Little Rock, Arkansas
Ritchie Smith Associates prepared a master plan for a new 2,000-acre park, comprised of forested bottomland on the edge of downtown Little Rock. The process included development of a mission statement and a program of passive recreational activities to support goals of resource protection and environmental education. A vegetational analysis and hydrologic assessment were key components of the project. The final master plan included guidelines for park access and circulation, a visitor center to withstand periodic flooding, a network of footpaths and boardwalks, and a canoe trail. Recommendations also addressed future acquisition, linkages with other parks and neighborhoods, and conservation corridors along tributaries of Fourche Creek.