One of the most frequently requested resources amongst landscape architects working on environmental justice is a database of precedent projects to reference. Since 2019, the ASLA Environmental Justice Professional Practice Network (EJ PPN) has been collecting case studies in order to build a robust set of examples of how to promote environmental justice into our field of practice. A new project featuring a new park in a low-income area with limited access to open spaces was recently added to this PPN resource:
Officer Daniel Webster Children’s Park
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Owner: City of Albuquerque
Designer: MRWM Landscape Architects
Contractor: Lee Landscapes
This park is in Albuquerque’s International District, a neighborhood that has limited parks and other public open spaces. In the early planning phases, the neighborhood strongly advocated for a park instead of developing the vacant site as a municipal bus facility. Three phases of the park have been constructed and include a large shaded play structure, group gathering areas, and a turf area with rolling hills and dense trees. Future phases will include a turf recreation field, nature-play spaces, and additional group activity areas. This park is a valued community space, providing a critical green space in a low-income neighborhood.
Case study submitted by:
Gregory Miller, PLA, FASLA
Principal Landscape Architect, MRWM Landscape Architects
Previously published environmental justice case studies include:
- Salmon Bay K–8 Autism-Inclusive Playground
Seattle, WA | Johnson+Southernland - Park in a Truck
Philadelphia, PA | Thomas Jefferson University and OLIN - Fog Water Farm Park and Gardens
Peru | Traction - InterACTION Labs Iquitos
Peru | Traction
Help Build the EJ PPN’s Case Studies Database
All landscape architects may submit a case study by completing this online form, which has a series of questions to collect information about engagement techniques, resources used, project outcomes, and lessons learned. We are interested in featuring your projects that demonstrate how environmental justice principles can be applied to design processes and outcomes.
Examples of incorporating environmental justice into your projects may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- design processes that center on community voices;
- projects that address disproportionate environmental burdens; and
- outcomes that honor the cultural integrity of all communities.