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Presentation of the American Society of Landscape Architects-Texas Chapter Award for the John F. Burke Nature Preserve, presented to the City by Dunaway and Associates.
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BACKGROUND:
The Texas American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) awards, identifies, and recognizes outstanding examples of recent and past works by Texas landscape architects and acknowledges their contributions to the quality of life for all citizens of Texas. Awards are given at the annual Texas ASLA conference each year and are judged by volunteers from other states. The awards program includes projects in various categories, including Design Constructed Projects, Design Unrealized Projects, Planning and Analysis, Communication, International, and Classic.
The John F. Burke Nature Preserve was submitted within the “Design Constructed Projects” Category, which recognizes site-specific landscape architecture and urban design works for built projects. At the jury's discretion, the John F. Burke Nature Preserve was selected to receive an award of Merit.
Located at the crossroads of a major freeway interchange and the Trinity River corridor, the John F. Burke Nature Preserve is a precious remnant serving as a guarded home to a diverse community of wildlife and vegetation. The property encompasses riparian forests, meadows, and wetlands - an unexpected ecosystem within a highly urbanized area. The Master Plan incorporates accessible parking upgrades, composting restroom facilities, an amphitheater classroom, wetland boardwalks, a gateway pedestrian bridge, river overlooks, wildlife blinds, and an intentional hierarchy of both impervious and natural surface trails that connect to the regional hike and bike trail network.