Jackson, Tennessee
Landscape design by Ritchie Smith Associates transformed a derelict site adjacent to the downtown library into a park for the enjoyment of library patrons, downtown workers, and residents. The principal diagonal walk connects the park to the surrounding neighborhood. Features include a children's outdoor reading space, lawn areas, ornamental planting, a water cascade, and a meandering stream that leads to a pool with geyser jets. Lights extend park use into the evening. Mature trees were preserved in the plan. The new park has sparked reinvestment in adjacent properties. Project participants included Jackson / Madison County Library Foundation, the City of Jackson, and the Jackson Rotary Club, for whom the park is named.
Award: American Society of Landscape Architects, Tennessee Chapter - Honor Award