Activity and the Edge
The objective of this project is to reactivate Lisbon Avenue. This project achieves its objective by 1) creating an entry sequence, and 2) establishing streetscape improvements. City owned vacant lots are the ideal location for interventions. A taxonomy of these spaces (below) catalogs the available sites.
For instance, a pair of existing warehouse buildings frame a vacant lot on 31st Street and Lisbon Avenue (below), creating an “outdoor room” that provides great potential for implementing skatepark and art-related projects. This outdoor skatepark, for the growing youth group, will create an activated space at the entry of the neighborhood. The warehouse buildings will not only shield nearby residential lots from noise, but will also serve as large canvases for the display of art.
Site Plan of Proposed Walnut Hill Skatepark
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Topography and Waterflow at the Neighborhood's Entry
Proposed Plantings
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Bringing Life Back to Lisbon Avenue: Walnut Hill Skatepark
A perspective view of the proposed Walnut Hill Skatepark that features an artist rendering of the butcher shop that used to exist at this site.
A section drawing (above) that faces west highlights the different areas of the skatepark. The larger, more difficult obstacles on the left side (south-end) are pushed against the neighboring manufacturing building's wall to keep high visibility of activity and users in the park. The difficult maneuvers performed on these obstacles are reflected in the art work as it depicts the hard work and laborious spirit of the butchers turning frozen meats into clean cuts and sausages. At the right side of the skatepark (north-end) sits a drum pad with permanent drums and seating for skaters, passers-by, and local musicians to encourage skaters as they perform. Rain gardens buffer this area for pedestrians and spectators from direct contact with the skatepark's activities and help manage storm water collection from the park's large concrete spaces. The use of permeable pavers for sidewalks and spectator areas prevents skaters from riding their boards in these zones, keeping pedestrians safe.