Milford Mine Memorial Park in Wolford Township, MN
Parks and natural preserves are well-known and loved community landmarks, with diverse trail systems, vegetation, and idiosyncrasies that make them unique. These environmental attractions are designed and guided by landscape architects, who enhance the natural elements of parks and trails while creating connections in the communities they serve.
Landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces to be safe, functional, and visually appealing. They create thoughtful layouts for trails, gathering areas, and site features that highlight the area’s natural beauty while maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the space. In addition to design, landscape architects and designers prepare construction documents and oversee implementation to ensure the completed project reflects the shared vision of the community and client.
Wannigan Park in Frazee, MN
Wannigan Park in Frazee, Minnesota, is an ongoing project that relies on landscape architects to determine the best use of its 158 acres. With a range of ecological provinces and biomes, landscape architects and designers developed a plan that would enable visitors to experience every aspect of the park. The project is still in its beginning stages, but through the shared vision of the designers and the client, the finished park will include campground facilities, scenic and birdwatching viewpoints, and over two miles of paved trails for biking and walking with connections to a regional trail, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
Landscape architecture inspires community connection through the networks built by natural attractions such as Wannigan Park. Through inclusive design and public engagement, we can help ensure parks and trails reflect local values and meet diverse needs, while connecting neighborhoods, celebrating identity, and fostering shared experiences. The rural communities that are home to these projects are strengthened by the creation of spaces where people can feel a sense of belonging within the environment.
Milford Mine Memorial Park in Wolford Township, MN
Communities also use parks and trails to honor and memorialize their history, such as Milford Mine Memorial Park, located on the Cuyuna Range in northern Minnesota. The project was developed in collaboration with the Crow Wing County Natural Resource Manager to create a design that pays homage to the 41 miners who lost their lives in the worst mining disaster in Minnesota history. A key feature is a 450-foot boardwalk crossing Milford Lake that commemorates each miner by name. The park also includes trail systems, picnic shelters, canoe launches, and multiple informative kiosks.
Through landscape architecture and the elevation of natural landmarks, communities are enriched, and their connections to one another and the environment are strengthened. The work of landscape architects range in intention and aesthetics, thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs of both clients and communities.
Parks and trails are vital community assets that foster connection. With landscape architecture, these spaces gain improved access, safer trails and structures, and a higher quality user experience. Their work enhances and supports the health of the community members, boosts local economies, and delivers long-term value through intentional design and stewardship. From native planting and stormwater management to play spaces and trail connections, landscape architects create long-lasting places that people love and return to.
