Trinity River Park
The city of Dallas, Texas is set to develop what is being described as ‘one of America’s greatest urban parks’.
Designs for the 10,000-acre Trinity River Park by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), were unveiled by Mayor Mike Rawlings earlier in the year, and in October 2016, a $50 million donation from Annette Simmons in honour of her late husband Harold Simmons, pushed the project closer to becoming a reality.
The park will be 10 times the size of New York’s Central Park and will comprise 7,000-acres of the Great Trinity Forest, 2,000-acres of space between the Trinity River levees, and 1,000-acres of space that has already been developed.
Following the ideas guiding landscape urbanism, the designs connect the river with the city, creating a ‘beautiful and naturalistic network of trails, meadows and lakes’. The area between the land and river will restore the ‘ecological function and natural beauty of the channel and its banks’, while also providing protection from the severe flooding that has blighted the city in recent decades.
MVVA will work in collaboration with a wide range of engineers and other specialists to ensure the park's infrastructure is sound, adaptable and accessible.
Following the donation, moves are being made to name the park The Harold Simmons Park, subject to City Council approval.
Content and images courtesy of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.