MERIT AWARD

Represents superior accomplishment in the profession of landscape architecture.

WHEADON FARM PARK

PROJECT SUMMARY

After decades as a family farm, the Wheadon Farm property was placed in a permanent trust, through a conservation easement. An advocate for open space, the Landscape Architect focused on providing public access and educational, historical, & recreational opportunities within the easement guidelines, including: a working farm, natural meadows, trails, sports fields, pavilion, playground, and interpretive elements. To promote sustainable design and minimize maintenance, turf areas are limited and all stormwater is retained on-site. Interpretive signage, developed by the Landscape Architect, informs the public about the park’s history, its preservation, and the importance of preserving open space for future generations.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

  • Preserve and protect the Wheadon Farm property‘s prime agricultural soil, wildlife habitat, and scenic vistas for future generations.

  • Provide and develop public access to the property, which was not previously available.

  • Provide links on the property between trails, shopping, residential areas to extend the connectivity through the community.

  • Provide a working farm area (currently functioning as Community Supported Agriculture).

  • Connect the public users with the history and meaning of the place.

  • Serve as a link to past generations.

  • Educate the public about the difference in irrigation methods from the past and the more water-wise methods of the present, relevant to preserving water in Utah’s arid climate.

  • Teach the public about the importance of open space conservation and help them appreciate the place they are visiting.

  • Provide an opportunity for parents to teach their children about history and the importance of considering land-use for future generations, to further influence responsible decisions for the future.

  • Teach the public about historical farming methods, and their relevance to the visitors’ lives.

ROLE OF THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

  • Interpret the property’s conservation easement and evaluating, with the Owner, the most appropriate use of the land in developing a public park.

  • Address the opportunities for educational, historical, and recreational opportunities within the park’s structure.

  • Participate in public process workshop with stakeholders.

  • Schematic design development

  • Site design and overall layout – including interpretive play area, pavilion, trail system, recreational fields

  • Construction document preparation: layout and materials plans, grading and drainage plans, landscape plans, irrigation plans, and all associated details

  • Coordinate irrigation system supply from the existing canal by establishing a new headgate and pump vault. The secondary canal water supplies the agricultural uses of the property.

  • Coordinate with the canal company for permitting & approvals to accommodate the new bridge and new utility supply line beneath the existing canal and maintenance road.

  • Collaborate with a custom-playground fabricator to extend the educational opportunities to the public through the use of historical details in an interpretive playground.

  • Research, design, and fabrication oversight of interpretive signage.

  • Construction management services through the duration of construction.

PROJECT IMPORTANCE

This project is of particular importance because it advances the reputation of Landscape Architect as liason between civic landholders and the public enduser, with regards to developing the preserved land within the conservation easement’s regulations as well as extending educational opportunities to the end-user. Open space is important, but open space with public access, educational and recreational opportunities, protected for future generations is priceless. As developed, Wheadon Farm Park serves the following purposes:

  • Provides public access to 64-acres of open space with agricultural, educational, historical, and recreational opportunities.

  • Provides pedestrian connections to trails, shopping, residential areas, etc.

  • Educates the public about the importance of the preservation of open space and its associated value for habitat protection.

  • Provides opportunities for parents to teach their children about history and the importance of considering land-use for future generations, to further influence responsible decisions for the future.

  • Provides educational play opportunities for children.