EDGE

Our team was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Great Council State Park Interpretive Center this Friday!

The new center serves as both a museum and an education center, telling the story of the Shawnee tribes that inhabited Old Chillicothe. We were moved by the powerful words of the Shawnee, Eastern Shawnee, and Absentee Shawnee tribal leaders; and are inspired by the dedication of Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine who were instrumental in bringing this vision to reality.

The project, led by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Ohio History Connection and designed by Abbot Studios, marks an important milestone in our state’s history. As the landscape architect, we're grateful to have been part of such an important project and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our community.

Today we pause to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We take pride in creating meaningful spaces that honor our veterans, service men and women, and their families, such as Veteran's Memorial Park in Village of Whitehouse, Ohio. In these spaces our heroes are immortalized through remembrance, and their legacy lives on in the hearts of our community. "Thank You" does not begin to illustrate the gratitude we hold for the dedicated service members who preserve our freedom.

We were thrilled to attend the grand opening of the Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena earlier this week. As the landscape architect for the arena, we embraced the challenge of meticulously integrating this state-of-the-art facility onto a tight existing site shared by the existing Galbreath Equine Center. The arena simulates a real competition environment with multiple surfaces and grade changes to help veterinary staff and students better provide care and diagnostics for the horses.

We were grateful to work with The Ohio State University facilities project team, our friends at Wellogy, and the generous donors and stakeholders who brought this passion project to life. The result is a facility that symbolizes a new era of excellence in veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University and will inspire generations of students for years to come.

We love getting out of the office to expand our knowledge base with 175+ of our closest Landscape Architecture friends at The Ohio Chapter ASLA’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Vendor Expo.

We had a great time learning about what the future holds for Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati from each city’s Planning Directors; becoming inspired by Gonzalo Cruz of AECOM Group about how we can incorporate elements of coastal resiliency into our waterfront projects; learning how to craft a more inclusive public engagement experience from Alexa Gonzalez of Hive Public Space; and ended the day learning about one of our favorite topics native meadow plantings (and how to best frolic in them).

A huge shout out to our very own team members who serve on The Ohio Chapter ASLA Executive Committee that helped plan and coordinate the day’s event, Doug Boyer (President-Elect), Chris Laster (Past-President / Trustee), and Megan Meyer (Secretary).

📷 by: Norbenronale

Yesterday marked a monumental day in our state's history as we broke ground on the first phase of The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds. Having provided master planning and landscape architecture as part of the dedicated design team, we're deeply honored to have played a role in bringing the vision of Governor Mike DeWine, the Expo 2050 Task force, Ohio legislators, the Fairgrounds Team, and so many passionate stakeholders to life. From conceptualization to design, every step has been guided by a shared commitment to celebrating our great state's heritage and culture.

We're incredibly grateful to all the partners, collaborators, and visionaries who have poured their hearts and souls into making this dream a reality. It has been a pleasure to work alongside the talented design and construction team—Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, Wellogy, Populous, Korda Engineering, Turner Construction Company, Hill International, 3C Industries, Bennett Engineering Services, BCL Enterprises, and Roto Group. This project is a testament to our determination to create something truly exceptional.

Stay tuned as we continue toward creating the most remarkable state fair and expo in the nation. As we look ahead, we're filled with anticipation for these new spaces, the memorable experiences they will offer, and their ability to showcase the very best of Ohio's history, culture, and innovation.

Three years ago, EDGE came together with 4 other local firms to participate in a visioning process to connect Columbus to its most valuable resources. Rapid 5 gave us an opportunity to use creative and innovative problem solving-skills to come up with unique ways to unify 5 Central Ohio waterways into a single cohesive greenway system. Today, we are happy to see this vision come to life as we work to connect several trail segments along the Big Walnut Creek Corridor!

RAPID 5 Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) ULI Columbus Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

We recently had the incredible opportunity to take an EDGE-ucational tour of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio facility. We were so fortunate to design the landscape elements and courtyard for the addition, led by Meyers+Associates. Those of us who hadn't seen the project previously were blow away by the care put into every detail of this facility. The whimsical and interactive spaces were seemingly endless and imbued with many diverse elements of fun. Each space comes together to create an uplifting environment for the parents and siblings of children staying in the hospitals nearby.

We want to extend another huge thanks to the passionate staff of Ronald McDonald House not just for taking us on a spectacular tour, but for the difference they make through their work everyday.🫶

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

Let’s raise a coffee mug in appreciation of Carolyn Griffiths, our dedicated Business Controller and quintessential office mom for .

Carolyn is the backbone of our office and ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Her unwavering dedication, infectious spirit, and unparallelled stories make every day in the EDGE office brighter. Thank you for everything you do, Carolyn, you’re the real MVP! 👏

The enthusiasm we felt yesterday as part of the crowd at the ribbon cutting for the new Columbus Metropolitan Library Reynoldsburg Branch is inspiring. This facility is a testament to the shared vision and dedication of the community and library system, and we're honored to have played a part in making this dream a reality alongside CML, the dedicated community, the City of Reynoldsburg, Ohio- Government, JBAD, GUND Partnership, Turner construction, and so many others.

While touring, our team couldn’t help but enjoy the interconnectivity with nature both inside and outside of the building, with a floor-to-ceiling glass façade that gives impressive views to the treeline and the plaza. With seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, we're eager to see how this facility becomes a hub for learning, gathering, and growth for everyone in our community.

We are excited to share that EDGE recently accept the George H. Cate, Jr. Award from the METRO Tree Advisory Committee on behalf of our NOVEL Harpeth Heights by Crescent Communities project at the Metro Nashville Arbor Day Ceremony. The award was attributed to the project’s “efforts to follow and exceed the spirit and intentions of the Metro Tree Ordinance.” We were pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Crescent Communities to plan the development, and we were able to incorporate 1,013 trees into the neighborhood! Each tree was sourced and individually tagged at the nursery by EDGE. This included an orchard consisting of 30 apple and peach trees within the project!

Last Night AIA Toledo held their 74th Annual High School Design Competition awards ceremony (the longest running program of its kind in the country!)

EDGE, together with The Collaborative and Unilock, sponsored the Landscape Architecture Award. Congratulations to Matthew Schmidt of St. Francis de Sales School, and Holli Torok and Evan Stigill of Anthony Wayne High School on their accomplishments in the Landscape Architecture category!

The American Institute of Architects

What a fantastic weekend engaging with the vibrant citizens of Toledo on our Glass City Riverwalk Vistula concepts! It was truly inspiring to connect with you, listen to diverse perspectives, and gather invaluable feedback.

Thank you to Toledo Design Collective, Metroparks Toledo, and everyone who joined us to contribute to the conversation. Together, we're building more than just a park–we're cultivating a space for the community shaped by the community. We can't wait to continue this journey together!

We're thrilled to welcome Kristyn Bowden to our team as a Senior Associate at EDGE! With a wealth of experience in landscape architecture and a passion for community-centric design, Kristyn is set to make a profound impact on our Toledo practice. Get to know Kristyn and learn more about her career in our latest press release: https://www.edgela.com/news/edge-welcomes-new-senior-associate-kristyn-bowden/

EDGE Welcomes New Senior Associate: Kristyn Bowden | EDGE Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Planning EDGE is proud to announce the addition of Kristyn Bowden, a landscape architect and project manager with 18 years of experience, to our team. With a wealth of experience across the Midwest and East Coast, Kristyn returns to her roots in Northwest, Ohio, to embark on the next step in her career as ED...

Doug Boyer is a self-proclaimed playground enthusiast—and one of EDGE's newest Associate Principals.

If you’ve had the pleasure of working with Doug, you may know that he’s a talented designer with a passion for creating functional and beautiful spaces that tell a story. Or that he has over a decade of experience developing sustainable and community-focused designs. But did you know that he’s a proud father and an avid Spartans fan?

Get to know Doug like never before in our latest on edgela.com: www.edgela.com/news/meet-doug-boyer

Meet Doug Boyer | EDGE Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Planning Hey there, I’m Doug, one of the Associate Principals here at EDGE. With over a decade of experience under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of parks, streetscapes, civic, and education projects. From therapeutic gardens to corporate headquarters, my approach has always...

We’re feeling energized by our recent collaboration with Columbus Recreation and Parks Department on the newly designated “Warner Woods Nature Preserve” which will safeguard habitats and provide enriching nature encounters for the community. Taking a sensitive design approach, our plan for Warner Woods carefully delineates passive recreation such as walking pa­­ths and birdwatching from active recreation features such as sports fields and the playground. This intentional separation protects a large portion of the existing ecology, laying the groundwork for the park’s recognition as a nature preserve.

Learn more about this new preserve and others in the city here: https://www.wosu.org/2024-03-27/columbus-adds-five-new-nature-preserves-to-make-parks-more-accessible-amid-development

Columbus adds five new nature preserves to make parks more accessible amid development Columbus expands green spaces with five new nature preserves, including Warner Woods, to safeguard local wildlife and offer residents more parks

If you won't be traveling for Spring Break this year, fight the FOMO with 5 of our favorite ideas:

🏊‍♀️ 1. Lounge poolside at the nearest community center or residential complex
🏕️ 2. Go camping (or , if that's more your style) at the local state park
🍻 3. Try that new brewery you've been hearing about, bonus points if it has an outdoor patio
🏞️ 4. Hit the trails with your pet, and soak in some well-deserved vitamin D
🥏 5. Get your heart rate up with a game of sand volleyball, ultimate frisbee, co****le, etc.

Spring is officially here! We're sure many of you jet setters will be passing an EDGE project or two at John Glenn Columbus International Airport as you head out of town for spring break. Where are you traveling for vacation this year? Leave a comment!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and the color on our mind is…Orange?

When discussing design, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge the Delaware County District Library Orange Branch. Despite opening a decade ago, this sustainable community showpiece still captivates with its progressive design by MKC Architects. The landscape features stormwater bio-retention gardens, bio-swales, preserved wetlands, and native plant materials, and a with commitment to water conservation, every detail of this state-of-the-art branch library and its site are a testament to environmentally responsible design.

Discover Healthy New Albany, a nonprofit devoted to promoting a healthy lifestyle for all ages, nestled in New Albany's Village Center. Partnering with The Daimler Group, and guided by the elegance of the Georgian style architecture, our design for the site seamlessly integrates the center with the surrounding area for a small-town feel. Outdoor spaces include a terrace with a fire pit and an inviting streetscape with pedestrian sidewalks for walking, jogging, and traveling between retail offerings. Healthy living never looked so good!

We’re a big proponent of the profound significance public art makes in our communities. From sculptures to murals, interpretive signage and more, we seek to integrate a variety of artistic and educational features into our projects.

Accessible public art isn't just about aesthetics; it's a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, sparking dialogue, celebrating our history, and shaping the identity of our surroundings. By incorporating diverse artistic forms, we aim to contribute to the cultural richness and social cohesion of our everyday environments.

How has art in your community had an impact on you? We’d love to know your thoughts and experiences!

EDGE is diving deep into the details as we design for Phase I implementation of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair 2050 plan. Collaboration is a critical part of our process, and we recently got together to refine materials selections. When we leverage each individual team member’s skills, expertise, and experience from prior projects, we gain a more wholistic insight into every design consideration—resulting in more creative concepts and solutions.

Rest assured that when we charette, not a single idea is left on the table…just many aggregate samples.

Curious if making the to Revit is worth it for your firm? Spend a few minutes of your bonus day discovering the answer in our latest expert series article "Is Revit Worth the Investment?" Chris Laster and Tammy Monnin share their opinion, including insight specific to Landscape Architecture. (Spoiler: It has been a total industry game-changer for us, and we’ll tell you why!)

Read it here: www.edgela.com/news/expert-series-is-revit-worth-the-investment

Is Revit Worth the Investment? | EDGE Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Planning In a design landscape that is defined by constant innovation, it can often feel daunting to keep up with the latest-and-greatest technology. Revit integration for landscape architecture firms is no exception. As with any advancement, there is an upfront cost in time and resources to transition from....

For we’re stepping into the past to revisit the evolution of the Columbus State Community College Delaware Campus. We had the incredible opportunity to contribute our expertise in master planning and landscape architecture to transform 100 acres into a vibrant hub for education in Delaware County, Ohio.

Collaborating closely with Columbus State leadership, we embarked on a journey to define spaces that not only support growth but inspire academic excellence. Buildings, plazas, greenspaces, parking lots, and circulation routes are thoughtfully related to one another to provide a campus environment that is as functional as it is aesthetically-pleasing. From master planning to the realization of LEED Gold Moeller Hall, every detail takes the student experience into account.

Looking back, we are proud to have played a part in laying the foundation for countless students' academic journeys.🎓

We're celebrating Valentine's Day by sharing what we absolutely love about working at EDGE. 💖

The passion our people bring to our projects and profession is just one of many things that make our culture so special. Read our full Valentine's blog here: https://www.edgela.com/news/why-i-love-working-at-edge/

Hensville Park in Toldeo fosters a sense of connection through intentionally curated spaces that support programming and events that bring the community together. Whether claiming a spot on the lawn for a concert, finding your Zen in a group yoga session, or throwing a frisbee around with friends, there is always an opportunity here to partake in the enjoyment of the outdoors.

We appreciate the power of urban parks to introduce open space and natural environments amidst bustling metropolitan centers. These spaces serve as a break from the fast-pace of city life. After all, everyone can benefit from a breath of fresh air, a stroll through the grass, and a moment to stop and smell the flowers (pups included). 🐾

We are thrilled to welcome MaKayla to the EDGE team! An award-winning marketer, she helps our team communicate the value our passion and process bring to projects. As a licensed drone pilot, MaKayla helps take our photography to new heights. Her passion for creative expression and data-driven design have already made her an invaluable addition to the team. Welcome aboard, MaKayla!

For we are reminiscing on the donor memorial at the Lifeline of Ohio headquarters. The concentric design centers on the theme of “the ripple effect”—capturing how organ donation creates a ripple that touches not just the recipients, but their loved ones, friends, and future generations. The theme is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape architectural features, from the central fountain to the patterns in the pavement and shapes created by the memorial elements.

📷 by feinknopf