Guiding Principles of Design for Crispus Attucks Park

Adopted Spring 2005

The development of Crispus Attucks Park into a true Community Oasis is an ongoing process and long-term effort. It has taken decades to turn what was once a concrete and asphalt courtyard into a partially landscaped greenspace. It the years to come we will strive to complete this transformation, creating a unified park with a coherent design that serves our community. In spring of 2005, the community adopted a set of design principles that will guide the ongoing development of the park as resources allow. These principles are outlined below.

A Park Built on Community

Crispus Attucks Park shall be a community park.

It shall preserve and create green space within the urban landscape of Bloomingdale.

It shall forward the principles of community through a design that is welcoming of all residents and guests.

It shall provide space for community gatherings, programs, and partner organizations to enrich local residents' lives.

The design will promote environmental and ecologic awareness.

A Park Creating Greenspace

CrispusAttucksPark shall provide a horticultural and botanic sanctuary.

The design shall incorporate botanical specimens that already exist within the park.

Specific landscape solutions shall be consistent with and maintain the integrity of the Park's overall design.

Landscape solutions shall be hardy and drought tolerant for our climate zone.

The Park shall stress a low-maintenance design.

The hardscape and softscape shall be resilient to park activities.

A Park Filled with Positive Activity

The areas of the Park shall create a unified whole that lend themselves to a multitude of positive activities.

The Park Master Plan shall identify stages of development to guide a structured approach for funding and volunteer cooperation.

The Park will provide areas specific to appropriate passive and active recreation for all ages.

The softscape and hardscape within specified areas will guide the guests in the activity desired for that area.

Area 1 (Sacred Space)

A space for reflection.

This space will be insulated from other activities within the park.

The space will promote a quiet, tranquil escape to reflect and appreciate nature.

The space will include a memorial to Crispus Attucks for whom the park is named.

Area 2 (Great Lawn)

This space shall be designed for more active recreation.

This large open green space shall provide an area for community events.

It will be conducive to gathering larger groups of people and families.

Area 3 (Younger Children)

This space will provide an area for younger children to interact with one another.

This space shall provide an area for adults to supervise and monitor the children's activities.

Area 4 (Small Intimate Gathering Spaces)

These areas may be interspersed among the larger, more prominent features of Areas 1, 2, & 3.

Such spaces may include:

Picnic areas

Benches

Raised flower beds

Pathways

Covered spaces

A Park Based on Openness in Design

The Park will minimize obstructions so as not to hinder the view into and through the park for safety.

The Park will minimize obstructions that might hinder the surrounding views of the city and neighborhood structures.

The design will restrict unauthorized vehicular activity within the park.