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 is proposing the thoughtful and sustainable Re-Imagination of Graham Park. A key, but often overlooked, "green" opportunity is the creative re-use of existing buildings.

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.

LGR envisions restoring and updating the buildings on the northeast corner to include heating and amenities that allow for year round use.

LGR is 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.

First, LGR is working on how 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. Graham Park can also use a "green" facelift.

LGR aims to reduce the reliance on the use of traditional storm sewers, pipes and ponds in Graham Park. LGR 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 plans 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.