A collaboration between the University of Rhode Island’s Landscape Architecture program and the RIDEM-DFE Urban & Community Forestry Program. We work with local communities to develop conceptual green space plans that conserve, enhance, connect, and protect natural resources (such as forests, watersheds, and regional trail networks).
Our Charter
Each summer, the URI RCDL and the RIDEM-DFE Urban & Community Forestry Program accept applications from Rhode Island municipalities and non-profits to develop conceptual designs to provide a vision and a target to improve community green space and provide a basis for pursuit of funding assistance. The RCDL is made up of Landscape Architecture students who are selected to work with communities, neighborhood groups, and/or non-profit organizations to improve the natural and built environments through conceptual design and planning. The goal is to create designs that incorporate nature based solutions that support healthy ecological systems as well as the physical, psychological, and intellectual well-being of users.
The Design Process
- Meet with stakeholders
- Research and analysis of site
- Develop two conceptual plans
- Present of concepts to stakeholders
- Incorporate stakeholder feedback into one final master
conceptual plan - Present final plan to stakeholders
Our Projects
Tri-Pond Park, Town of
South Kingstown
Project Goals:
- Better connection point between parking area and pond
- Make the grassy area above the pond less of an eye sore
- Increase size of parking areas
The URI RCDL final design
enhanced the visibility and
programmatic elements of a
naturally beautiful area to
provide a unique public
space for community
gathering and outdoor
activities.
Jaycee Arboretum and Senator
Roch Riverwalk, Town of West
Warwick
Project Goals:
- Update the entry to the Riverwalk
- Address the eroded path leading down to the river
- Enhance the fishing area along the Pawtuxet River
The URI RCDL final design
created a better connection
with the surrounding
community and applied
stormwater best management
practices to address the
impacts of flooding in the
area.