Orchard Valley

To promote their products, the builder, developer and park district all required exposure at the development's entrance.  While the builder desired the most dramatic entry statement, the developer considered the cost of implementation and the park district was concerned with continuing maintenance.  The landscape architects were challenged with these competing goals.

The community's location at the intersection of two major roadways, while giving it high visibility to passing motorists, created a privacy problem for the residents.  Placing a signature hole - a par 3 of 156 yards with multiple tees and water hazard - at this intersection served two purposes: creating a buffer zone between the homes and the traffic congestion and positioning the entry feature for maximum exposure.

This placement influenced the project grading because the low point for storm water release was at the corner.  A three-tier storm water management system was devised.  The lowest level permitted the 100-year flood plain to pass without damage to the entry feature.  The upper level became the collection point for the project runoff.  The intermediate pool became the entry's dramatic statement, with white water cascading over rocks at two different levels.

A retaining wall edge follows the serpentine curve of the signature green, serving as a signboard with brass letters to display the development's name and logo.  Seasonal color in the form of annual flowers, a mixture of evergreens and deciduous shrubs, and perennial wildflowers guarantees year-round beauty.