Wold knows that the key to a successful project lies in understanding the heart of the community we’re designing for. Our firm has nearly 60 years of experience creating parks and recreation spaces that foster connection and enhance well-being, reflecting the input of diverse voices – from residents to local leaders. Our in-house, multi-disciplinary team of architects, engineers and interior designers works with stakeholders to ensure projects not only fulfill practical needs but also make a meaningful impact.
Below, we’re sharing ways to engage with your community to promote input and generate feedback during the design process. Plus, we’re sharing real client scenarios that demonstrate the value of collaborative design.
Active listening is the cornerstone of creating parks and recreation spaces that reflect the community’s wants and needs. We’re committed to understanding the local vision, resulting in designs that resonate with those who will use the spaces. Open lines of communication and intentional interactions between the community and public decision-makers are key to gathering diverse perspectives and encouraging meaningful engagement. Additionally, it holds the promise that the public can and should have a say in decisions that influence the outcome and sustainability of their community.
Ways to get the community involved:
We work closely with clients to develop designs that go beyond aesthetics and reflect the unique needs and values of the communities they serve. We are focused on ensuring that spaces are inclusive, accessible and adaptable for a wide range of activities.
We incorporate principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), like dual-language signage, non-gendered restrooms and sensory-rich play areas, into every project to accommodate various abilities so all users feel welcome. Additionally, we prioritize flexibility in our designs so spaces can be easily adapted for many uses, activities and events to maximize the park's value and longevity.
Sustainability is also a core consideration in our designs and discussions. Clients are increasingly asking to explore sustainable practices that meet both environmental and state guidelines. By integrating eco-friendly and cost-efficient elements, we can create resilient facilities that support long-term operational success.
We make community-driven parks a reality nationwide and take pride in working with clients who share our vision. Our portfolio, including a few examples below, showcases a range of projects that highlight the successful integration of these principles in real spaces.
Glacial Valley Park and Interpretive Center in Cottage Grove showcases sustainability, community focus
The City of Cottage Grove in Minnesota envisioned a more robust park facility to support the diverse needs of its community. Together, we designed the Glacial Valley Park and Interpretive Center to actualize that vision. The educational and meeting space is situated in a park setting, melding community engagement and sustainability. The facility includes a large, welcoming lobby with interpretive images of the local geology and prairie ecosystem alongside dedicated spaces with flexible uses for education and parks programs.
Sustainability is an innate part of the design, with features including native landscaping to enhance local biodiversity, stormwater management systems to reduce runoff, renewable and recycled content materials, high-performance windows and more. The building is heated and cooled using high-performance and energy-efficient systems, and electricity is supplemented by a roof-mounted solar array. By incorporating renewable energy resources and versatile spaces, the Glacial Valley Park and Interpretive Center stands as a model of sustainable, community-driven design.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife North Sterling Visitor Center Complex elevates visitor experience with cost-effective design
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) North Sterling Visitor Center Complex was designed to enhance the guest experience and provide necessary facilities for park maintenance and operations. Located in Sterling, Colorado, the project features a state-of-the-art visitor center that serves as the entry point for guests to create a smoother experience. The project also includes pre-engineered metal buildings to provide efficient storage and maintenance spaces for park staff and vehicles.
A priority for efficient use of public funds guided the project team in developing energy-efficient designs that lower operational costs and meet the park staff’s needs. We partnered with CPW to ensure the visitor center and support facilities aligned with their operational and financial goals.
Deerfield Park District renovates Jewett Park Community Center to enhance accessibility, flexibility
Wold was initially hired by the Deerfield Park District in Illinois to assess the programmatic needs and operational objectives of the existing Jewett Park Community Center. Through the master planning process, we analyzed the current utilization and identified a multi-phased approach to renovate the facility and support the park district's long-term goals. This plan outlined the need for updated spaces that would better support the park's programming and improve the overall user experience.
The first phase of renovations focused on relocating registration offices for improved accessibility, expanding the ceramics lab to accommodate growing demand and renovating a multi-purpose room to serve a variety of functions. The primary circulation area was also redesigned to create a flexible “community hub” for both users and local residents. The updated building provides the Deerfield Park District with a more efficient and accessible facility to support its evolving community programs.
City of White House Recreation Center boosts community engagement and recreation
For over a decade, Wold has partnered with the City of White House in Tennessee to help shape its town center, with a focus on enhancing the community’s recreational and civic offerings. The latest addition, the White House Recreation Center, reflects a broader vision for the city and offers a dynamic space where residents of all ages can gather and participate in recreational activities.
This new facility supports a variety of programming and is equipped with modern amenities, including the community-favorite pickleball courts. The center also includes bleachers and ballfield lighting, enhancing the versatility of outdoor spaces for both casual use and organized sports.
At Wold, community-driven design is always top of mind. By actively listening to residents and incorporating diverse voices, we create parks and recreation spaces that foster long-term connection, inclusivity and sustainability. Reach out to see how we can help create spaces that inspire and serve your community for generations to come.
