Certifications & Training

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PARKS & GREENWAYS

Active Parks

Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. (L&A) has conducted ecological assessments and provided design recommendations for the development of active recreational facilities throughout Florida.  After conducting a preliminary ecological assessment of any given site, L&A works in conjunction with the project team's planners, landscape architects, and developers to produce a development/land use plan addressing wildlife habitat needs, surface water management planning and other land use issues, development constraints, and final permitting  requirements. These concerns typically include such items as boardwalk/path locations, picnic and recreation areas, and areas of lesser and higher intensity development.  L&A is also very experienced in the development of educational materials and educational stations as part of the overall park experience.

L&A has extensive experience with a broad range of park planning for entire regions or municipalities. Working in coordination with the master landscape architect, potential sites are evaluated, various park use intensities are considered, and an overall planning report is prepared.  While parks in general are not considered the same as a private development, they are constrained by the same  rules and regulations.  L&A is well trained and experienced in providing all levels of park planning assistance.

Passive Parks

The role of the ecological consultant is even stronger in the design and development of passive recreational facilities.  These passive facilities generally limit the extent of developed uses and emphasize the interaction one has with the natural environment.  These natural areas typically require an assessment of overall carrying capacity for visitors with specific emphasis on the identification of areas recommended for no access.  The placement of trails, education stations, general service facilities (teaching facilities, restrooms, parking, etc.) is especially important to ensure the natural character of the site is not disrupted, while the unique qualities of each site are highlighted.  L&A has a long history of supporting the development of passive recreation parks, including natural preserves which are not intended for specific recreational purposes.

Greenways & Trails

Linear activity projects present unique challenges when attempting to understand and incorporate the natural environment.  Whether they are a larger wildlife greenway corridor or a paved recreational trail, the existing natural features of the area need to form the base from which the project is planned.  L&A has worked on numerous Rails-to-Trails projects as well as several regional wildlife corridors, and we have the capability and experience to provide support services for these types of projects at all levels of planning (corridor design, PD&E, final design, construction).