Depot Park: An Ecological Showcase

Abstract

Depot Park is the central gathering space for the City of the Village of Clarkston. Clarkston is a small village located 45 minutes north of Detroit in Southeastern Michigan. The village is approximately one-half mile square, and its small size reflects the community’s desire to uphold the historic village boundaries. Clarkston has a popular influence on surrounding communities, and many neighboring citizens in Independence Township consider themselves from the village, though they live beyond Clarkston’s official boundaries. Depot Park is located in the heart of Clarkston’s historic downtown. The park serves many civic functions throughout the year, including Art in the Park, farmers markets, summer concerts, and car club events. The park has a prime location to educate and inspire the public, and its current popularity engages visitors from Clarkston and surrounding communities. The Clarkston Watershed Group (CWG) is a group of committed citizens that are focused on improving Depot Park and protecting the natural resources of the greater Clarkston area. With its central location and frequent use, Depot Park can become a living tool to illustrate principles of ecological and sustainable design. The park is currently operating without a master plan, which complicates routine decisions such as placement of memorials. The University of Michigan team is providing the Clarkston Watershed Group with a cohesive master plan that will ensure the future success of Depot Park as an inspiring and effective civic space. This University of Michigan Masters Practicum Team specializes in providing designs that are both ecologically sensitive and aesthetically engaging. Our educational background in ecological design complements the environmental enthusiasm of the Clarkston Watershed Group. With the implementation of our master plan and supporting documents, the CWG can continue to foster education and environmental change in and around Depot Park.