Walnut Street Park Imaginary Garden Walk Cary, North Carolina
Brick Pavers Add Color, Delight, and Permanence to a New City Park
Source: The King's English
The city of Cary, North Carolina built Walnut Street
Park within an 11-acre infill neighborhood. On one
side, a grassy area hosts a small playground while
the other side contains woods and wetlands. To
define the two spaces, the city commissioned a brick
sculptor to design a public work of art installation,
which is now the Imaginary Garden Walk. The
highlight of the promenade is a design of brown and
yellow pavers set within a background of deep red
clay brick pavers. The design depicts a long, twisting
vine that enters a large circular plaza, where it bursts
into bloom.
Functionally, the promenade connects one end of the park to the other. Artistically, the floral design adds a level of playfulness and imagination to the park by evoking movement and nature. The brick patterns stand out thanks to the rich contrast and variety of colors-hues that will remain vivid and striking long into the future. In addition, the pavers' smooth surface provides access for families who use strollers as well as for individuals in wheelchairs. The ease of future maintenance makes the choice of clay brick pavers fiscally responsible as well.
The project is specifically intended to respect and exhibit the environment. The clay brick pavers themselves represent a green building material as they are made of clay and water-two of the earth's most abundant raw materials. The durability of the pavers will also allow them to last for centuries.
The Imaginary Garden Walk is a place of tranquility and unity with nature, punctuated by elements of surprise and interest. More than just a path or sidewalk, it is something that attracts and holds interest through the changing of the seasons. The promenade has become a true community destination.
The brick patterns are made possible due to the variety of brick colors, which will remain permanent now and into the future.