In result of a citywide initiative to renovate and construct recreation centers and public parks, District of Columbia’s Department of Parks and Recreation is adapting the former Birney Elementary School to house the improved Barry Farm Recreation Center.

Wiles Mensch Corporation – DC (WM) assisted the design team with surveying, civil engineering, landscape architecture, and exterior lighting services. Specific tasks included boundary, topographic, and utility surveys; civil engineering services from schematic design to permit drawings; playground design, and EISF coordination.

Full landscape architecture services for this project included the design of synthetic turf playing fields, retaining walls, pedestrian routes and planting design.

In depth design focus took place for the new playground facility designed on top of the roof structure, and the exterior courtyard. Both spaces were designed to meet the needs of the community, providing outdoor multi-use space and activity zones. Low impact design strategies were also used to minimize the impacts of stormwater run-off from the site.

Photos courtesy of: Torti Gallas