Landscape Architect helps create park

by Diana Nagler

Hadley's Park in Potomac, Maryland, is a unique playground designed specifically for children with disabilities, (see LASN, March, 2000). The $1 million park is almost an acre in size and was paid for by donations from large and small corporations. One such company was Grace E. Fielder & Associates Chartered, in Laurel, Maryland. The company saw this project as something more than just another playground. "Honor and integrity should be a priority for us all. Giving back to the community is a must for adults," said Fielder, president of the firm.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Maryland gave Fielder an advantage when dealing with soil and land development. Her parents were so committed to environmental issues that they set aside a number of acres and allowed nature to take its course. "I read the land a little different because of my background," explained Fielder. This advantage has served her well in a career that spans over 30 years.

Fielder, RLA, AICP, CLP, CPSI, is licensed or certified in four areas of expertise and is qualified as an expert witness in three. As a witness, Fielder is responsible for the development of written and oral testimony for special exceptions, zoning map amendments, comprehensive design plans, master plans and urban renewal plans, and feasibility studies.

The firm's projects have included town centers, industrial centers and office complexes, single-family, town homes, multi-plexes, apartments, back-to-back and duplex residential projects. Completed projects are in excess of 2 million square feet of office, commercial and warehouse space, 6500 residential units and thousands of acres of park land. Additionally, Fielder regularly speaks at hearings, commissions, workshops and conferences, including the First Governor's Conference on Greenways.

The project at Hadley's Park was one that gave Fielder a chance to contribute to a great cause. Her firm donated approximately $60,000 in services to the project. "If we can teach the next generation the proper way to interact with each other, then it was well worth it." LASN