Crowne Heights Community Garden
Client
City of Oceanside
Type
Others
Year
2024
Size
1/2 Acre
Location
Oceanside, California
Services
Landscape Design | ADA Compliance Review | Cost Estimate
Status
Complete
To revitalize and improve the accessibility, functionality, and community experience of an existing neighborhood garden through thoughtful landscape design, ADA-focused improvements, and collaborative community-driven enhancements. The project aimed to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable environment for individuals of all ages and abilities while supporting long-term community engagement and urban agriculture initiatives.
Design Approach
Design Philosophy
Create an inclusive and community-centered outdoor environment that prioritizes accessibility, usability, and social connection while enhancing the existing character and functionality of the community garden. The design focused on creating welcoming spaces that support education, gathering, gardening, and wellness for users of all ages and physical abilities.
Key Features
ADA-focused circulation improvements including widened pathways and a new accessible entry gate aligned with the adjacent curb ramp and truncated domes for seamless wheelchair accessibility.
Custom-designed raised planter boxes to improve usability for elderly individuals and those with limited mobility.
New central pergola gathering space, additional garden plots, revitalized orchard area, and improved overall site organization to support increased community participation and functionality.
Inspirations
Inspired by community-driven urban agriculture initiatives, accessible public space design, and sustainable neighborhood development, the project emphasizes inclusivity, connectivity, and long-term community impact through thoughtful landscape architecture and collaborative implementation.
Project Execution
Phase 1: Site Assessment & Community Collaboration
Collaborated closely with Kevin Mendoza, Oceanside Community Resource Specialist, to evaluate existing site conditions, accessibility limitations, circulation challenges, and opportunities for improvement throughout the garden.
Performed ADA analysis of the site and developed recommendations to improve accessibility, user experience, and long-term usability for a diverse range of community members.
Phase 2: Landscape & Accessibility Design
Redesigned the community garden landscape to improve circulation, functionality, and accessibility across the site.
Implemented widened pathways and designed a new accessible entry gate located adjacent to the corner curb ramp with truncated domes, allowing easier access and navigation for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired visitors.
Designed new raised planter boxes to improve accessibility for elderly users and individuals who may have difficulty reaching traditional ground-level planting areas.
Added additional garden plots and redesigned portions of the orchard area to maximize site functionality and community use.
Phase 3: Permitting & Constructability
Prepared and submitted permit documentation to the City for site improvements and installation of a new pergola structure.
Provided constructability consultation, rehabilitation cost estimating, and implementation recommendations to support efficient project execution and long-term durability of site improvements.
Phase 4: Volunteer Construction & Community Support
Atmos Design Build employees volunteered on-site to assist with construction and installation of the new garden planter boxes.
Provided tools, materials, and construction support to help facilitate implementation of the project improvements through collaborative community participation.
Installed 10 raised planter boxes and constructed a new central pergola gathering area to support gardening activities, community interaction, and outdoor gathering opportunities.
Results and Acknowledgments
Outcome
Approximately 0.5-acre revitalized community garden site
ADA-focused circulation and accessibility improvements
Widened pathways for improved mobility access
New accessible entry gate aligned with curb ramp and truncated domes
10 custom raised garden planter boxes constructed
Additional garden plots added throughout the site
New central pergola gathering structure
Revitalized orchard area
Improved accessibility and usability for elderly and mobility-impaired users
Community volunteer participation during construction
Permit coordination and constructability consultation completed
Community Impact
The revitalized garden now provides a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment that better serves the surrounding community. Improved accessibility features, expanded planting opportunities, and enhanced gathering spaces help support long-term community engagement, wellness, and urban agriculture initiatives for users of all ages and abilities.
Credits and Collaboration
Designer: Peyton Hawley
Community Collaboration:
Kevin Mendoza, City Resource Specialist
City Student Volunteers
Atmos Design Build Employees
Project Delivery
All work completed on a Pro - Bono Basis
Project shots
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