Unity Park Greenville, South Carolina
Services Provided
Focus Area Planning
Urban Park Design
Community Engagement
Construction Documentation
People Involved
Darren Meyer
Andrew Overbeck
John Woods
Don Jewett
Haoting Shi
Donald Zellefrow
Luis Calvo
Matt Kellogg
Integrating public park design with neighborhood planning, to create sustainable solutions with an immediate positive impact.
Located just west of the vibrant downtown of Greenville, South Carolina, the neighborhoods of Southernside and West Greenville have a rich history of textile industry and a vibrant culture of neighborhood life and civic activism. In response to increasing development interest and in keeping with decades of study of the Reedy River corridor, MKSK was selected by the City of Greenville to provide an action-oriented plan to create great public spaces and align the trajectory of future development with the goals of the community.
With the Reedy River running through the heart of the 350-acre study area, MKSK took a multi-faceted approach to neighborhood development: development of the signature Unity Park complemented by an affordable housing strategy and form-based code to guide surrounding development. This approach ensures that not only the park but the adjacent neighborhoods around it will reflect the community's values and vision.
"Living up to the aspirational name of Unity Park was a challenge, but it has been remarkable to see how the park has become part of everyday living. From morning walking groups to church services on the lawn, Unity Park demonstrates what's possible when we design for parks at the center of community life. By restoring the ecological health of the Reedy River, planning for affordable housing around the park, and designing immersive park features that capture the spirit of place, we have helped to re-connect the Greenville community through the shared benefits and universal magnetism of great park space."
- Darren Meyer, ASLA, PLA, AICP, Principal Landscape Architect and Planner, MKSK
Leading a team of design, engineering, and policy experts from around the country, MKSK has continued the Greenville tradition of high quality public space and public life in the urban neighborhoods of the west side.
