The Prairie Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recently held their Awards Gala, recognizing the work of Landscape Architects in Kansas and Western Missouri. Six different firms and individuals were recognized for their work across twelve projects.

Design (Built) Category
Honor - Vireo - Sobela Aquarium at the Kansas City Zoo - Kansas City, Missouri


Excellence - SWT Design - MOmentum Bike Park - Joplin, Missouri

 

Merit - JBC Landscape Architects - Indianola High School - Indianola, Iowa


Honor - JBC Landscape Architects - McCoy Group Corporate Headquarters - Dubuque, Iowa


Merit - Kaylee Steele - Sacramento Women's Plaza - Sacramento, California


Merit - SWT Design - Dryden Nature Reserve - Belton, Missouri

Planning & Analysis
Honor - Vireo - JCPRD Natural Resource Plan - Johnson County, Kansas
Merit - SWT Design - Edgerton Trails Master Plan - Edgerton, Kansas

Alton Thomas Award - Given to a member, affiliate, outstanding citizen, or community leader who has gone above and beyond to promote or enhance the image of landscape architecture, this award is PGASLA's highest honor. This year, Steve Rhoades, PLA, Principal at Vireo received the award for his involvement in the society chapter and his role as a founding member of BikeWalkKC.

Kessler Legacy Award - This award highlights projects that have endured the test of time, remaining as viable today as they were when they were completed 20+ years ago. This year, the award went to Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden.

MetroGreen Visionary Award- Given to a city, county, or governmental agency who promotes trails and greenways within the PGASLA chapter boundary, the 2026 award recognized the work done on the Blue River Trail in Kansas City, Missouri.

LASN gives a hearty congratulations to all the award recipients!