A condemned and contaminated service station site in the center of town becomes a creative opportunity for the landscape architect to engage with a dedicated community. After years of disrepair and tax delinquency, the property was repossessed by the Town with the intention of selling it to another business. Post pandemic, the benefits of a green space for neighborhood gatherings was no longer a hard sell when considering redevelopment. Existing conditions and cost to remediate old water and soil contamination were a hindrance to potential buyers, opening the door for a community centered public space.

Through the generous donation of a local benefactor prepared to cover back taxes and the cost of construction, the placemaking project was initiated. With preliminary design concepts in hand, the landscape architect activated local artist, designers and community groups. Coalesced behind a common goal of showing the Town Board of the inherent value of a park, a series of Pop-Up art events were staged solidifying additional community backing. Still considering alternative development options, the Town proceeded with demolition of the contaminated building and first stage soil remediation. With the site open and restabilized, a highly successful, temporary community driven ice rink installation set the tone for the direction the space was meant to go. The benefactor’s gift of a village green and a phytoremediation plant-based solution for addressing the low-level soil contaminants and heavy metals won out.

Central to the design was a multi-use open space for events and informal play. Sunken to create a physical separation and safety buffer from the adjacent street and parking, accessible ramps were carefully integrated. A stage was situated off to one side with the wall of a neighboring building as the backdrop for movie nights. A perimeter sitting wall winds around the green, separating the raised planting areas and providing event seating. The entry plaza was oriented on a diagonal in contrast to the lines of the adjacent road and sidewalk. Pound Ridge was the historic center of basket weaving for the oyster industry on LI Sound. The woven interplay of paving patterns, plaza walls and custom benches were a subtle homage to this past.

Committed to the Design for Freedom movement to stop forced labor in the materials supply chain, the landscape architect employed sustainable local or recycled materials in the selection of the park hardscape, amenities and custom designed furnishings. Native plantings were specified and sourced with the support of the local conservation committee. Since completion, local community groups have taken ownership, scheduling events and exhibits. An adjacent vacant office was renovated by a local in-home baker, solidifying the economic value of a green space, attracting people from all over the county and weekenders from NYC.