The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

 
In a remote area of the Upper Peninsula stands Tahquamenon Falls, the crown jewel of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The premier park boasts 500,000+ visitors annually, but less than half had visited its island, featuring Lower Falls reachable only by rowboat or wading through the river. This phase of the project incorporated some of the most complex and challenging components of new infrastructure proposed at Tahquamenon Falls State Park Lower Falls. Among the key elements were several hundred feet of new boardwalk, a nearly 150-foot free span bridge over the Tahquamenon River and related bridge abutments. These improvements provide a barrier free, universal design experience and extended visitor services for "all" with an immersive stroll around the lower falls river island. These improvements, not only change visitor experiences but they increase emergency services and create great operational efficiencies.
Most of these improvements occurred in the most challenging and undeveloped conditions. The target project location lies along the banks of the Tahquamenon River with shallow limestone bedrock, steep embankments, very limited and remote construction access, severe weather and, at times, intense public visitation to consider. The overall project includes a new access from the parking lot, a concession building and restroom that comprise the lower falls and a new accessible connection (future phase) to the upper Falls unit. Providing all people access to these unique natural features is very important part of Michigan DNR's mission.


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