Veterans Park

Houston, TX

Commemorating veterans and their families with memorials has always been an american tradition. However, a new approach of celebrating our soldiers and their dedication to our country can have a profound effect throughout the community. Veterans Park can provide a new park model that serves as a testament to all the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the USA. Memorials customarily honor those service people who have passed, but it is equally important that we recognize our present day soldiers as well. Veterans park provides a space that celebrates our country’s military history, unifies our Armed Forces, and creates a memorable park experience to be shared by all. Veterans Park is 21.5 acres of green space that accommodates all users with a variety of spaces. Upon arrival, commemorative walls focus on telling stories of our country’s military history over passive walks through the northern side of the park. At the heart of the park rests the Park Center that serves as the organizing body for all park events. Its surrounded by the children’s playground, activity lawn, and recreation fields which provide a more active experience. The northern and southern portions of the park are linked by a boardwalk that follows a linear lake and connects with a interpretative wetland terrace for a unique pedestrian experience. Beginning at the northern entrance to the park, Armed Forces flags welcome visitors and establish the honorary theme of the park. This Entry Plaza begins to engage park visitors with the strong lines of the commemorative walls that cut through the ground plane and echo a strong code of discipline and order. The walls wind through a variety of shaded gravel courts with flexible seating that provide areas for contemplation. Beyond the first commemorative wall in the Entry Plaza sits an Event Pavilion, designed for a variety of uses. By layering a variety of spaces within Veterans Park, a unique pedestrian experience is created while the idea of celebrating our soldiers remains at the forefront.

Proposal for City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs Professional Experience with: The Office of James Burnett https://www.ojb.com/