April 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 13

line in the distance. It is a sublime
experience in a dense suburban environment.
A viewing area at the
highpoint of the site is designed as
an educational way station, featuring
a weather monitoring station. In
addition, the design includes oversized
custom recliners to take in the
sights and relax after a long assent.
The community desired several
active recreational uses, such as a
nine-hole disc golf course and a natural
playground, including tunnels,
wood steppers and butterfly houses.
The features had to meet the
sensitive criteria of the shallow soil
profile of the landfill cap system. In
most locations, there will only be 24
inches of soil above the geotextile
layers of the newly capped landfill.
Spread footer details were coordinated
closely with civil and structural
engineers to ensure the stability
of all features without compromising
the landfill cap system.
The park being near the Derwood
residential community, there
also was a desire to include a dog
park for both large and small dogs.
This and other park features are
connected by a five-mile trail network
traversing
the
the
expanse of
property and connecting to
surrounding trail networks. These
trails will allow residents to explore
the vast new landscape and
its gently sloping contours. Floura
Teeter developed a wayfinding and
educational signage package to first
assist park users in navigating the
site, but also to showcase the history
and evolution of the site from
repository of waste to a restored
meadow ecology. An environmental
education topic is showcased at
each of the four way stations located
along the primary trail network.
A series of trail-side educational
An aerial view of the existing
landfill before redevelopment shows
views across the site and Rockville,
Maryland, skyline.
posts give visitors an opportunity
to learn about the native plant species
selected and the avian species
they support. The highlight of the
trail system culminates in an art
installation that is striking in form
and function. It shows a large flock
of bright red birds flying south, but
it also allows one to reflect on the
many birds that come from near
and far, traveling across the continent
in search of food, shelter and
warmth. For future consideration,
the master plan designated an area
of the site for a solar array along a
south-facing slope.
Plant Selection
Due to the unique soil profile requirements
and site management
needs, the design team selectively
evaluated proposed plant species.
Establishment of a dense meadow
was decided as the most appropriate
planting approach. They were
chosen for their low-maintenance
qualities, the high value of nutrients
they provide for native birds and insects,
the availability of a wide variety
of species, and multi-seasonal
interest. Woody trees and shrubs
are only allowed off the landfill
cap where mature existing trees are
preserved, and supplemental plantings
along the park perimeter provide
a transitional landscape to the
Rock Creek Regional Park. Finally,
the design package includes an
invasive species management plan
and meadow establishment plan
for long-term success of the new
meadow habitat.
Connecting the Community
Working with MCDEP and the
GLCC, Floura Teeter coordinated
a design for new buffer plantings
and a connector trail between the
Derwood residential community
and the existing trail network leading
to the future passive-use park.
Invasive species and overgrown
vegetation in poor health were removed
and new trees and shrubs
native to Maryland were planted.
Thanks to close consultation with
the community, parks department,
utility company and the Gude
Landfill project team, a beautiful
transitional landscape now welcomes
trail users.
The Future
Recognition of this project's
significance
has been given through
design awards from both the Potomac
and Maryland Chapters of the
American Society of Landscape Architects.
Construction of the engineered
landfill cap and subsequent
passive-use park are underway as of
January 2023, signifying a transformation
from a mountain of trash to,
soon, Rockville's treasure.
Joe Ignatius, PLA, ASLA, is Associate at Floura Teeter
Landscape Architects (jignatius@flourateeter.com).
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | APRIL 2 0 2 3
| Parks & Recreation
13
April 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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