The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect & Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

The overall goal of the Cottrell Farm Park project was to provide desired recreational needs while preserving the history of the 21.5-acre site, which was a former farm with roots dating back to 1831. The township also wished to avert commercial and residential redevelopment of the property, which is one of the few remaining green spaces along Route 516. Thus, in 2010, Old Bridge teamed with Middlesex County and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program to purchase the land as open space for the community to enjoy.

 
In order to achieve the goal of merging history with present needs, French and Parello Associates (FPA), who served as the project's Landscape Architects and engineers, created a design that placed the more passive amenities around the existing farm buildings, such as a memorial garden, multi-purpose Grande plaza area, and community garden open space areas. More active amenities were placed elsewhere in the park, like a splash pad, comfort station, playground, amphitheater, and picnic pavilion.

Parking for 100+ cars, a rain garden for sustainability, and a network of trails link the passive and active areas together while providing walking opportunities for patrons.

Any proposed passive features around the existing farm buildings were constructed of nineteenth-century materials like brick to provide sense of what might have existed at that time. Placement of a formal park entrance from Middlesex County Route 516 along with an apple orchard-themed park identification sign further reinforces the historic feel of the four farm buildings, which were also restored for use by the municipality and community.

Active amenities, including the playground and splash pad, were designed with a farm theme to reflect the site's overall character, as well as a future community garden, fitness parcourse, amphitheater, and pavilion.

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