Biscuit Run Behavioral Design

Designing for Everyone

Second Phase of Development for Biscuit Run Park

Sauri, D., Parés, M., & Domene, E. (2009). Changing Conceptions of Sustainability in Barcelona’s Public Parks. Geographical Review, 99(1), 23–36. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40377364

"The aim of public spaces, such as parks, is to protect what is seen as an asset — diversity in all its manifestations — and to reduce fears of difference and exclusion... in order to enhance the empowerment of the citizenry."

Ridgetop Activity Area

Parking Lot

Athletic Fields

Main Entrance

Playground

Water Play

Trails & Historical Interpretation

Native Plant Garden

Amphitheater

Dog Park

Pavilions & Picnic Area

Pavilions & Picnic Area

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• Fenced perimeter so dogs can run free
• Different play elements such logs and tunnels for running, climbing
• Trees for sufficient shade
• Seating and tables for owners, also located close enough to playground for parents to watch boths kids and dogs
• Dog waste station with sign about the harms of not picking up after your pet
• Dog washing station & water for drinking

Dog Park

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• In the center of the ridgetop activity area, with connecting paths
• Wildflowers, groundcovers, grasses, vines, ferns, and shrubs native to the northern piedmont region of Virginia
• Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
• Stormwater management, erosion & sediment control
• Educational opportunity for kids to learn about plants, gardening

Native Plant Garden

• Biscuit Run is home to the ruins of an old stagecoach road, which borders the ridgetop activity area
• Believed to have been used by Thomas Jefferson, the road was constructed in the 1730s and connected Charlottesville to Scottsville on the James River, a major trading and transportation hub at the time
• Signs explaining the historical significance and telling the story of Charlottesville's origins could attract school field trips & history buffs
• Accessible trails and more primitive hiking paths will branch away from the ridgetop activity area into the forested region of the park

Trails & History

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• Natural looking & accessible
• Connected to playground area, perhaps a stream could run to the proposed bioretention pond
• Educational opportunity for kids to learn about aquatic habitats, watersheds, etc.
• Improve motor skills, social development

Water Play

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• Sustainable materials
• Safe & accessible
• Socialization for kids & guardians alike!

• Playgrounds inspired by nature have been found to increase physical activity, imagination, and appreciation for the environment
• Within eyesight of the water play area, dog park, and picnic areas / pavilions so that guardians can feel comfortable leaving their kids to play

Playground

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• This area of the ridgetop naturally slopes downward towards a forested area, making it the perfect place to add some terraced seating
• Amphitheatre structure doesn't need to be anything fancy, just somewhere people could gather for music, performances, festivals, sermons, educational lectures, & student field trips
• Situated near the pavilions and picnicking areas so those users can listen and enjoy, but far enough away from play areas that children and barking dogs won't be a disruption

Amphitheater

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• Resting place to eat, craft, read, socialize, and host events
• Covered pavilions can serve as shelter in case of rain and provide relief from sun
• Within listening distance of amphitheater
• Option to install grills, firepits
• Bear-proof waste disposal containers (Biscuit Run is home to some black bears!)

Picnic Area & Pavilions

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