Congratulations to Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture LLC on their Merit award in the Design-Built category for Dewey Park, in Veirs Mill, MD.

Dewey Park is an exceptionally popular 14.5-acre public park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The park was last renovated in the 1980’s and included facilities that were outdated, deteriorating and difficult to maintain. Located in an Equity Focus Area, (defined by the County as “areas with high concentrations of lower-income people of color, who may also speak English less than very well”), the park was long overdue for renovation and required an innovative community outreach and engagement process.

The landscape architect led a team of sub-consultants who transformed the aging park into a vibrant, sustainable, multi-generational, ADA compliant destination and community resource. New facilities within the park include a multi-age playground surrounded by a trike track, picnic pavilion, a renovated portion of the 18.6 mile regional Rock Creek Trail and a rich and colorful series of public art murals.

A lighted dog park, outdoor gym with fitness equipment, and a street hockey/futsal rink (developed with the Washington Capitals), were constructed on the rooftop of an adjacent four-story underground, combined storm sewer overflow storage facility, presenting complex and unique design challenges.

The final design provides a safe, welcoming space for the community to gather while connecting to the natural environment within the context of equality, sustainability, and play.

Dewey Park illustrates how resilient and equitable design can enhance quality of life through recreation and play. The jury appreciated the intricate design details installed above the storm vault, applauding the mural program as a great, simple solution to bringing vibrancy to the park space.