The Martin Marietta Sand & Gravel Quarry between Highway 80 and the South Skunk River in Colfax, Iowa closed in 2013 to provide recreational opportunity for the community and tourists. The quarry now holds fresh spring water but is isolated with the channelized river creating a barrier to the town. A conceptual masterplan of this 500 acre site (250 acres of lake) was designed to promote development through creating a recreational and commercial space that could be utilized by visitors and community members alike. A major issue the town has faced is the South Skunk River flooding due to it being channelized. This project individually focused on Scholosser Park to reroute the river into the spring quarry in order to help remediate flooding, provide habitat, naturally filtrate the river, and create an educational and experiential space for all to enjoy.
Architects: Emily Scott
Status: Concept
WETLAND SEQUENCE
River transformation provides benefits through the constructed braided delta system including flood control, water quality, rehabilitation enhance habitats, biodiversity, filter pollutants, recreation, and reduction sedimentation and soil erosion.
ELEVATION DIAGRAM
Topographic diagram demonstrates Schlosser Park’s water drainage
BOARDWALK
Boardwalk structure anchors into soil with ability to adapt as the conditions of the river changes.
Emily Scott
Emily Scott is an emerging professional in the landscape architecture field and has dedicated herself to passionately focus on designing balanced spaces that integrate environmental, social, and economic value. She joined Living Habitats, located in Chicago, in 2017 as a landscape architect and recent graduate of Iowa State University where she received the ASLA Iowa chapter Award of Honor and President’s Award. Her drive to build resilient communities for current and future generations compelled her to various experiences as an undergraduate, including international studies of sustainability in New Zealand and active involvement in community engagement. The practice will continue to shift as the world progresses and faces new challenges. With this, Emily has committed to attain diverse experiences at an international and local level to broaden her knowledge and experiences as she continues to advance in the profession.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/emily-scott-50b20a91
The “Revitalize” project was completed in 2014 when Emily was a junior at Iowa State University.