Marlboro Township Living Memorial

David Kamp, Dirtworks, Inc. October 3, 2002 Site Visit

General Notes/Context

  • The proposed site for the Township of Marlboro's Living Memorial is within the campus setting of the Township's municipal complex which includes the Town Hall and Recreation Center. The site is approximately ___ acres, on a piece of land that was historically a dairy farm.
  • The southwest face of the Recreation Center is an outdoor stage with an adjacent lawn that serves as a seasonal concert/performance venue. Surrounding both building complexes are extensive parking lots and several heavily used playing fields. Open lawns to the south and northeast of the main buildings are used for overflow parking during major public events.
  • A wetland, part of the Big Brook watershed (?), forms the northern boundary of the property, forming a natural buffer from other development. Its character is of an open marsh meadow of low-lying shrubs and grasses.
  • The proximity of Route 18, a major commuting route, makes Wyncrest Road a significant thoroughfare during rush hour. Some buffer planting and berming between Wyncrest Road and the municipal grounds exist as mitigation, but the noise and view of traffic remains a significant factor in selecting a site within the municipal campus.
  • The municipal grounds are surrounded by residential development. Although development is occurring throughout the area, the homes in the immediate vicinity are well-established with mature buffer plantings, lending the site a semi-rural character.
  • The site is largely flat, presumably to maximize areas for parking and playfields, with an overall natural gentle slope to toward the wetland. There is significant variation in topography adjacent to Wyncrest Road to mitigate views of the road.
  • Most of the existing walkways appear to be accessible in terms of gradient (less than or equal to 5%). There is a notable drop in elevation between the Town Hall and the Recreation Center, necessitating the need for separate vehicular access and parking.
  • The site is very open in nature, making it subject to wind and sun exposure. Trees have been planted in the parking lots but they have not yet reached a size that offers significant shade. The usable open spaces in the Northern portions of the site are lower in elevation and therefore relatively protected from winds. Buffer planting along Wyncrest Road may eventually offer a more protected setting, but at this time the effect is nominal.
  • Outward views are almost nonexistent, except for views toward wetland and wooded areas.

Site Selection Process

The planners of the Living Memorial project explored five different locations for the Living Memorial, considering many of the opportunities and constraints described above. The first two areas were rejected relatively early in the process due to potential conflicts with pedestrians and vehicular traffic, issues of accessibility, unsightly views of parking, and the size of space.

The other three options considered were the three major open lawn spaces that border Wyncrest Road. The space to the south and directly between the Town Hall and the Recreation Center seemed logical due to its size and proximity to both facilities. It has several major drawbacks, including dramatic changes in topography, frequent need for overflow parking, and the unknown location of existing utilities below grade. It is also used as an active outdoor play space and performance space, which would conflict with the quieter, contemplative character of a memorial.

The open lawn in the northwest corner, adjacent to the wetland meadow, was also considered. Its proximity to the wetland as a connection to Nature was a clear advantage, but issues such as topography (a steep berm would have to be negotiated for access), conflict of use (need for overflow parking) and distance from parking and the existing facilities ruled it out as a location.

The most desirable location for the memorial is the smaller of the three lawn spaces, across the Recreation Center access road. What makes this site unique and desirable is a combination of the existing landforms, buffer planting, and size - giving it an immediate feeling of intimacy.

Marlboro's site
Marlboro Township's gently sloping site. Photo: Erika Svendsen


There is no existing walkway to the site, but the adjacent parking lot is flat and access could be easily achieved. An informal arc of trees and shrubs offers some visual buffering from the adjacent parking. This arc form offers opportunities for creating a welcoming entrance to the memorial. The existing landforms (berms) offer a sense of partial-enclosure as one walks through the arc of trees and a subtle alleviation of wind and noise exposure. Views of Wyncrest Road and power lines are partially mitigated by the berms, and plantings. Views beyond are of mature trees. The adjacent parking lot is the least used of all the parking areas yet would offer ready access for disabled or elderly visitors. The space is close to the police station and visible from the recreation facility, which should help deter vandalism.

There are some disadvantages of the chosen space that are shared by the other spaces, which should be considered when undertaking the design. One drawback is a lack of water or electrical connections. Ambient lighting from the adjacent roads, parking areas and playfields should be accommodated for, and if possible, mitigated with planting or shorter light standards. These considerations must be balanced with making the space feel secure, as well as working within budgetary constraints.

Considerations

  • Creating a more visible and welcoming point of arrival. This could be achieved by removing some of the parking in front of the arc of trees.
  • Providing water and electric connections
  • Providing additional lighting
  • Buffering views and traffic noise from Wyncrest Road with additional planting
  • Buffering views from the adjacent parking with additional planting
  • Consider a phased approach to the Living Memorial development in order to maintain flexibility for future needs and interests. Keep the initial efforts simple and refrain from over developing the space. Leave some of it open.
  • Consider a walkway connection to the wetland.
  • Expand upon initial efforts to commemorate lost individuals by developing a grove of trees.