Category Archives: Parks and Recreation Planning

Community Recreation Programming
Open Space Planning
Playfields and Playgrounds
Nature Parks
Community Centers
Pocket Parks
Greenways and Trails

Good open space design is a balance of people and the environment. Our approach includes thematic design and ecological planning for recreation and open spaces from micro to regional scale. We tie together open spaces with a comprehensive language of equipment, park furniture, bridges/boardwalks and signage.

We promote the development of multi-use corridors for transportation, utilities, recreation and environmental preservation or restoration. In addition to experience with traditional parks, Ekistics has a strong specialization in natural resource parks, environmental education and greenways.

DeBary Hall Historic Site

6 Aug ’12

Debary Hall is a designated historic landmark of Florida’s upper St. Johns River basin. From 1871 to 1898, Frederick DeBary amassed 9,000 acres of hunting and citrus lands and built an 8,000 square foot mansion and estate compound. Ekistics Design Studio, Inc., in association with R.J. Heisenbottle, Architects, developed a master plan for the remaining six acres surrounding the house, stables and icehouse as part of a Volusia County Park. Continue reading →

Tampa Bay Watch

3 Jul ’12

Tampa Bay Watch is a non-profit environmental organization promoting stewardship of Tampa Bay. Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. developed the master plan for Cunningham Key that organized future uses of the island in accordance with the goals and objectives of Tampa Bay Watch. Continue reading →

Old Fort King Trail

27 Jun ’12

Ekistics was also responsible for the location and design of all park structures including shelters, fencing, benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles. The project required close coordination between state and local land management agencies. Continue reading →

Upper Tampa Bay Trail

21 Jun ’12

Ekistics was responsible for trailhead and trailstop site design as well as signage and amenity features. The design for Channel Park Trailhead involved an ecological reconstruction of the canal bank and development of recreation park facilities. Ekistics was also retained to retrofit Phase I and Phase III to be compatible with Phase II design criteria and was involved in the Neighborhood Connections and Bridges project. Continue reading →

Cannon Ranch DRI – Bella Verde

1 Jun ’12

Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. was responsible for the site analysis and land planning for the Cannon Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Application approved in 1989. Work efforts included preparation of master plans, maps and supplemental reports on wetlands, vegetation and wildlife and recreational open space. Continue reading →

Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center

14 Jan ’11

The Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center is proposed to showcase the habitats and water resources of the Chain of Lakes District and to provide a hands on educational experience. The Nature Center Building will be sensitively sited on a isthmus between two water bodies. Continue reading →

Brooker Creek Preserve

1 Oct ’10

Ekistics Design Studio assisted Hoffman Architects in environmentally sensitive siting of loop access roads, parking facilities and the campus buildings. Emphasis was on an extremely low impact approach to site development including innovative stormwater and environmental protection techniques. Continue reading →