RIVER RIDGE COMMON

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Snow Owl was retained by the Municipality of the District Of Lunenburg (MODL) to provide vision, leadership, design, and project management services, for reclaiming 115 acres of former rural gravel pit and harvested woodlot industrial land into a community park.

We have planned and overseen the entire project to date, through a four-year phased construction period, including:

  • Park concept design (in collaboration with FATHOM STUDIO).
  • Detailed design and specifications for active transportation and trails, stormwater management, biotechnical erosion control and land restoration design.
  • Capital budget planning.
  • Scheduling , cost controls, permitting.
  • Construction documents – procurement – contract administration.

We used the property’s history as rural working land, in amongst the rich natural resources of Lunenburg County, as a focal idea for its redevelopment into a site for year – round outdoor enjoyment. The design unites and expands existing features of the site and integrates itself into Lunenburg County’s expanding rail trail infrastructure network.

In the old gravel pit, we transformed a variety of mounds, cut banks, and rock outcrops, remnants of former quarrying activities, to become interesting landforms that define a new picnic area, accessible trails, natural playground, and interactive art park features. These are constructed from wood, stone, and plant elements, inviting play and relaxation for all ages, revealing views of the river and a shady mossed gully that crosses the site.

In the old woodlot, we rehabilitated and expanded the former logging skid trails into a multi-use trail network, offering a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from gentle accessible paths to winding singletrack adventures. Our design allows users to enjoy special features, such as spectacular waterfalls and tranquil ephemeral forest ponds, and highlights the succession of a former working woodland that is growing back into a diverse Acadian Forest.

To help the MODL tackle a phased budget and keep the work local, we have developed and managed over 15 separate RRC construction contracts, working to build productive relationships with many different local contractors.

Our work has involved liaison with numerous stakeholders, community groups, and regulatory bodies, regular reporting to the MODL, presentations and consultations with Council and the public, and media releases. 

The park opened to the public in July 2019, and has consistently received a great deal of positive feedback from the community and been deemed a great success by the MODL. All construction should be completed by 2021.

CLIENT:

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG

COLLABORATORS:

FATHOM STUDIO