southside lions

RVK’s landscape team was responsible for three separate phases of multiple improvements throughout Southside Lions Park. Phase One consisted of a paved trail, measuring approximately one mile in length around Southside Lions Lake and provided a connection to the 2.3 mile trail system for the South Salado Creek Greenway. The loop trail around the upper property that includes the Community Center, swimming pool, playground, and athletic fields, was also connected to form a full perimeter trail. The addition of solar powered trail lighting offered an added measure of pedestrian security during non-peak hours. An open-air steel pavilion was added, and three existing pavilions were renovated. Phase Two scope included a trail to connect the lower property (Southside Lions Lake) to the upper property (Community Center). This trail segment included rest nodes and wayfinding signage. An outdoor basketball court, a trailhead with picnic units and a scenic overlook were also completed in this phase. Phase Three included a trail connection from the Phase Two trail near the Hiawatha trailhead to the Senior Center and Dog Park. Trail amenities included three rest nodes with exposed finish concrete and boulder seating. Other features included two additional picnic units at the trailhead, solar trail lighting, wayfinding signage and a kiosk with an overall park map. A steel frame fabric canopy shade structure at the existing basketball court was also installed.

Other site improvements inclusive of all three phases included the addition of stone entry monument signs, renovations to the existing roadway around the lake, drainage improvements, a steel pedestrian bridge and new parking areas.

Our design successfully met the objectives of the project, which were to: 1) enhance the community park environment for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of the surrounding neighborhoods; 2) expand the number of desirable activities with a healthy balance between active recreation and more passive aesthetic experiences; 3) preserve and sustain native plant and animal life, natural resources and historically and culturally significant areas within the park; and 4) link with other neighborhoods and public facilities through the Salado Creek Linear Park Greenway System.