Blue Ash Towne Square Renovation
Blue Ash, Ohio
The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Blue Ash Towne Square Renovation is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.
The Blue Ash Towne Square renovation reimagines a fragmented public space as a vibrant, layered landscape where accessibility, civic pride, and everyday rhythm converge. Through intentional design, the square is transformed into a true neighborhood anchor-a shared front porch that invites connection, reflection, and celebration.
From Disjointed to Dynamic
Previously defined by disjointed amenities, awkward grades, and parking that fragmented the site, the park was detached from downtown life. The new design restructures circulation, reorients access, and introduces a clear, layered framework that integrates movement, gathering, play, and quietude across the site.
A Framework for Daily Life
At its core, the square is organized around a sequence of complementary spaces that encourage a full spectrum of use:
• The Promenade stitches together park and storefronts, creating a tree-lined pedestrian corridor that activates businesses and encourages daily social exchange.
• The Civic Green + Pavilion form the beating heart of the square-a flexible, open lawn framed by a sculptural pavilion that supports events, performances, and everyday respite.
• Play Pockets unfold as a linear ribbon-building in scale and challenge to invite climbing, lounging, and creative play for all ages. Seating edges double as social zones or event perches.
• The Grove offers a shaded crossroads framed by native gardens and ambient lighting. Sculptural pebbles blur the line between furniture and play, creating space for gathering, pausing, or imaginative exploration.
• Water Play elements invite sensory delight with textured surfaces and cooling jets-bringing summer relief and dynamic movement into the park experience.
• Dog Park Integration meets the daily needs of nearby residents, offering a compact but essential space for social connection among neighbors and their companions.
A Memorial Reimagined
One of the most profound transformations is the Veterans Memorial. Once isolated and static, it now forms a ceremonial procession-anchored by existing sculptures re-sited along a contemplative path and surrounded by richly layered plantings. This dignified setting honors service while inviting reflection to become part of the park experience.
Access for All
Universal accessibility was fundamental to the redesign. The team regraded key areas and refined circulation to ensure every element-from elevated terraces to water features-is fully inclusive. Walkability and visibility are prioritized throughout, removing former barriers and inviting all visitors to fully engage the park.
Legacy and Impact
The square is designed to support day and night use, year-round activity, and a wide range of programs-from casual lunch breaks to citywide events. It enhances economic synergy downtown while giving residents a place to simply be-relaxed, connected, and proud of where they live.
More Than a Park
The new Blue Ash Towne Square is not just an improvement-it's a cultural and civic expression of who the community is and hopes to be. By blending legacy, function, and beauty, it has become a lasting place of belonging at the heart of daily life.
To see more Park projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/call-for-editorial-parks#article1
For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php
