The Sustainability of OC Great Park

From Central Park to Golden Gate Park, landscape designers historically created urban oases amidst city skylines. However, if a park could be created in a populated area today, what would be done differently? Would there be a change in how designers approach the landscape?
Among other regions, the State of California is, once again, facing a potential water shortage. And with population growth, urban dwelling Californians also lack extensive parks for education, leisure, recreation, and art. Considering the needs of a growing state, with enough space, how would a park of the 21st century look?

Recently, the developing Great Park of Orange County addressed such questions. With the acquisition of land from a decommissioned Air Station in Irvine, an urban space opened with the potential to become a true park of the 21st century. Not only do the park plans function to entice local communities to explore its nature habitats, hike upon trails along the revitalized Agua Chinon stream, and enjoy art and educational opportunities, but Orange County Great Park employs innovative sustainable design strategies and unique park features to capture the interest of wandering folk.

Unlike most developments, Orange County Great Park plans to develop using recycled materials. Ranging from the reuse of removed paving (nicknamed “toro stone”) to the reuse of building demolition materials, walkways and bridges will be constructed in the Great Park. Dispersal and replanting of the over 8000 trees that existed on the air base will also contribute to the ‘sustainable’ construction of the park. Once established, Orange County Great Park plans to use reclaimed water to fuel a manmade stream that will meander through the park. At the terminus of this “Bee Creek,” the reclaimed water will collect into a large holding pond that will, not only, provide for recreational opportunities, but will also function as a water source for nighttime park irrigation. Other sustainable features include the use of native vegetation to minimize water needs, site wide composting to minimize waste, and an integrated transit system to encourage alternative transportation and minimal greenhouse gas emission.