Landscape Architect's Role

The landscape architect was commissioned by a national developer, as the prime consultant to create this 7 % acre central park, and provide schematic design through construction observation services. The Park, now turned over to the City of Frisco, was envisioned as a special centralized open space and focus for the 718 acre mixed use development, called Frisco Bridges. Other sub-­consultants included a sculptor, selected by the developer, civil engineers, graphic consultant, traffic and transportation, fountain specialists, structural and electrical engineers.

 

Successful Resolution of the Project's Program

The park's program was centered around the expression of its historic site location. The 1890 Shawnee Cattle Trail. Park functions included an outdoor amphitheater, sculpture, picnic and seating areas that needed to be easily accessible to pedestrians and vehicles from adjacent office, commercial and residential developments. The design resolution is best expressed in the following areas:

 

Park Site Planning. The landscape architect was also a co-leader in the Frisco Bridges Master Plan and had the vision and foresight to locate and configure the Park so that it became highly visible from Parkwood Drive, a major vehicular spine of the development. Pedestrian oriented open spaces provided links to nearby lakes and wooded ravines, tying corporate office, hotel, retail and residential uses to this unique central green space. Pedestrian ways, lakes and all of the private development guidelines and standards that shaped the private property edges, were planned and designed by the landscape architect. The existing park site, once flat agricultural land was transformed into a large hilltop, ridge and plateau using earth from the construction and excavation of over 5 miles of the development's parkways. The landscape architect's early vision and forethought, facilitated the later design of these wonderful park vistas and off site views to nearby lakes.

 

The History. The developer and landscape architect became intrigued with the site's Texas history, located adjacent to Preston Road, the oldest north/south route in Texas. This historic route was once an ancient buffalo migration track and in the 1700s was known as the Shawnee Trail that provided access for migratory Indians near small settlements and communities like Twin Wells and Lebanon. After the Civil War, the Shawnee Trail was primarily used by settlers and trappers, until around 1870 when the longhorn steer was seen as "gold on the hoof' and the Trail soon became a major cattle drive route up into Oklahoma and Kansas. The team envisioned sculptures of bronze steers as important features of the development. The challenge for the landscape architect was to provide more than just figurative art for the project. The design philosophy was to "go beyond just art" and into educational levels, providing insight to visitors, as to life on the prairie, what the cowboys ate, their songs, stories, and hardships.

 

The Central Park. The design of this educational Park began with extensive research and information gathering, leading to the idea of celebrating this historic trail through subtle educational quotes and descriptions that go beyond the artful creation of the bronze sculptures and stone wall reliefs. These historic messages honor and enliven the spirit of our past ancestors who traveled along this historic trail. Stories tell of "life on the prairie" and give a glimpse of the people and the communities in the 1870s. The Park seeks to educate the user by incorporating humor and fun to make it an enjoyable and memorable experience.

 

Impact and Significance of the Project on the Local Community or Surroundings

Frisco Bridges sets a high-level of park design for Frisco, Texas, which is currently the fastest growing community in the U.S. It is an excellent example of a central green space that preserves the site's natural assets, celebrates its historic past and provides an exciting quality park for this suburban development and community. The premier Central Park has become a destination point of interest for local Texans and visitors. It's the centerpiece of Frisco Bridges and a special, memorable place to discover some of our past heritage in order to better envision the future.

 

Special or Unique Solutions to Unusual Problems to Create a Memorable Place.

Capturing the History of this Place. Through thoughtful research in discovering the exciting history of this place, the landscape architect has created a commemorative place and focus for Frisco Bridges. Through creative and collaborative efforts of the landscape architect, the community of Frisco and the north Texas area now enjoy and have a better understanding of life on the prairie and a glimpse of the people during this post Civil War period. The designer goes beyond just figurative art of bronze sculptures and limestone wall reliefs. The Park seeks to educate the user by incorporating humor and fun, making it an enjoyable family experience. The Park engages the visitor, to explore and discover more about our past. "One always discoveries something new at this Park," said one patron. "Small discovery images" can be found in obscure places throughout the Park in the form of subtle, humorous, fun descriptions and quotations as to

what life was once like............. on this site.

 

Native materials and Tertiary Water Source. The project incorporates all native planting and site construction materials such as limestone and millsap stone. This project became the first for the City to use tertiary water source for its landscape irrigation at a considerable savings to the City as well as the community.

 

Early Procurement of Trees. The landscape architect located and purchased all native specimen trees 18 months in advance of the installation period. This early procurement of trees ensured matched specimens of large quantities, so that immediate visual impact is achieved during the early stages of the project's growth. Specie selection was generally determined in advance, with special purchases of large tree species done immediately after the Schematic Design Phase.

Design Team Leader. The landscape architect managed over 9 sub-consultants, 1 general contractor with 6 sub-contractors, and provided the client with an exciting park development. More importantly, Frisco Bridge's Central Park has made a significant impact on the education of the community about its rich heritage and colorful past.