Line and Grade was asked to design a tribute park for the Monacan Indian Nation in Albemarle County’s Southwood Neighborhood.
The parcel selected for the park was donated by the neighborhood for the purposes of creating the park. The design and construction costs were funded by a Community Development Block Grant of $100,000. The money needed to be spent within a specific and abbreviated timeframe (for both design and construction).
Our team conducted a series of interviews with the Monacan Indian Nation and met with Southwood Community residents. Collectively, we created a thoughtful, beautiful “pocket park” on time and on budget.
The signage pays tribute to the Monacan Indian Nation, and the design of the park responds to a poem written by one of the Nation’s members. The physical ground of the park was severely encumbered by utilities and easements. As such our design of the park required diligence and intention—to honor the Monacan Indian Nation and at the same time avoid conflicts with utilities.
The park has been incredibly well received by the Monacan Nation and Southwood neighbors alike.
