The first of WGI's conceptual designs aims to enhance the Main Street connection by creating a raised open plaza in front of the learning center (3) that would maintain authorized vehicular access through S. Ocean Ave. This main entry was widened and enhanced with palm trees to create a strong sense of arrival, while the stairway (4) was widened to open up the view, better align with the new pier entry (10), and to create a strong central axis into the middle of the park. This axis, accentuated with sculptural misters, helps separate the pre-programmed zones 6-8 from the multi-purpose lawn space (12). The customized misters can be walked through to cool down or can be avoided by meandering around the outside of the structures (17). This concept also provides two ADA-accessible paths close to existing parking alongside S. Ocean Ave. (16). These access points also lead to the oceanfront boardwalk, where re-grading the area (14) eliminates the need for the existing southern flight of stairs. By providing an open multi-purpose lawn (12), a multitude of programmatic opportunities are made available. This space can be used to host a variety of events ranging from farmers markets and holiday celebrations to performances and festivals. On the perimeter of the open lawn space are ADA-accessible oolite benches (11) to match the historic character of the existing bridge and Ritchey Plaza. To the east of the field, there is specialized seating in between large palm trees, where swinging benches can be mixed with ADA-compliant seating for all to enjoy scenic views of the ocean (14). Lastly, areas 6-8 offer new play and social experiences to re-activate the space, such as a customized play structure designed by KOMPAN (7). Bordering the play area are shaded picnic tables (6) that offer parents an area to socialize, as well as a place to eat food from the potential food truck staging area (8).
The second of WGI's conceptual designs is organized by a hierarchy of spaces, with primary and secondary paths to define the space and programmatic uses. Similar to concept one, the second concept also aims to provide a widened main entry (1) while modifying the existing grades to offer users more ways to experience the site on a variety of different levels and vantage points. Areas 5 and 6 provide a direct connection from the existing parking lot, where the design of the steps and ADA pathway become a destination in themselves, offering seat benches along the path to sit and gaze at the beach. However, in concept two, in place of the multipurpose lawn shown in concept one, our team proposed a more structured multi-purpose hardscape plaza with large planters to shape the space into more intimate seating areas (10), and offering unique sculptural seating along with ADA-compliant options. Bordering the hardscape plaza, there is stepped terraced seating (11) to provide impressive views of the park and ocean, sunrises, and special occasion fireworks. In the middle of the park (13), sculptural solar-powered shade structures tie into the aesthetic of the large central play structure (7). The climbing structure and graded mounds can serve as a play experience for kids and adults alike. This playground area is inspired by playing and climbing in dunes, with appropriate dune-like plantings adding interest to the circulation paths leading to the boardwalks and piers. Concept two also embodies an opportunity to provide interpretive signage that teaches people about native dune plants or other educational messages that can tie into the environmental learning center.
