Surveys and Other Methods Used to Determine User Green Space and Other Requirements: Harmony Playground, Van Saun Park, Bergen County, New Jersey
| Autor: | Mary Fennell Gerber |
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| Rok vydání: | 1996 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | HortScience. 31:594a-594 |
| ISSN: | 2327-9834 0018-5345 |
| Popis: | Harmony Playground is a retrofitted, 2.25-acre site in Van Saun Park, River Edge, Bergen County, N.J. It is part of a 140-acre parcel, the largest in the 8000-acre Bergen County park system. The original playground was opened in 1960 and is visited by one million people annually—county, state residents, out-of-state and foreign visitors. The new playground was designed by Lawrence Porter, CLA, Bergen County Dept. of Parks and was dedicated in Oct. 1994. The facility reflects user demands in priority areas. They include the physical environment (topography, a water resource, shade, and vegetation), visibility, safety, play equipment and numerous amenities. User preference was determined through pre- and postconstruction surveys, interviews, and other measurements conducted by Fennell Gerber during Summer 1993 and Fall 1994. Vegetation and existing conditions are documented also. The landscape architect's use or rejection of the data (in some categories) to execute the design has been documented and analyzed. Vegetation selection is documented as well. User residual fears that surfaced after the completion are noted. While visitors stood in an award-winning facility (Porter was given the New Jersey Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects Honors Award), they expressed lingering concerns demonstrating a common fear and distrust prevalent among public landscape users. The study demonstrates the need for and value of user data. It can be used by designers to create a valid green space without lessening creativity or sacrificing professional integrity. In fact, user input and data used properly to design green spaces increases appropriate use and community support. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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