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Harbor Park, Camden Amphitheatre & Library Grounds
Camden, Maine
Heritage Landscapes has completed and is engaged in a number of important planning and implementation projects for the Camden Library Grounds and Amphitheatre, both by Fletcher Steele 1928-1931, and adjacent Harbor Park, by Olmsted Brothers 1930-1935. These landscapes, located in the heart of the community, are character-defining elements of the Town of Camden and are used heavily by both townspeople and tourists. A comprehensive Historic Landscape Report and Preservation Treatment Plan was prompted in 1997 by library expansion and related impacts to the Steele Amphitheatre. For this research and planning report the team documented history and existing conditions, assessed change and continuity, explored preservation treatment options and recommended restoration and rehabilitation treatments for components landscapes with full consideration of historic values, current and future use and management. As planning shifted toward implementation community conflicts arose and the landscape architect played an important role in working with citizens through the issues to consensus and in drafting clear guidance for project undertakings in each area.
In 1998 the first implementation project addressed construction documents for the rehabilitation of Atlantic Avenue to include new sidewalks, crosswalks, lights and parking arrangements. In 1999 the Library Grounds was planted to new shade trees and the Meadow vegetation and water supply was addressed. For 2003-2004 construction documents and administration for the partial restoration of the Camden Amphitheatre and the rehabilitation of Harbor Park. During this process Heritage Landscapes aided the community in the formation of the Camden Conservancy for Harbor Park and Amphitheatre. The comprehensive Harbor Park rehabilitation included reconstructed paths and steps and new ADA ramp, lighting, irrigation, water supply and hundreds of shrub, groundcover and trees plantings to recapture the Olmsted Brothers design character. The phase one restoration of Steele's Amphitheatre addressed repair of stone steps and walls, improved soils and drainage, water supply and irrigation, and selected restored plantings. The Camden community celebrated the rededication of these community treasures September 2004. Work on the Faun's Garden, Amphitheatre details and one Steel designed toolhouse will proceed in 2006 funded by a National Trust Lowe's grant. Education and interpretation initiatives are also planned. The completed project won a VTASLA Design Merit Award in 2005.
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"I cannot say strongly enough what a pleasure it is to work with Heritage Landscapes and how fortunate we all are to have had your dedication, knowledge and creativity on this project. We have gotten our money's worth and then some."
Copyright © 2008 Heritage Landscapes