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Shaping Powerful Park Experiences Embracing Creativity and Principals of Art
Track: Resource Management & Park Planning

Friday, May 1st | 1:15 - 2:30pm
Speakers: Guy Michaelsen, Berger Partnership and Craig Larsen, Redmond Parks and Recreation
Room: 316


Description: This presentation is an evolving exploration of how we can approach design and management of parks and public spaces through a lens of creativity and artistry, creating powerful park experiences beyond the typical! The power of the concept lies in its ability to be adapted to projects of any scale, from dramatic park artworks and arts planning to simply re-imagining the way we use, maintain, and program existing park spaces. We demonstrate how even typical park elements can become re-imagined and inspired, creating a park that is as much an exploration of the mind and imagination as an individual's physical experience.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will have an understanding of how a park can inspire, challenge and engage visitors, and, in turn, how visitors can shape and enrich the park by having been there.
  • Participants will gain strategies for using art principles to create a more artistically engaged community and allow public spaces to be curated to evolve over time.
  • Participants will gain the inspiration and energy for creating powerful and engaging park experiences that create a buzz and energize a community.

Speaker Bio: Guy Michaelsen, Berger Partnership

As a principal with Berger Partnership, Guy is inspired and vested in designing projects that impact a site in a meaningful way, thus enriching our daily lives. His strong interest in planning, the urban environment, and place making is complemented by his extensive public facilitation and park design experience throughout the Puget Sound region. In addition to his work with communities, Guy has extensive expertise presenting formally and informally to organizations such as WRPA, NRPA, ASLA, the University of Washington, Washington State University and more!  (His passion for parks and public spaces is matched only by his love of talking!)

Co-presenter Bio: Craig Larsen, Director, Redmond

Craig Larsen has been a Planner and Parks Director for over 30 years and is currently Director of Parks and Recreation in Redmond Washington. He is a regular speaker and presenter at local, regional and national conferences as well regularly presenting design concepts and participating in extensive public outreach efforts related to his Park Director Work.