Other Consultants:

Applied Ecological Services, Inc., Urban Works, Ltd., McElroy Associates, Ambriz Graphic Design

Category:

Planning and Analysis

Plagued by disinvestment and negative publicity, few people would consider Gary, Indiana, to be a city with much civic pride. This is just one reason why the Gary Green Link Master Plan is so remarkable. During the planning process, Gary’s citizens gained a sense of pride in the city’s natural resources and increasing hope for Gary’s future. The Gary Green Link project is a plan for the formation and management of a natural resources greenway and recreation corridor that will ring the City of Gary, connecting the Grand Calumet River, Little Calumet River and Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

Project administrators began with an evaluation of almost 10,000 acres of land. They then made recommendations for the acquisition, protection and restoration of core natural areas. The project team also inventoried existing trails and made recommendations for the development of a comprehensive multi-use trail system.

As primary consultant and project manager, the landscape architect led multi-use trail planning and conceptual design. In addition, a restoration ecologist, urban planner, graphic designer and public relations consultant strengthened the planning team. Throughout the planning process, the team met regularly with an advisory committee of community stakeholders as well as members of key public and private sector organizations. Finally, through a series of public meetings, the planners gained ideas and feedback from Gary’s residents.

A bold and ambitious planning project, the Gary Green Link Master Plan will help Gary protect and celebrate its natural resources. Not only is this important for environmental reasons, but new natural recreation areas will also attract visitors and promote much needed economic development in this Northwest Indiana city.