Through Cornell’s Design Connect (a student-run design studio), the town of Enfield partnered with a team of thirteen Cornell Students to envision a park that shares a plot with the current Enfield Highway Department. The team was tasked with creating a park that reflects the character of Enfield. Through community engagement, distributed surveys, and discussions with Enfield residents, a design for the park space was created. As a member of Design Connect, I contributed in designing the style guide for all presentations, signage and way-finding, and some of the perspective renderings.
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The town of Enfield is embarking on an exciting venture in collaboration with Design Connect to design its very first town park. While Enfield boasts plenty of natural open spaces, it currently lacks a purposefully designed public park that can serve as a focal point for the community. This project aims to transform an underutilized 60-acre town property, presently used by the town's highway department, into a vibrant and welcoming community park. Enfield residents currently have to rely on neighboring towns for recreational and park amenities, but the town envisions a future where they can enjoy these facilities right in their backyard. The new park will not only be a place for relaxation but also a hub for community activities that cater to residents of all ages. One of the park's key features will be a network of trails and outdoor activities, carefully integrated into the natural landscape. These trails will not only provide recreational opportunities but also link up with the broader Finger Lakes Trail network, creating a valuable connection to regional outdoor adventures.
The project site offers significant strengths, such as a bus stop for regional connectivity, diverse landscapes for recreational activities, and a unique aquifer system. However, challenges like car dependence due to its distance from the town center and limited pedestrian mobility due to its linear design and lack of sidewalks need addressing. Design key notes include connecting the trail system, adding venues for open space activities, collaborating with the highway department for better infrastructure, and using local materials for sustainability. Potential threats, such as managing trail integration and creek access, require careful planning to protect the site's ecological integrity.
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The overall design prioritizes site openness, providing visual access throughout, except for the wooded trails in the rear area along Enfield Creek. These wooded trails contrast with the open and flexible active spaces, offering visitors a diverse and engaging experience.
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