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

 
Glenbriar Park stands as the cornerstone of recreation for the Butterfield Park District, transforming a once-blighted gas station site into a thriving hub for wellness, play, and community connection. Guided by an open-space design philosophy emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, Upland Design led the full planning, design, and implementation process in collaboration with the Park District, a strong design team and community stakeholders.

Developed through two construction phases and a third with completion in sight, the park features a broad range of amenities designed for visitors of all ages and abilities. New features include loop trails, accessible pathways, pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, a fully accessible amphitheater with integrated waterfall, community shelter with fire place, challenge course, sled hill, and game area including gaga. The park site was expanded twice because of the visionary park district leadership. Now, there is room for native plantings and diverse tree species. Interpretive signs demonstrate ecological responsibility while sharing information about important wildlife habitats. With nature and play throughout the site, visitors return again and again to enjoy Glenbriar Park.

The project's success was made possible through extensive community engagement, including multiple rounds of public meetings and surveys, and through strong fiscal stewardship. The Butterfield Park District leveraged more than $4.8 million in grant funding from programs such as OSLAD, LWCF, and DCEO.

To see more Park projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/call-for-editorial-parks#article1