| Designing the Space |

It's About Thoughtful Design |

Take a walk through the future greenspace. Bet you haven't been there in awhile! Forgot about that slope in the corner of the lot or that broken fence?!? I noticed that sometimes when I am so caught up in the process of approvals, forums, design drafts, and etcetera, I forget the basics! A walk-through can also serve as a pick-me-up for that inevitable question: "Is it really worth the time and energy?" Take that walk, and your mind will be put at ease.
Once you have collected all of your results, set them out on a table and really take a look at what major themes arise. Write those themes down and be sure to incorporate them. Leave them and come back later to see if any other themes arise that you did not see before.
Note that not everyone's design ideas can be brought through in the final design. You must decide what is supported most by the majority, what is feasable monetarily, and what makes sense structurally.
I found it helpful to research other spaces that are most like what my community hoped for in the space. A good source is the Helpful Links page on this site. Looking at other spaces can help you visually construct and design a good space.
Just because you are not a landscape architect or figure drawing artist does not mean you cannot design and sketch your space. I was very uneasy about drawing up sketches and showing them to the public; I am no artist! Just be sure everything is labeled and explained as thoroughly as possible. If you can get a landscape architect to donate their services in rendering sketches and design recommendations, go for it! If not, don't panic.