Take-a-Break Park
Take-a-Break Park is the city of Maple Valley’s first park. Originally beginning as a storm water project, the project quickly expanded into the design and development of a public community park. The project included coordination with the engineer, guiding the design of the proposed infiltration pond with modifications to the size, shape, and materials used to result in an integrated park amenity, while still meeting the infiltration goals of the engineers. The park features an infiltration pond that doubles as usable open space, walking trails, play area, preservation and enhancement existing woodland, sidewalk and street frontage improvements. The park also united two very dissimilar neighborhoods and created common ground for kids to play and families to recreate.
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The park is located along a busy street through a residential area adjacent to the city center. The 2-acre community park provides valuable open space, a children’s play area, ¼-mile of street improvements and planting, as well as visual improvements to an adjacent pump station. The site design preserves existing trees and vegetation, and incorporates sustainable design principles including developing a plant palette of drought-tolerant and native plant species.
Jennifer* provided planning and site design, construction documents, permitting assistance and construction support for this park. Jennifer also worked closely with city staff and the local community, and assisted the City with the development of a park maintenance program.
*While principal with another firm
Client: City of Maple Valley
Location: Maple Valley Washington