Bullfrog Park

Design Plan. The overall form mimics the shape of a bullfrog, a reference to the original location of a bullfrog
 pond here. Terraces, pathways, stream channels, seasonal plantings, gathering points and islands come
together to create a community park residents can be proud to use like their own backyard.

The master plan was collaboratively drawn, all other drawings are my own work. Black and white was a requirement.

Our goal with Bullfrog Park was to create a model for low-impact storm water management, formatted by the aesthetic principles of a Japanese strolling garden.

The first priority was to reshape the topography of the park to infiltrate as much water as possible on site by translating conveyance slopes into a series of gentle terraces, swales and ephemeral potholes. Each inlet and outlet has been given a distinct character, aimed at taking advantage of specific seasons. The site is unified by repeating forms and materials, such as stepping-stone seating. Concrete and stone serve as boundary and direction, for both water flow and human circulation. 

Section showing the floodplain, channel walkway, and terracing. Low islands within the floodplain serve to
direct water to gravel drainage potholes and their height is emphasized and made visible by plantings. 

Detail sketch of island with 'ripples' of planted rings capable of withstanding both periodic drought and inundation.