JLG collaborated with landscape architects at Confluence to lead the simultaneous, expedited redesign of two key community destinations in Apple Valley, MN. Kelley Park’s central location and open spaces make it a popular venue for outdoor events and family gatherings, complete with a playground and splash pad. The nearby Redwood Park spans 12 acres of recreation, including a community pool, playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, and sports courts and fields. With both parks well-used but aging, community charrettes and public forums were held to gather feedback on the redesign of the parks, pool, and playground features. Informed by that input, the existing bathhouse and pool were demolished. Work is sequenced to complete the Redwood Park bathhouse first, followed by the Kelley Park bandshell and restroom building. The community advocated for solar-ready buildings and warm, contemporary architecture, with budget and site constraints shaping the final scale of the bandshell.
Key components of the Redwood Park redesign include a fully inclusive playground; new courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and Ecuavolley; expanded parking; a new pool; a sustainably designed park building; accessible restrooms; pool mechanical equipment; and a natural stormwater area. Kelley Park improvements include a new playground, a sustainably designed splash pad, an expanded restroom facility, on-site parking with designated food truck space, and a new stage with a sloped lawn relocated to the southwest corner. A looped trail system connects all park amenities, with a future pedestrian tunnel linking both parks.
Each project incorporates sustainable design strategies through the use of renewable, low-carbon building materials that reinforce a strong connection to nature. Thermally modified wood enhances durability and resistance to moisture without chemical treatments, while exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) stores carbon within the building structure. At Redwood Park, exposed glulam beams further celebrate the warmth and craftsmanship of mass timber construction, creating inviting community spaces while reducing the project’s embodied carbon footprint. In addition, the buildings were designed to be solar-ready, allowing for future photovoltaic panel installation that supports the City’s long-term sustainability goals. Together, these strategies create resilient, environmentally responsible facilities that blend naturally with their park settings — offering all ages and abilities a wide range of recreational, cultural, and artistic experiences.