Set amongst existing trees and on axis with Patricia Leighton’s ’Seven Runes’ Art in Public Places installation, an exploratory boardwalk experience now connects and educates visitors to the important connection between the natural habitats in our South Florida environment. The design utilizes existing site elements as new information nodes to discuss native flora, fauna, sustainable hardscape materials and water conservation methods. A recycled lumber boardwalk and pervious paving create seating plazas that relate to the angles found in the existing waterfalls. The outdoor seating and viewing platforms create a dynamic juxtaposition to the swaths of native plants throughout the new outdoor space. Existing site topography has been highlighted to utilize appropriate planting representative of aquatic, riparian and upland ecosystems. The proposed indigenous vegetation is suited for the local climate, and can survive without fertilization and irrigation. This material will attract and enhance wildlife while preventing non-native invasive plants from disrupting the natural area. Visitors will now enjoy multiple options for seating, viewing and reflecting in this new interpretive landscape experience.
