commentNational Mall Plan Option Incorporates LEED
If you’ve visited the National Mall recently and noticed that it needs some TLC, now is your chance to weigh in on potential plans for “America’s Front Yard.”
“America’s Front Yard” is slated for a comprehensive overhaul.
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The National Park Service is currently reviewing five options for improving the National Mall and is asking the public to comment on the proposals. Included among the five approaches are a no-action plan, three alternative plans, and a “preferred” plan that incorporates the best aspects of the alternatives. Of particular interest is Alternative C, which would incorporate standards from LEED and from the nation’s first sustainable landscaping rating system—the Sustainable Sites Initiative.
With an emphasis on urban open space, ecology, and recreation, Alternative C calls for improvements to landscape health, soil and vegetation conditions, water quality and conservation, and stormwater management. It also addresses greenhouse gas reduction and traffic patterns, making the redesign of non-motorized vehicle and pedestrian pathways priorities.
The educational component of the plan focuses on healthy lifestyles, plants and gardens, natural resources, and environmental stewardship, with guided walking and bicycle tours showcasing seasonal splendors, such as spring cherry blossoms and the vibrant display of fall colors. Visitor facilities would be designed to exceed LEED-Silver standards and would be accessible via pathways paved with porous surfaces.
The National Parks Service hopes that the rehabilitation of the National Mall will restore its health and beauty; identify measures to help it function better as our country’s primary civic space; address the needs of visitors for access, enjoyment, education, recreation, facilities and services; and improve park operations.
Although the inclusion of the LEED rating system in a major federal project has become relatively common, this project could become one of the most high-profile to date for the Sustainable Sites Initiative, which is now in a pilot phase. Developed by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the U.S. Botanic Gardens, Sustainable Sites is based on input from international sustainability experts, scientists, design professionals, and the public.
“While the National Mall still faces shameful neglect from lack of resources, we urge Congress to grant the National Park Service the means to transform this critical public space into a national example of sustainability,” said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO, Nancy Somerville.
The public can comment on the plans by visiting www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan—the 90-day public comment period ends March 9, 2010.
Copyright 2009 by BuildingGreen, LLC
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