Improving urban park design: A comparative and analytical study addressing resources available and components necessary to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of urban parks

Urban parks have long been valued for the environmental, social, and economic benefits they provide. Increasingly, parks are also being recognized as features important for sustainable city design. This Capstone Project will identify, compare, analyze, and discuss means for designing sustainable urban parks. Recommendations for designing sustainable urban parks, based on project results, include: 1) ensure park features will support high levels of human activity; 2) use gravel to construct park trails; 3) purchase playground structures made of recycled materials; 4) plant a high number of perennials in flowerbeds and other vegetated areas; 5) plant climate-appropriate plants in vegetated areas; 6) ensure parks have high levels of plant diversity; and 7) develop future studies further exploring sustainable park design.

Managing Recreational Impacts on the Northeast corner of the Lake Fayetteville Nature Trail in Fayetteville, AR

Increased population growth of the Northwest Corner of Arkansas is straining the natural resources of the Lake Fayetteville Nature Trail, Fayetteville, AR. Recreational activities conducted on this single track multi-use trail are mountain biking, walking, jogging and wildlife viewing. Impacts evident on the NE section of the trail consist of erosion, vegetation, wildlife and conflict disturbances. Throughout this paper recommendations of management solutions and maintenance ideas are presented. Control of recreation impacts will help the longevity of the trail and maintain the aesthetics for present and future trail users.