The Streetscapes Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Ardmore Depot Park & Streetscape is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

The project had many purposes, the first being to create a gathering place in the heart of the historic downtown that provides an outdoor public open space for recreation and an entertainment venue. It was also to commemorate the history of the city by focusing on the connection between the railroad and historic events and work with local artists to showcase the area's strong art history. Another goal was to revitalize the historic downtown streetscape and create connectivity between the west and east sides of the railroad tracks as well as provide greater accessibility along the sidewalks and from parking stalls, installing back in parking, and adding a "road diet" median, a round-about, and wide crosswalks and to, finally, enhance stormwater infiltration.

 

The Landscape Architect worked with the city of Ardmore and the Ardmore Main Street Authority to procure funding through grant writing. They also collaborated with the city of Ardmore, the Ardmore Main Street Authority, the Ardmore Historic Society, the citizens of Ardmore, Oklahoma DOT, the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office, and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism to create a masterplan that integrated the streetscape and park while tying together the east and west downtown areas. The design team was to draft a park plan that (1) recognized and honored the historic connection of the railway and the city; (2) prominently featured the Mercy Train Engine 1108; (3) provided large lawns for events; (4) provided small group or individual seating; and (5) utilized low-maintenance and low-water native and adapted plant material. In addition to the park, the team designed a streetscape to draw new and support existing businesses and visitors.

Some of the special features touch on recreational and special event opportunities, such as large lawns to accommodate tents and a portable stage, power pedestals and lighting, custom designed gliders, large timbers and benches for seating, wide concrete and paver walkway to accommodate food trucks, shade trees, and a renovated storage container shelter and gazebo for shade. To touch on historical concepts, the project includes a granite 1915 explosion memorial, Ardmore's first elevator, the Mercy train, works of art designed by local artists, and a railroad/industrial design theme. The walkable streetscape features back-in parking stalls, a traffic roundabout to keep downtown traffic moving, ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps, center medians, narrowed street, planted bump outs to accommodate safe crossings, shade trees, and bench seating. As for low-impact design, the project involves pervious pavers at the lowest intersection, curb cuts for mini rain gardens, and decomposed granite to provide walkable, porous surface.

All of this centers around a 1915 railway tanker explosion that rocked Ardmore, killing over 49 residents. Engine 1108, the Mercy Train, arrived from Oklahoma City to provide aid, now proudly standing at the main downtown intersection of Depot Park. The east and west sections of the downtown are divided by the railroad tracks. A goal of the streetscape renovation and new park design was to connect those areas while honoring the railway.

To see more Streetscape projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-streetscapes-issue#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php