About

Dr. Graham was a man ahead of his time, in 1919. Dr. Graham's 55-acre gift of parkland to Olmsted County contained conditions that the park go "green" long before "green" was fashionable.

Dr. Graham had a vision of arousing interest in adopting "modern methods and to look with favor upon scientific developments" (1919 Deed). Through the generous help of the Rochester Design Society, LGR 2008 began by proposing the thoughtful and sustainable Re-Imagination of Graham Park.

The two major contributors to greenhouse gases are transportation (27 percent) and the construction and operation of buildings (48 percent). The initial Re-Imagination of Graham Park calls for the re-use of the historic buildings on the northeast corner of the park and the grandstand. This key, but often overlooked, "green" opportunity is the adaptive re-use of existing buildings.

To aid in combating this use of natural resources, the Friends of Graham Park envisions restoring and updating the buildings on the northeast corner to include energy efficient heating and amenities that allow for year round use. We are also open to exploring further utilization of geothermal energy already used in the Graham Arenas.

Transportation and access to Graham Park are key factors to its use and environmental impact. The Friends of Graham Park are working to get pedestrians and bicyclists to the park in a safe and efficient manner. Although Graham Park is in a prime location, pedestrian access is dismal. Graham Park must be connected to Rochester's extensive path system to ease the demand on vehicle access.

On the site itself, it is important to reduce the reliance on the use of traditional storm sewers, pipes and ponds in Graham Park. The Friends of Graham Park plans to minimize impervious surfaces and integrate storm-water facilities into the site design using small-scale, integrated management practices such as bio-retention, vegetated swales, permeable pavement and vegetated roofs.

Initial concepts include creating a landscape that slows flows and increases the duration storm flows stay on the site. This "Low Impact Development" mimics the slow movement of water typical in a forested landscape and creates an attractive landscape. A rain garden can provide lush landscape that beautifies Graham Park and manages storm-water.