Oregon Ridge Park Master Trails Plan
Baltimore County, MD
L/KLA led a team of professionals in the successful development of a master plan for the 1100 acre Oregon Ridge Park (ORP). the largest county park in Baltimore County. ORP provides visitors with a wide array of experiences, from active recreation at the softball fields, to educational programming at the Nature Center, to concerts and other events in and around the Oregon Ridge Lodge. In addition, ORP is blessed with a wide expanse of walking trails that allow visitors to experience the park’s diverse wildlife, vegetation, intact forested lands, and other natural communities.
The Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan (ORPMP) showcases L/KLA’s ability to address challenges and gain consensus and support for future action through robust outreach and engagement strategies. Initially a contentious project, the outreach process brought trust to the process and allowed for a completed draft plan to be delivered on schedule.
Using both formal and informal outreach measures, L/KLA participated in multiple virtual and in-person public workshops and meetings. A thorough natural resource assessment, including the components of a NRI, was completed by ESA. Buildings and other physical features were visually assessed for their condition and infrastructure assessed for needed upgrades. Public sessions shared shaped the vision for the park's next twenty years, supported by a set of guiding principles. A multi-phase implementation table supports and choreographs future park improvements.
Following the acceptance of the Master Park Plan, L/KLA was hired to initiate a $447,000 Master Trail Plan for the entire park. The work includes the development of an approximately two mile long ADA accessible paved loop trail connecting the Lodge to the Nature Center.
The existing extensive natural surface trail system, initially evaluated in the Master Park Plan, was further studied and a 35% complete set of trail renovation and replacement construction documents developed. This work is underway with DCI and ESA as subconsultants.
The project scope for the two mile paved ADA accessible trail includes the development of the full construction package, including specifications, permitting, and bid assistance. The initial Stormwater Concept Plan has been submitted for review. Development of the 90% complete package is ongoing, along with identifying the permits needed for the trail work. L/KLA's experience in successfully getting trails and boardwalks permitted in other jurisdictions is beneficial in navigating the process for the paved trail. Perseverance pays off.