We were hired by Oracle and Pinal County Open Space & Trails to redesign Oracle Park, one of three public parks in Oracle. The park is 4.6 acres in a residential neighborhood on the northern slope of the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains and Mount Lemmon (4600 feet above elevation). Originally designed in 1968 and updated throughout the years, the park is in need of significant restoration to address issues of erosion, riparian restoration, playground equipment reconstruction, etc. The community wishes to keep the park focused on the needs of surrounding community members while attracting visitor activity from people drawn to Oracle for the nearby Oracle State Park and Biosphere 2 (among other natural attractions).
Pictures of the current state of the park, most features being installed in the late 70’s and are significantly outdated.
The goal of this design was to create an inviting open space park with small gathering areas and interpretive nature trails. The park is aimed to draw people passing through Oracle visiting nearby State Parks and local residents to stop at and interact with the unique ecosystems of the Madrean Evergreen Woodlands and Semidesert Grasslands that make up Oracle. The park will provide space for small public gatherings such as local arts fairs and family events in addition to wide range of programed activities in a natural green space that is semi-covered in grass. Also included is a natural playground for the many children that frequent the park while visiting family in the area. The old oak tree in the center acts as a focal point from which a natural wash winds through a pavilion that draws users into the unique space.
Examples of the final document including concepts, site analysis, and schematics.
Renders from SketchUp and SU Podium, compressed for web display.
