One of eight Howard County, MD regional parks, Troy Park covers 101-acres of previously subdivided residential property. It is devised to host high-profile soccer and lacrosse tournaments, but also draws national events, having hosted ESPN televised lacrosse tournaments, as well as the 2022 US Quidditch Cup National Championship.

Centrally located between Baltimore and Washington, the park is minutes from the I-95 corridor. Entering the park via Mansion Lane through a thick forest retention area, visitors transition from densely developed Elkridge, to the rural, open park. The entire park remains enveloped by existing forest that provides a sense of separation and seclusion, with patrons unaware they are surrounded by highways and an office park.

The park currently contains four synthetic turf fields, each capable of hosting large spectator events. There is ample parking and vehicular routes provide exceptional car, bus and motor coach accessibility. Bleacher seating and a press box enhance one side of each field, while the main field includes a press box with both home and away seating. The park also boasts a playground and iconic, custom-designed comfort buildings and picnic shelters, all linked by a system of trails and walkways that keeps pedestrian circulation separate from vehicular traffic. Distribution of passive gathering spaces juxtaposed amongst the fields provide opportunities for all to relax and enjoy the park. In addition to all it has to offer, the park master plan depicts future phased construction of amenities such as a community center, an indoor sports facility, a championship baseball venue, a splash pad and water park, and a BMX track.

Given the topography of the site and the need for large level playing fields, each is located to work with natural contours and drainage patterns. Where needed, segmental block retaining walls allow for larger level space while also visually separating the site into smaller, terraced areas. They also provide spatial definition for warm-up areas and gathering spaces. Design for accessibility for both athletes and spectators was critical. Parking is located within close proximity of each field and accessible spaces have logical, barrier-free access to the fields, their associated accessible bleachers, play spaces and comfort stations.

Despite the large field and parking footprints, care was taken to integrate developed areas within the existing woodland. Retention of forest areas, along with meadow plantings and native planted stormwater management facilities all combine to give the site a very natural feel. Linear bio-retention facilities within the parking areas collect runoff and checked grass swales treat stormwater along the entrance drive.

 
With their broad vision to create a championship-caliber regional park, Howard County hit a home run with Troy Park. The central and accessible location, the rural setting and the high quality playing surfaces have been a big draw, and so far, have exceeded expectations with more to come.

Team:
Designer(s): Site Resources, Inc. - landscape architect and civil engineer

Consultant(s): Eco-Science Professionals
Ewing Cole (formerly Gaudreau, Inc.)
Geo-Technology Associates
Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates
The Traffic Group
Shanaberger & Lane
Mortar & Ink

Contractor(s): Kibler Construction Company
Eastern Sales & Engineering Co.
North Point Builders
Field Turf


The 2023 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 . . .

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