The Indian Camp Creek Eco-Playground uses natural materials and ecologically-themed amenities to encourage children to interact with the natural environment. The 22-ft. tall aluminum windmill is mounted on a derrick with a custom wooden skirt. A smaller version was also constructed to support the plumbing and spigot for the water feature.

Role of the Landscape Architect

SWT Design led the design team and managed the project, acting as the liaison to the client and the community, guiding the team throughout the extensive master planning, including data collection, analysis and environmental assessment. The identification of existing eco-zones was significant to the project and served as the framework for preservation of the property. Coordination with the Army Corp of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Conservation were critical to the sustainability of the existing ecosystems and integration of the recreation amenities. After completion of the final master plan, SWT Design led a multidisciplinary team through the development of construction documents that included infrastructure, architectural features, road and trail construction, pond development, stream and habitat enhancement, playground construction and landscape design.

The pavilion (Polygon) has custom wood-wrapped posts milled to fit columns with a local Missouri limestone veneer base. The tables and benches are by Dumor Site Furnishings.

SWT Design has also assisted the county through each phase of implementation.

The longer eco-playground slide is nestled into the topography and surrounded by plantings of gro-low sumac, prairie dropseed, red twig dogwood, serviceberry, hypericum, and switchgrass.

Special Factors, Significance

Indian Camp Creek is significant for several reasons. It is the largest park managed by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department and is the first park in the system with a day-use equestrian facility.

Some of us grew up playing in streams, making dams and generally getting muddy. The next generation of dam builders is at work. This water play area has a river gravel mix on the ground, so limited mud here.

The park has an abundance of Native American artifacts on site, not surprising considering the location is at the juncture of two major creeks used by the Mississippian Indians for trading and travel. The Mississippians inhabited the land 10,000 years ago. As with all Native American tribes, frontier settlers began to settle on their lands and displace them. During the design of the park, special attention was paid to this historical heritage. The design team wanted to preserve and enhance the landscape, but also telling the stories of the land and the people who had lived there.

Because the site is at the intersection of two major creeks, various wetland communities developed. Wooded wetlands, mesic prairies and a rare sedge meadow evolved. The site is environmentally significant because it is home to one of the state?EUR??,,????'?????<

 

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The boardwalks and overlooks provide special vantage points for the creeks and lake. This custom designed boardwalk is constructed of treated wood, with steel railings from Omega Fencing. The boardwalks meander over and through the manmade lake and wet mesic prairies. Mesic prairie indicates native grasslands dominated by big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans).

Indian Camp Creek Park Team

St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department
Bettie Yahn-Kramer, Director
Park Board Members

Landscape Architects:
SWT Design Team
Ted Spaid, Principal Designer
Jim Wolterman, Principal
Carrie Coyne, Landscape Designer
Peter Bobe, Landscape Designer

In the heart of the park, adjacent to the Eco-Playground, is a six-acre lake built for recreation and education. The lake supports a diversity of habitats for aquatic plants and animals and is integrated into the natural landscape experience by surrounding boardwalks. The lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish. Fishing within the park is catch-and-release only and is governed by the regulations of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Architecture: Blaes Architects

Civil Engineering: Farnsworth Group

Contractors and Construction Managers:
Kozeny Wagner (Phase I)
Frederich Construction (Phase II)

SWT Design consciously considered environmental impacts while planning the roadways and basic infrastructure facilities. The winding roadways capture picturesque views and an enjoyable drive.

Ecological Services:
Controlled Prairie Burn and Prairie Restoration: Jon Wingo, DJM

Bronze Critters: West County Forge

Metal Sculpture:
Bugs on Sticks: Midwest Architectural: Ted Stegeman
Cast Concrete Frogs: Cassilly Studios

Reese Recreation
Engineered Fibar Surfacing
Timberform Play Stuctures: Playground Equipment
DuMor???????(R)???? Site Furnishings
Poligon Park Architecture, Large Central Pavilion
(Custom Features were designed by SWT Design)
Litchfield Landscape Elements, Park Shelters

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Pre-Fabricated Bridge: Contech Construction Products,
Steadfast Bridge

Fence/Rail System in Custom Boardwalk: Omega Fencing

Composting Toilet System: Advanced Composting Systems, LLC, Phoenix

A 10-mile network of pedestrian, equestrian and biking trails link all the activity areas and the far-reaching natural areas of the park.

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Animal tracks and botanical imprints can be followed throughout the park on many of the pedestrian paths. Concrete stamped animal tracks include deer, raccoon, snake, duck, turkey and wolf. Plant imprints are fern, oak and sycamore leaves. Fossil imprints (Fossilcrete) include trilobites (meaning ?EUR??,,????'?????< and cuttlefish.

A controlled prairie burn was prescribed to promote native vegetation and prepare the site for additional management practices.

Interpretive opportunities were programmed to educate park users about both the Mississippian Indians who once inhabited the land and the Cannon family who farmed the property for generations. The design preserved and enhanced the cultural heritage of the land and its settlers in an abstract celebration of their log cabin, grain silo and the preservation of the family cemetery.