Project team

Head: Glenville Development Corporation (GDC)

Partners: MVP Community Re-entry, Bethany Baptist Church. Expertise provided by landscape architect Peggy Brown.

Project description and goals

The Superior 5 Pathway Park (S5PP) is part of the GDC’s Master Plan for attracting re-development by providing a Greening Interim Strategy as a method to not only sustain land values, but the community fabric as well. The park—located near the existing Rockefeller Park—will aim to build-off the physical assets of University Circle, while bringing a measure of both built and environmental capital into an area that is in need of landscape investment.

Existing conditions

The lots (Parcel # 120-01-007, 120-01-008, 120-01-009) are located at the corner of Superior and E. 107th, and measure 10,105 sq. ft.  The land is slightly sloped, and it is sporadically vegetated with weeds as well as a smattering of violets and Black-eyed Susans.  Other physical elements include: a large Elm tree on the southwest corner, and dirt path running diagonally across the lots.  As well, the site is in a highly visible location given its proximity to public transit, and it is currently used as a cut-through from the Wade Park area to Superior Ave.

Proposed interventions

The design of the park is meant to complement the recreational and aesthetic features of the nearby Rockefeller Park. Designs, then, include the implementation of winding gravel paths; landscaped walls; and the planting of trees, wildflowers, and grass. The main path will be used as artery connecting Superior to Rockhurst Court, with the gardens interspersed between the anchor points. At the path’s Superior edge, a point of interest will also be developed involving the construction of a low masonry wall that will be supplemented with some form of natural seating.

Site maintenance

Maintenance needs will involve mowing, trimming, cleaning, watering, seeding, and re-planting, and it is to be carried out according to the regular maintenance cycles of the GDC.  Also involved will be various community re-entry programs such as MVP Community Re-entry, in which horticultural maintenance on the park will be used as teaching opportunities.