Green Lakes State Park Project Progressing

Appel Osborne is working on an exciting project with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) at Green Lakes State Park.  AOLA Associate, Taylor Goldthwait, is in the midst of construction administration for a renovation project which includes relocating and rehabilitating the historic Boat House, reconstructing a portion of the main park road, and modifying the West Beach parking area.  The design also includes increased picnic space and renovated walkways made possible by the new parking configuration.  Sustainable design and green infrastructure are an integral part of this project.  The improvements at Green Lakes State Park will serve as one of the largest green infrastructure storm water management installations in the region. 

The primary goal of the project is to protect and improve water quality and function of the two lakes in the park, one of which is a National Natural Landmark.  The objective is to remove a significant portion of runoff into the lake and treat and control the remaining runoff prior to entering the lake.  The project involves redevelopment of the area around Green Lake through the implementation of innovative green infrastructure and natural features.  Green infrastructure design throughout the project includes the use of porous pavements, permeable pavers, infiltration and storm water wetland facilities, native tree plantings, a rain garden, and rain cisterns.  These sustainable design features will reduce and filter storm water entering the lake and reduce heat island effects in parking areas.

An important aspect of this project is the preservation of a historic Boat House.  The building will be rehabilitated and repurposed into a four-season Environmental Education Center.  The structure will be relocated upland to reduce lake impact and soften the shoreline.  Sustainable design at the new location will include rain barrels which will catch and store storm water runoff to help irrigate the surrounding landscape plantings.  This will mitigate peak storm water flows and the unnecessary use of treated water for irrigation.

A key component of the project is education.  A demonstration wetland and outdoor classroom will be among the exhibits to inform and educate park visitors on the use of green infrastructure storm water practices.  Park visitors will be able to learn about how the sustainable design addresses and demonstrates solutions to regional water quality issues.  Interpretive signage will assist in the education on the design features selected and the environmental benefits they provide. 

To read an article about the preservation of the Boat House, click the link below.

syracuse.com article