This project for the transformation of a capped landfill to a civic park aims to balance active recreational program with open, flexible meadows ideal for running, biking, bird watching, and cross country skiing. The constraints of the soil and cap conditions present on site led to the proposal for a series of sculpted tree berm landfills that would be constructed from cut generated at a nearby regional construction project and provide the only possibility of adding tree planting over the capped areas of the site. These landforms would create a sense of spatial enclosure for program areas, provide seating for viewing and create shady zones and compelling visual elements in the park. All of the elements of the park program will be accomplished with low-impact techniques. Open cell paving for parking areas, photovoltaic car shade structures and stormwater gardens that direct water to the central wetlands will be joined by the Landfill Ecology Center. This center will provide a central place for parks operations, restrooms and exhibitions and information regarding the nature of landfills and our consumer culture that contributes to them.
