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Earth Smart | 168
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Earth Smart

by Paul Spalding, ASLA

Once neglected (top, right), Earth Day Park now glows in spring color (top, left), as Sweetbay Magnolias frame carpets of Mondo Grass (center, left). The earth-friendly landscape plan (center, right) attracts notables like Former Secretary of Transportation Frederica Pena, Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. (above)

An environmentally smart park-- just what does that mean? Ask any number of practitioners, and you will get a variety of images-- groves of old growth timber, fields of waist-high grass, naturalized waste water management systems, and so on... An area of urban neglect along Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C. was in dire need of beautification. Could a General Services Administration team, led by Landscape Architect Paul Spaulding, ASLA, create a park to be experienced by thousands of citizens, that was both environmentally and economically smart? Directed by President Clinton on Earth Day 1994, designers took "a series of environmental actions, including one to increase environmentally and economically beneficial landscaping practices."

The key was to establish a strong, reliable framework of physical features around which a low-maintenance landscape replete with visual interest could flourish. Specifications for sidewalks, benches, trash and recycling receptacles, light fixtures, drop curbs, and handicap ramps matched those of the National Mall. These proven standards would ensure the longevity of amenities and uniformly extend the nation's backyard further into Federal Washington. Built upon this framework is a simple and effective design that is truly environmentally friendly. By developing a planting scheme that focused on native plant materials, dwarf ornamental grass, perennials, and lightweight bermed beds, the Landscape Architects met the environmental design standards in four important respects. Eighty percent of the plant materials are native species, eliminating a great deal of the maintenance responsibilities. The raised planting and mulching techniques employed retain moisture in the soil thereby eliminating the need to irrigate. Solar rays provide electricity for site lighting without pollution or the use of non-renewable resources.

The lessons we learn from Earth Day Park will direct the care of public property for years to come. Techniques employed here will reduce dramatically the pollution created during landscape maintenance; diminish pesticide application and minimize the demand for water; increase the use of solar lighting in urban park settings; and will educate the public on the beauty of environmentally friendly plantings. We created an environmentally smart park. Yet this park will be judged not by its ecology, but by a more basic measure-- its beauty and usefulness to the community. Initially, this landmark site has passed the test. Hopefully in the years to come, Earth Day Park will be viewed as common-- another in a long line of environmentally smart parks. lasn

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