Johnson Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project Receives Park Design Award
By Office of Communication
Posted on November 14, 2011, November 14, 2011

Time and time again, as the Texas Rangers mounted a second consecutive chase for the pennant and America's favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, fights its way to the top of their division, millions of people from around the world have seen it flash across the screen.

Television networks have panned outside of the stadiums over and over to show Arlington's two sports arenas separated by a greenway that runs outside the spotlight and along Johnson Creek. And as our sports teams strive for victory, Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department would like to mention a small victory of their own about that green divider.

Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department was recently presented the National Park Design Award by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for Phase 1 of the Johnson Creek Ecosystem Restoration.

The Park Design Award is a prestigious national award given annually that acknowledges distinguished work by cities throughout the country.

"We are honored to receive the National Park Design Award for the Johnson Creek Ecosystem Restoration project," said Pete Jamieson, director of Arlington Parks and Recreation. "This project represents a lot of hard work and good collaboration with community partners, and I am particularly proud of the design team that was led by our planning group."

Phase 1 of the Johnson Creek Ecosystem Restoration includes creek restoration, stream bank stabilization, recreational trail development, and ecosystem enhancements along Johnson Creek within the Richard Greene and Robert Cluck Linear Parks.

With the development of a combined three miles of trails stretched out over 115 acres, as well as the addition of other features like the Caelum Moor Environmental Sculptures and picnic areas, this greenway has taken root in the heart of Arlington's entertainment district. Much of the land is designated for the preservation and development of Johnson Creek's ecosystem.

"NRPA is pleased to honor our nation's park and recreation heroes—agencies and individuals who work tirelessly and with a passion to improve the lives of their citizens and make their communities great," said Barbara Tulipane, Chief Executive Officer of NRPA.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

For more information about the National Recreation and Park Association, visit www.NRPA.org.
For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrec-magazine.org. For more information about Arlington's Parks and Recreation Department visit www.NaturallyFun.org or call 817-459-5474.

Parks 11/2011
Photo by Richard Greene

Environment, News, Parks & Recreation