The existing conditions at the site consisted of an unsightly concrete headwall with two storm water pipes and eroded slopes and ponding in several areas. These poor conditions contributed to erosion and maintenance issues and limited use of the site.

One of the difficult issues that the design team faced was how to create a flowing stream when the previous ditch and storm water pipes only had water flowing through them during a rain event. To ensure that an adequate supply of water was always available and flowing, the design team created two ponds at both ends of the stream along with a pump system that would allow for the constant flow of water through this newly created passive recreation area, even during times of drought in the summer. The system was also designed to accommodate the flow of water that enters the site during a rainfall event. This design had to be approved by several regulatory agencies and had to receive numerous permits from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, and the Mercer County Soil Conservation District.

The Township of Hamilton had accumulated boulders that were donated by land developers that were currently building in the municipality. These boulders were part of the Township?EUR??,,????'?????<

To ensure that the stream banks were stabilized and to provide a soft touch to the man-made stream, native plantings and wetland areas were designed and constructed along the stream banks, the ponds, and in the adjacent gardens and wooded areas. The use of native plantings was emphasized and incorporated into the majority of the site?EUR??,,????'?????<

The storm water drainage outlet near the road frontage of the site contributed to the erosion and poor drainage conditions. Storm water from the adjacent roadways and parking lots would flow into the site and create ponded areas, restricting the site from being utilized.

Various sitting areas were designed to enable park users to relax along the water?EUR??,,????'?????<

The newly-constructed footbridge appears to ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The site has become a beautiful passive recreation area that is filled with flowering plantings all spring, with peak blooms around Mother?EUR??,,????'?????<

The aerator serves the purpose of reducing algae growth in the pond, while adding an attractive upright visual landmark that can be seen throughout the park area at different views. The Township selected the desirable horsepower for the aerator through a trial and error basis with the contractors at East Windsor Irrigation.

Thanks to the commitment of Mayor Glen D. Gilmore, and the design by the Landscape Architects with input from the township staff, this space has evolved from an eroding ditch to one of the most peaceful, passive recreation areas in the region.

The placement of natural stone boulders and river cobbles in the riverbed simulate a natural environment. The placement of boulders with smaller cobbles strategically slows the velocity of water to control flow and prevent erosion.

Joseph D. Perello, CLA, RLA, ASLA is a graduate of the Landscape Architecture Program at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He is a principal and vice president at the firm of Schoor DePalma, a multi-disciplinary design firm with over 1,100 employees. In his present position, he is manager of the Parks & Landscape Architecture Department and manages the landscape architectural and recreational design components of numerous projects throughout the firm?EUR??,,????'?????<

The park amenities are visible from the street as well as from within the park. The white gazebo is in keeping with the other white footbridge and a railing located in the park, and sets the tone for this passive park as users enter from the street and from parking areas. The gazebo is a popular location for wedding photographs, graduations, small outdoor musical gatherings, and the centerpiece for the popular Azalea Festival every spring.

The multi-use paths and adjacent open spaces are landscaped with a mixture of native plant species and ornamental flowering plants. The ornamental birch trees echo the light and airy feel of the white footbridge and white sprays from the fountain.

Plantings of native shrubs such as mountain laurel, (Kalmia latifolia) and native flowering trees beautify the park throughout the spring season. The natural wooded edge softly blends into the man-made landscape of the site.

The park is continuously planted for seasonal interest by the Township?EUR??,,????'?????<

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A Community Gem

Frederick Sayen was an avid gardener and world traveler. In 1912 he purchased a 30-acre parcel not far from the family rubber mill in Hamilton Square, N.J. He built a bungalow-style home and surrounded it with plants and flowers acquired while he traveled the world. His collection includes species from China, Japan and England, many of which are still flourishing. According to Harry Robinson, Sayen Gardens?EUR??,,????'?????< www.sayengardens.org