Rowland Jackson, ASLA-- the "J" of NJB-- has a reputation as a creative park designer (his park designs have won numerous state and national awards). He explains, "The main goal of the design was to provide a fresh, creative solution to this site: a fun, artful and enjoyable park space for adjacent residents; walking and jogging paths; picnic area; multi-function play field; and a secure, safe open space that encourages night use." In concept, Jackson planned the park around what he chose to call "imaginative reflections of our childhood." The design takes a flat, narrow, treeless site and transforms it into an educational experience-- geared in part to reflect Addison's reputation as "the restaurant capital" of North Dallas. Jackson chose to depict a Texas farmhouse outline for the picnic area and place it in the center of the park; he made the gate entryways a walk between two pieces of a giant pineapple or an ear of corn, and placed "Food Group Bollards," a "Question and Answer Grove" and significant quotations by well-known writers regarding food in cross panels along the walkways.

Ron Whitehead, City Manager of Addison, elaborates, "The thing I like about the way Rowland designs any park is his creativity. He comes up with a concept that is not only interesting, but is a great deal of fun!" True to form, Jackson's concept of North Addison Park offers a most interesting greenspace-- filled with good lessons and good fun! lasn