Friday / August 17, 2018 / 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Design Charrette at Sand Ridge Nature Center (with optional camping)

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland

Join AIA Chicago and ASLA Illinois for a one-day design charrette to help the Forest Preserves of Cook County consider site and building enhancements for Sand Ridge Nature Center, Camp Shabbona Woods, and Green Lake Family Aquatic Center, in South Holland and Calumet City. These three places have been identified as a “gateway site,” a signature site that should be promoted as a destination, and as places to inspire and motivate people to get outdoors and get healthy.

To enhance the charrette experience, spend Thursday night at Camp Shabbona Woods in a cabin or tent. A mini-staycation! Three cabins have been reserved: each sleeps four people. Ten tent pads have been reserved: bring your own tent.

Goals

Architects and landscape architects are invited to help the district:

  • Identify design opportunities to create a campus and make the individual facilities into a connected destination through enhanced signage, incorporation of art, trail and wayfinding improvements;  
  • Assess issues and impacts for a potential new pedestrian bridge over Torrence Avenue;
  • Expand the nature play space at Camp Shabbona Woods;
  • Improve fencing around Sand Ridge Nature Center;
  • Consider whether a new camp registration building is needed or if the current building is adequate.

Schedule

Thursday, August 16     evening and overnight at Camp Shabbona Woods

  •                                         5:00 pm      Campers Arrive
  •                                         6:00 pm      Welcome and Supper

Friday August 17            design charrette at Sand Ridge Nature Center

  •                                          8:00 am     Breakfast
  •                                          9:00           Review background documents and staff presentations
  •                                          11:00         Walking tour of site
  •                                          12:00 pm   Lunch
  •                                          1:00           Breakout design sessions
  •                                          4:00           Report out and next steps
  •                                          6:00           Thank-you dinner

Register through this calendar for the Friday design charrette at Sand Ridge Nature Center.

If you plan to stay overnight at Camp Shabbona Woods, send a note to jpomaranc@aiachicago.org and indicate if you would like a cabin or tent pad. First come, first served! 

Sponsored By

Forest Preserves District of Cook County, ASLA Illinois, AIA Chicago

Member Price

Free

Non Member Price

Free