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Tom Lee Park: A Landscape Masterpiece Featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine

Tom Lee Park: A Landscape Masterpiece Featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine

The Unique Landscape Design of Tom Lee Park

Known for its enchanting beauty, Tom Lee Park is more than just your regular public park. Recently featured on the cover of Landscape Architecture Magazine's June 2025 issue, this park has turned into a symbol of inspiring landscape construction and sustainable practices, setting benchmarks for modern landscaping globally.

Concept and Vision

We proudly partnered in bringing the landscape vision — created by SCAPE and Studio Gang — to life. The park's landscape design is an embodiment of the perfect synergy between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Embracing the concept of 'Less is more', the park has been designed with minimalist principles, keeping focus on simplicity and understated elegance.

Key Design Elements

Tom Lee Park's landscape design incorporates meandering pathways, sustainable plantings, and distinct play areas. Each element seamlessly blends with the next, creating a cohesive landscape that invites exploration and enjoyment.

  • Meandering Pathways: These pathways snake through the park, offering a journey rather than a route from point A to B.
  • Sustainable Plantings: A variety of native and adaptive species, promoting biodiversity and resilience.
  • Distinct Play Areas: Areas for both active and passive recreation tailored to people of all ages.

Innovative Landscaping Techniques Used

Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Tom Lee Park's landscape construction revolves around eco-friendly strategies. The park employs energy-efficient systems, uses sustainable materials, and champions water conservation techniques, paving the way for a greener future.

Implementing Technology in Landscaping

One of the standout aspects of Tom Lee Park is its integration of technology. Advanced irrigation systems, smart lighting, and the use of drone technology for maintenance tasks reflect the park's innovative and forward-thinking approach to landscaping.

Tom Lee Park in the Context of Public Parks

Tom Lee Park serves as a model for public parks looking to prioritize sustainability and design When creating public spaces. Three key aspects help the park stand apart:

  1. Attention to User Experience: Thoughtful design ensures accessibility and enjoyment for all ages and abilities.
  2. Sustainable Practices: The park demonstrates how to flawlessly incorporate sustainability into urban public spaces.
  3. Incorporation of Natural Elements: Unlike many urban parks, Tom Lee Park reflects the local ecology, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.

In conclusion, Tom Lee Park's feature in the Landscape Architecture Magazine underlines the park's status as a landscape construction marvel. Its balance of design aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendly practices offers a blueprint for the future of public parks. Contact us to learn more.

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Celebrating Landscape Architecture Month at RCI: Insights from Gene Peters, Director of Landscape Architecture

As we celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month this April, RCI is proud to highlight our talented team of landscape architects and designers who work tirelessly to create exceptional outdoor spaces. In this post, we sit down with Gene Peters, our Director of Landscape Architecture, to learn about his journey, the evolving field of landscape architecture, and RCI’s unique approach to design. A Journey Rooted in Passion and Creativity Gene Peters’ landscape architecture career began in his hometown in Mississippi, where he grew up working at a young age mowing lawns. “My first real job was for Live Oak Landscape in Natchez, MS when I was 16,” Gene recalls. It wasn’t until college that he discovered landscape architecture as a profession. After initially considering civil engineering, a conversation with a friend introduced him to landscape architecture, and by the end of the day, he switched majors and never looked back. His passion for creativity and sketching would become the foundation of his future in the field. The Role of Director of Landscape Architecture at RCI As Director of Landscape Architecture at RCI, Gene leads a dynamic team of landscape architects and designers, focusing on achieving departmental goals and delivering high-quality, on-time, and on-budget projects. “I work closely with ownership to set and meet annual budget goals for the department, manage our talented team, and ensure that we consistently provide exceptional results for our clients,” Gene explains. RCI’s design division specializes in providing creative solutions for public and private estate, resort, commercial, and institutional clients across the southeast. The Evolution of Landscape Architecture Over the years, landscape architecture has evolved dramatically, especially with the introduction of computers and software programs that have streamlined the design process. Early in landscape architecture, drawing was done by hand, and computers have certainly improved productivity and project management,” Gene notes. However, he also believes that there’s something irreplaceable about the hands-on approach: “Drawing by hand is a skill that’s still valuable, especially for problem-solving and impressing clients. I encourage my team to be avid note-takers and sketch alternate solutions during client meetings.” Embracing the Future: Trends in Landscape Architecture One trend that Gene finds particularly exciting is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in landscape architecture. “AI is already making its mark and will only become more integrated into our work,” he shares. He cautions that those who don’t stay ahead of technological advancements risk being left behind. Sustainability: A Core Principle Sustainability has always been a cornerstone of landscape architecture, long before it became a popular buzzword. “Great designers use sustainable practices to lower long-term costs, conserve resources, and educate clients and the public,” says Gene. While sustainable design principles can sometimes raise initial construction costs, they ultimately pay off in the long run, making them a vital component of modern landscape projects. What Sets RCI Apart? RCI’s approach to landscape architecture is unique due to our specialization in design-build services. This single-source project delivery method allows our team to work seamlessly from design through construction, ensuring clear communication and faster project completion. “Design-build enhances efficiency, saves clients time and money, and allows projects to move quickly through the design and construction phases,” explains Gene. RCI’s services, including commercial hardscaping, irrigation systems for businesses, and HOA landscaping services, benefit from this streamlined approach. A Project to Be Proud Of: Splash RV Resort One of the standout projects that Gene is particularly proud of is the Splash RV Resort. “RCI started working on this project when it was an undisturbed pasture with mature live oak and other character trees. We modified their land plan to save more trees and designed a wildly successful watermark. The resort is a major destination today and the success started with a client that understood the value of the trees and was willing to partner with RCI’s thoughtful design, attention to detail, and professional construction services,” he says.