The Little Neighborhood that Could

The Portland Development Commission (PDC) recently produced a documentary called The Little Neighborhood that Could - Kenton Streetscape Improvements. This short four minute video captures much of the change that the Kenton neighborhood has undergone over recent years and the new vitality it is experiencing now on the heels of a newly constructed streetscape in the heart of Kenton’s business district on North Denver Avenue. To learn more about this project and GreenWorks’ involvement with it, use the search term ‘Kenton’ to see past postings on our website. Also visit the PDC website at www.pdc.us/kenton for additional information. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsCMoOoEFp8&w=640&h=390]

Three New Playgrounds in Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District

THE PROJECTS Kids in the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District will soon have three new playgrounds to enjoy. The parks district is replacing old and out of date equipment at Forest Hills Park, Raleigh Hills Park and John Marty Park. GreenWorks is helping THPRD develop playground designs and solicit feedback from the public. Along with the playground designs will be upgrades to ADA accessibility, the addition of site amenities including benches and picnic tables, planting for buffers and shading, fencing and seat walls.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

THPRD and GreenWorks held public meetings earlier this year to get feedback on the playground designs as well as receiving feedback on the internet. The neighbors are excited about the new equipment and were able to steer us in the right direction for the design of their new park. Below are some of the drawings developed by young neighbors of John Marty Park.

The playground should be ready to enjoy this summer!

Students Gain Invaluable Professional Insight

GreenWorks hosted two energetic student groups last week, giving them a sneak peek into the profession. Claire Maulhardt, landscape designer, is involved with two students groups that encourage the relationship between students and the Landscape Architecture profession; ACE Mentoring program for high school students (Architecture, Construction Management and Engineering) and ASLA Oregon Student Liaison.

Claire’s enthusiasm for teaching leads to her involvement in the (ACE) Mentoring program designed for high school students interested in pursuing Architecture, Construction Management and Engineering. On January 25^th, GreenWorks hosted one of the biweekly meetings exposing students to a range of projects in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The students learned about site analysis and site planning  related to drawings for a waterfront café they are designing over the next few months. Crowded around the site plan on the wall, students threw out suggestions for site placement of their café  and discussed the opportunities and constraints as they took turns drawing. At the end of the two-hour session, the students came to an agreement on their building location. To create the most ideal waterfront “atmosphere,” the student team placed their café cantilevered over the river. In the coming weeks, structural engineering mentors will walk them through the exciting challenges that this decision imposes on the process of design and construction.

Claire Maulhardt is also involved with ASLA Oregon as a Student Liaison on the Executive Committee. This role helps facilitates the relationship between the Student ASLA chapter and ASLA Oregon. On January 28^th, GreenWorks hosted five college students from the University of Oregon as part of the Eighteenth Annual Shadow Mentor Day, an event organized by the University of Oregon’s Professional Outreach and Development Services (PODS), the Department of Landscape Architecture, Student ASLA and ASLA Oregon. The students spent the day with GreenWorks staffers learning about the day-to-day of being a landscape architect. GreenWorks staff and the students toured a few recent projects, one of which was 1^st and Main, a new roof terrace garden closed to the general public. The students learned about the range of green roof types and had ample opportunity to ask LOTS of questions about Landscape Design.