Skate park expertise and beautiful urban design transform a downtown brownfield site into a community asset

Poplar Bluff Skate Plaza

Responding to community comments, we carefully selected urban design elements to reflect features of the existing environment, fitting into and enhancing its context. We used several of the features found in the surrounding historical architecture, such as a brick façade we replicated on the back transition wall. The focal point for the plaza's main corridor and multi-colored sunburst concrete paving patterns were developed from colors of the local movie theater. Sustainable design feature include carefully placed landscaped areas to drain the site while enhancing the park’s look and feel.  

The urban design theme was particularly significant, as the project was a brownfield renovation of a downtown parking lot, bringing a needed recreation area and a healthier environment to the city. As a result, funding for the project came from a unique and first-time source for skate parks, the MO Foundation of Health.

We provided services throughout the project’s planning, design, and construction. Our community outreach helped with public facilitation, in which we used 3-D modeling to clarify the design. In addition, we provided grand opening assistance.