Fred Richards Nature + Ecology Park re-envisions a 9-hole golf course as an innovative park that provides critical ecosystem services to an area of the city that is under increasing flooding pressure. The park design utilizes a precedent setting approach to wetland banking that provides a funding source, valuable flood protection, and an ecological jewel in a highly developed first ring suburb. Community park needs are met in a new type of park that balances nature and ecosystem services along with recreation activities. Ecological and community health are balanced in a pioneering nature preserve – park hybrid design.
