennsylvania plants that are appropriate for the proposed ecosystems and plant communities. Shown above is just a sampling of the plant life that can occupy the site and create these plant communities. Naturally, additional plant species that are indicator species and indicative of these plant communities can find their way onto the site. Invasive plant species can also make their way onto the site and disrupt these communities and the associated wildlife. Because of this, invasive species should be managed in accordance with the guidelines g presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
12
Birds Associated w/ Riparian Zone
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Birds 1. Acadian Flycatcher 2. Northern Flicker 3. Cedar Waxwing 4. Great Horned Owl 5. Carolina Chickadee 6. Carolina Wren 7. Gray Catbird 8. Common Grackle 9. House Wren 10. Northern Cardinal 11. Eastern Wood-Pewee 12. Red-bellied Woodpecker 13. Belted Kingfisher 14. Red-eyed Vireo 15. Tufted Titmouse 16. Yellow Warbler
Amphibians& Insects Associated w/ Vernal Pool Zone
Birds/Fish Associated w/ Aquatic Zone
Varied 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
1. Spotted Salamander 2. Jefferson Salamander 3. Marbled Salamander 4. Eastern Spadefoot 5. Springtime Fairy Shrimp 6. Four-toed Salamander 7.Green Frog 8. Wood Frog 9. Red-spotted Newt 10. Spring Peeper
Insects
11. Swamp Darner 12. Meadowhawk
Birds 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. Blue Heron 2. Night Heron ‘Black Capped’ 3. Green Heron 4. Dabblers (Ducks)- Gadwall, Mallard, and others (Gadwall shown) 5. Divers(Ducks)- Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, and others (Ring-necked Duck shown)
Fish 7.
8.
9.
6. Largemouth Bass 7. Panfish (various species) Blue Gill shown 8. Muskellunge (various species) Northern Pike shown 9. Catfish (various types) Big Flathead shown
16.
The connection of the riparian/floodplain vegetation, creation of the vernal pool ecosystems, and the created aquatic ecosystems allow for the park to act as a destination point for migratory wildlife. Birds will inhabit the riparian vegetation as a break point in their migration before continuing on in search of denser, stratified, and larger tracts of habitat land. Vernal pool amphibians and insects will use the site seasonally in accordance to the water level of the pools. Fish, birds, and other wildlife associated with aquatic conditions will use the reestablished riverbanks as feeding and resting areas.
*note drawing not to scale
[site dynamics] _wildlife zones
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
13
Section A-A’
Riverbank River Trail
Railroad Tracks
Vernal Pools w/ Central Gathering Area in Background
Ped. & Maintenance Path 25
0 5
Dock
125
Existing Forested Area & Railroad Path
Railroad Greenhouses
225
in feet
B’
The constructed landform of the park allows for river access as well as habitat creation and spatial divides.
B A’
A
Section B-B’
Ramp to Under Bridge Landform Dock
River Trail
Riverbank & Landform
[site dynamics] landform
Railroad Bridge
Boat Launch Parking Area
Phytoremediation Rhizofiltration Plot
Phytoremediation Tree Plot 0 5
25
Existing Electrical Station
125
225 in feet
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
14
The central gathering area provides seasonal qualities that promote the interaction of park users and allow for various recreational activities, event space, and historical education by means of a cor-ten wall engraved with Hazelwood historic events.
[program elements] _central gathering area
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
15
Cor-ten History Wall Vernal Pools
[program elements] _central gathering area
Lawn & Landform Stage & Amphitheater
Rhizofiltration Plot
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
16
The Central Gathering Area allows for seasonal recreation through its landform that provides a space for safe sledding.
[program elements] _central gathering area
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
17
Medium to large events can take place in the Central Gathering Area. Presented is a simulated image that portrays a community-wide event that entails vendor tents, art and musical performances on the stage, and a fireworks display from a barge on the river.
[program elements] _central gathering area/open space
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
18
The vernal pool display area of the site provides a seasonal understanding of an ecosystem that can be viewed for its aesthetics and wildlife, while also serving as an education tool.
[program elements] _vernal pool display/education area
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
19
Legend Frozen Standing Surface Water Winter
Standing Surface Water
*note little to no water will be present in the Summer
Spring
Summer
Fall
[program elements] _vernal pool display/education area
Vernal pools provide a seasonal characteristic through a “disappearing act� that provides a year round ecological educational exhibit.
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
20
Vernal Pool Construction Detail (section)
To allow for water to pool and stay on the surface a bentonite soil mixture (high clay content) is used instead of a geotextile liner to slow the infiltration rate of water captured in the vernal pool landforms.
[program elements] _vernal pool display/education area
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
21
The above perspective view of the vernal pool demonstration area portrays the pools during the fall months where little water is accumulated in the pools, but shows that the space can still be aesthetically pleasing even with the absence of high water levels.
[program elements] _vernal pool display/education area
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
22
Within the existing tract of forested land is an existing railroad track that is in disuse and covered with successional vegetation. This railroad track is proposed to become a pathway through the forested area and will act as a remembrance of the past industry of the site. Above the railroad track pathway will be a lighting display that echoes the paths of the railroad tracks in Pittsburgh.
[program elements] _railroad path
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
23
The railroad path exhibits the past and current industrial uses of the site while functioning as a unique design feature that allows for park users to have a unique walking experience.
[program elements] _railroad path
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
24
After sunset, a light installation that is revelatory of the paths of the railroad tracks leading to and from Pittsburgh is illuminated, providing visibility in this darker area during on-site events.
[program elements] _railroad path
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
25
Access to the river is gained through a vegetated landform that provides an overlook area, a canoe launch, access to a dock, and access to proposed river trails. The landform also allows for naturalized sediment collection from the river as a means to reestablish the shoreline. A proposed railroad bridge is placed above the landform that allows for the continued function of the existing railroad lines that run throughout the site. Underneath and attached to the bridge is a rainwater collection apparatus that allows for the catchment of rainwater that will be used to irrigate the vegetation on the landform that is underneath the bridge. The bridge is designed to allow for sunlight to reach the plant life via light wells.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
26
Existing
Cut
Form
Bridge
The above diagrams present the progression of the method used to allow river access to park users.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
27
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform Walking/Bicycle Trail to Nine Mile Run
Sediment Collection Trough Ped. Walkway to Shore
Boat Launch
Vegetation To Dock & River Trail
The proposed “under bridge� landform allows for such functions as connections to proposed river trails, a boat launch, a look-out, and a connection to the proposed dock.
[Please Zoom in for a Closer More Detailed View]
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
28
Maintenance Platform Railing
Maintenance Platform Supports Structural Steel Platform (maintenance
Stringers (parallel support)
Lateral Braces & Gusset Plates
[Please Zoom in for a Closer More Detailed View]
Superelevation Spacer & Cross Braces
Vertical Braces & Gusset Plates
Concrete Abutment (retaining)
Landform
The proposed railroad bridge allows for the continued function of the existing railroad lines as well as providing park users with a view of the train activity. The construction of the bridge shows the “skeleton” of the bridge’s structure, allowing for a more industrial aesthetic appeal while maximizing light and rainwater passage to the lower level.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
29
4’
2.5’ TYP.
[Please Zoom in for a Closer More Detailed View]
3.5’ TYP.
Maintenance Platform Railing Maintenance Platform
5’ TYP.
Light Well Rain Water Catchment Tray
Top of Rails (flush with rails at existing grade
Concrete Abutment
8’ TYP.
3’ TYP.
34.5’
Concrete Abutment
95’
*note: Plan not to scale - For full bridge structure detail see axon drawing
1.5’ TYP.
The dimensions/construction of the bridge allow for more light to enter through/under the structure. This was done to create more visibility and provide better safety. Light wells have also been incorporated into the structure of the design to accommodate the needs of the plant life located on the landform underneath the bridge.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
30
4’ 5’ 15’
95’
landform
[Please Zoom in for a Closer More Detailed View] The clearance achieved by the bridge allows for the both the passing of park users and maintenance vehicles.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
31
[Please Zoom in for a Closer More Detailed View] As a means to provide water to irrigate the plant life on the landform underneath the bridge, a rainwater collection system has been designed and attached underneath the bridge’s structure. The gravity-based system allows for “artificial rain� that irrigates the plants and provides a unique display of rainwater design for park users to experience.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
32
Shown above is a perspective view that presents the experience to be had by park users underneath the bridge.
[program elements] _railroad bridge and under bridge landform
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
33
The dock provides a harbor for small motorized and non-motorized small boats traveling on the river can dock and utilize the park. The dock structure is seasonal and is removed during the winter months but the infrastructure is left in place.
[program elements] _the dock
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
34
Presented above is a stylized view of the proposed dock during sunset.
[program elements] _the dock
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
35
Alongside the proposed river trail that connects the Nine Mile Run Trail, a groyne structure will be placed and will serve as a means to collect sediment to reestablish the riverbank and provide aquatic habitat creation.
[program elements] _river trail aquatic habitat
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
36
Above is a diagrammatic perspective presenting the dynamics/function of the groyne structure, which is composed of stones of various sizes and promotes the establishment of aquatic ecosystems.
[program elements] _river trail aquatic habitat
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
37
Proposed to be in the lawn area that runs alongside Langhorn Street are old railroad cars that have been transformed into greenhouses. This design installment links to the past history of the lawn area, as, at one point, that space was comprised of community gardens that were tended by residents who lived in the housing units that lie perpendicular to the space. The railroad car greenhouses provide various functions that include historical representation, plant propagation education, and the production of vegetables for retail. The space is used as a physical representation of the presence of one particular community member, Sam Stratti. Sam, the “Master Gardener of Riverside�, continues to maintain a garden along Langhorn Street. This space presents the opportunity to honor Sam and his passion for gardening, while allowing him to pass his knowledge of gardening on to younger generations. The vegetables produced in the greenhouses will be sold at the planned organic food market on 2nd Ave. This allows for a process that begins with community involvement/education and ends with the purchasing of community grown food from a local business, thus reinvesting into the local economy in both a financial and social manner.
[program elements] _railroad greenhouses
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
38
Presented above is a simulation of the proposed railroad car greenhouses and a diagram that represents the flow of their associated functions.
[program elements] _railroad greenhouses
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
39
Further Recommendation The magnitude and presence of Crossroads Park can potentially create gentrification for the residents of Riverside Neighborhood. To combat this potential negative effect, various planning methods can be used to ensure that the residents of Riverside stay in long term owned or rented homes. One such approach could be the drafting and passing of real estate legislation that uses a "grandfathering" clause. This clause would allow for long-term renters to purchase their property at a lower price than those trying to move into the neighborhood, and existing property owners would pay taxes for the duration of their ownership based on the current assessment of their property’s value. Also, another means to prevent gentrification and prompt local community economic stability is to utilize the pooling of funding by residents and the local government to purchase and subscribe to efficient green energy technologies. This practice can be organized through such local organizations as the Hazelwood Initiative and the Almono Partners working alongside the nonprofit organization, Groundswell, which specializes in promoting such a practice.
[crossroads park] _recommendation
Andrew Madl The Department of Landscape Architecture
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[thank] _you All Residents of Hazelwood All Members of the Hazelwood Initiative All Members of the Penn State Center in Pittsburgh, PA, especially Deno De Ciantis and Lisa Vavro Sam Stratti Ken Doyno Ken Tamminga, Landscape Architecture Professor The Pennsylvania State University
A special thank you to the community members for their participation and co-authorship of this design