Surface 678 developed the master plan and construction documents for this 50-acre multi-use recreational park with a focus on passive recreation, ecological study and reinterpretation of a historic rural farmstead.
Jack Smith Park includes two sets of play structures, a sprayground, a fenced dog park, picnic and restroom facilities, and a walking loop trail. The park will also be graced by sculpture, including two whirligigs by Vollis Simpson and a flock of sheep by William Moore.
The siting of park recreational uses is in direct response to the natural and historic features of the park, which include mature woodland, remnant orchard, open fields, a farm pond and an 1840’s farmhouse. The park’s recreation features are original, arranged along a low ridge and connected by a spine road and a network of trails. At the center of the park, a community center and gymnasium building are sited adjacent to the existing farmhouse. Surrounding this core area are group picnic facilities, a two-acre dog park, a fantasy play area and multi-use athletic fields.
Surface 678 designed bioretention areas to include native plantings to integrate the park’s stormwater management function with the park’s meadows and gardens. Sustainable design techniques are used including an integrated stormwater management system throughout the park, vegetative bioswails and biobasins and constructed wetlands.
