trail design
States and cities are shifting toward mobility oriented development, and MKM is an established part of that transition. MKM has designed numerous rail trail corridors, working closely with communities to create active recreational spines which in turn stimulate regional economies.
HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TRAIL, OUTDOOR CLASSROOM, MILLERTON, NY
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association worked with MKM and Alexander Isley Inc. to develop an outdoor learning space along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail in Millerton, NY. This project includes outdoor learning clusters along a section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.
The Outdoor Classroom combines education, nature appreciation, and interactive engagement, and will serve as a unique destination for children and adults alike.
HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TRAIL, PHILMONT TO THE VILLAGE OF CHATHAM, NY
This project is a collaboration between the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association and New York State Parks. Various sections of this historic rail corridor have been converted to recreational trail trail since the railroad was decommissioned north of Wassaic Station, in Dutchess County, NY.
The first section of the Harlem Valley Rail Trial, in the Village of Chatham, NY, has been completed. This is the first paved portion of the rail trail which will ultimately connect the Village of Philmont with the Village of Chatham, NY, going through the Town of Ghent. While the entire corridor is 8.5 miles long, this initial section, .5 miles long, connects village residents with several shopping malls just south of the village.
RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR TRAIL
MKM Landscape Architecture was selected by NYC Parks to prepare a master plan and contract documents for the development of a new 50 acre park on the site of a historic former reservoir in the Ridgewood section of Queens, New York. The original reservoir, consisting of three large basins, was constructed in 1858 and associated infrastructure such as pump house buildings, historic fencing, gate valves and granite sluice structures still remain largely intact. Each basin contains a diverse group of ecological habitats that have developed since the reservoir was decommissioned in the 1980’s.
The vision for Ridgewood Reservoir is to create a dynamic, sustainable park that will preserve, restore and enhance the site’s rich historical features and unique ecology while providing recreational, social and educational opportunities for visitors.
Putnam RAIL TRAIL
The New York City Parks Department commissioned MKM Landscape Architecture to develop a general use Greenway along nearly two miles of the Putnam Rail Trail as it passes through Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, NY. In addition, MKM was tasked with completing a master plan for the proposed southern extension of the path from Van Cortlandt Park to the Harlem River.
The Bronx River Greenway
As a project for NYC Parks, MKM Landscape Architecture collaborated with Sam Schwartz Traffic Engineering (SSE) on the reconstruction of the Bronx River Greenway between Unionport Road and Allerton Avenue in the Bronx. The completed reconstruction of this segment improves crosswalks for pedestrians and bicyclists to improve safety. Completion of this segment benefits local Bronx communities, New York City, and regional residents by providing a key pedestrian/bicycle link to existing and proposed Greenway / bicycle routes.
Fisher's island
MKM Landscape Architecture provided extensive design consultant services for a four mile multi-use recreational path on the East End of Fishers Island. As prime consultant, MKM teamed with CME Engineering to protect and enhance the natural and rural character of Fishers Island &s; to design a recreational path that that links various island communities.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
MKM worked with the FeverUP group and NYSOPRHP Staatsburg to provide an immersive Harry Potter Experience in FDR State Park. The installation was titled “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience,” and MKM and The Lignin Group (a design build company owned by MKM Landscape Architecture) assisted the group by removing trees as needed, grading and filling for roads and pedestrian access, and building sets with the FeverUP team. The Staatsburg NYSOPPRHP Commissioner supported MKM and the FeverUP Group in this effort; the work was approved and permitted within a constrained time period. MKM / Lignin built a new boardwalk which NYSOPRHP had wanted in order to enhance trail access in that portion of the park. Site planning by MKM and Lignin added value to the park by enhancing hiking trail development within an area that was previously difficult to access.
