Trinity Pocket Park

A New Small Town Public Space

Client

Somerset [Main Street], Inc.

Location

Somerset Borough, PA

Years

2014-2020

Somerset Borough badly needed high-quality public spaces to serve residents, workers, and as a venue for special event. SGA facilitated the acquisition of the property needed and oversaw the design and construction of a compact, multi-functional, and lush green space known as Trinity Park, in the main block of the Uptown central business district.

Inspired by regional geologic outcroppings and utilizing locally sourced materials as much as possible, Trinity Park evokes a nestled piece of native landscape yet functions as an urban public space. The signature elements are three oak sculpture seating elements constructed of regional white oak timbers. The brick paving is estimated to be more than 100 years old and was sourced from a street slated for excavation and reconstruction in Connellsville, PA. These aged bricks are matched with modern solar light pavers to enhance the evening and year-round utilization of the park. Our design of the park links the past with modern elements that respond to current environmental values. The park has the first large-scale raingarden in Somerset and is densely planted with layered plantings emphasizing native habitats and supporting pollinator species.

The park includes several programming elements that range from informal seating to the ability to support a wide variety of dynamic events including concerts, markets, and organized dinners in the park. As one of the oldest organized main street programs in Pennsylvania, the organization wanted the ability to expand its already noted events including its Fire and Ice and the annual antiques faire that has been held in the town since 1962.

Services

Landscape Architecture
Project Implementation Management
Parks, Recreation, & Green Space
Resiliency, Green Infrastructure, & Landscape Utilities

Project Facts

0.19 Acres
60% funded by donations