Jocelyn WU | WU STUDIO
Associate ASLA LEED
Master of Landscape Architecture 

I devised a plan to restore the land, making it consistent with native vegetation and making the community a showplace for sustainability and sound ecology. The water systems provide natural filtration services for the Willow Run Creek, cleaning waste water, re-innovating and connecting water to the Belleville Lake. My full green design included re-forestation, establishment of wildlife habitat, water quality enhancement, an emphasis on native species and low-maintenance planting regimens. Through planning and landscape design, I want to create a natural system that will both preserve the natural environment, while fostering economic and community growth.

 

 

Compared to the western part of the whole Van Buren Park, which is more open, the eastern part is more enclosed. Apart from the main driving lanes, mostly inside the park are re-designed to be pedestrians only.

• Proposed Bridge (Reconnection)

Main Entrance. The proposed bridge would connect this part of Van Buren Park directly to I-94. People could see a proposed covered bridge from the entrance. The natural-styled bridge serves to attract people into the site. 

• Running Trail

To fully utilize the good view along the lakeshore, a running trail is proposed.

• Wooden Deck & Beach

The existing beach is not in use, but people tend to love a beach here to enjoy the sunshine when the weather is good. The new spot chosen is further away from the deck of UM Boat House, thus people won’t be disturbed by the coming and going boats. Also, the spot is sheltered from the prevailing wind from the west side and in the meanwhile makes full use of the sun. The inspiration for the beach is from the Pier in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Instead of stretching into the water, it’s enclosed inside the deck, getting rid of the safety issue it may cause.

• Grill Space

A major design of the park is the grill space scattered inside the site. It’s along the pathways and sheltered by plants around it. It’s private. People inside the space would feel secure and close to nature. Different platforms for these spaces are identified by different colors, giving each space a unique atmosphere. For instance, pink might be preferred by teenage girls. The diameters of the platforms are from 20- 45 feet, which could hold different sizes of people, to meet different needs of people. Those spaces are charged and could be reserved and chosen by colors, which could bring revenue to the park. 

• Playground

The playground includes a tree house, especially designed for kids. There are also swings and other game facilities made from logs.  

• Filtration

The path is enclosed with dense woods and grasses, giving people walking on it a sense of enclosure and peacefulness. It’s a path close to nature in the city area.