Surface 678 transformed Hill Street Park into a nature-oriented, walkable, education-oriented neighborhood park. The City of Raleigh of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department wanted to create opportunities for passive recreation as well as public education. These outcomes, however, needed to align with protecting the natural integrity of the 16-acre site. In master planning the site, the Surface 678 team designed open play areas and sited picnic facilities to create a core area of structured recreational use. Hydrology, vegetation, and habitat resources dictated areas suitable for park development. To minimize intrusion into sensitive areas, a comprehensive trail system links each of the site’s three distinct forest communities and wetlands to the constructed park area and also creates opportunities for future greenway connections. Hill Street Park includes many sustainable features such as a planted green roof, ample daylighting in the neighborhood center, energy-efficient fixtures and systems, and durable construction materials. The sheltered outdoor classroom has wireless access.
