The inaugural National Park Service Designing the Parks Awards Program took place in late March in New York City, acknowledging 16 projects that best represent the spirit and intent of the Designing the Parks principles: Reverence for place; Engagement of all people; Expansion beyond traditional boundaries; Sustainability; Informed decision-making; and An integrated research, planning, design and review process. From 69 entries submitted from more than 20 states and five countries, WRT was recognized for two projects, Blue Ball Dairy Barn and Parklands of Floyds Fork. Principals Joe Healy and Eric Tamulonis attended on behalf of WRT to accept the following awards:
Blue Ball Barn in Alapocas Run State Park | Wilmington, DE
Honor Award for Preservation
This restoration, adaptive re-use and addition breaks new ground in application of contemporary green energy conservation and ventilation principles to a historic structure. Integrating the best of preservation and green design technology, the project shows how history can retain both integrity and relevance. The renovation preserves the best of the historic structure while adding a clearly identifiable contemporary wing. It is a "simple but clearly modern addition that is reverent to the historic barn."
Parklands of Floyd’s Fork | Louisville, KY
Merit Award for Master Plan
The Floyds Fork Greenway Master Plan establishes the general design direction for over 3,200 acres of permanently protected park land on the eastern edge of Louisville, KY. The complex landscape that evolved from hardwood forest to clear cut farmland will gradually be transformed to a sustainable mosaic of habitats, balancing habitat value, recreational use and aesthetics. Recognizing the need for urban recreation, the park is large enough to function both as nature preserve and leisure destination for the growing population.
