Location: Huxley, Iowa
Completion Date: December, 1992
Project Size: 1,400 sq. ft.
Abstract: The City of Huxley utilized a Iowa DNR Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant award to fund the construction of this 1,400 square foot educational pavilion. The pavilion, along with additional trees shrubs and prairie plantings comprised the second phase of development for the city park.

Conceived as a “gateway” structure to the park, the rough-sawn 6×6 Western Red Cedar structural members form a visually open entrance support for the cedar shingled roof which is intended to offer a sense of shelter. All of the pavilion construction members, from posts to roof deck to painted steel structural plates are exposed to educate on the method of construction and attachment. Prairie and planting identification signage was incorporated into the structure, along with benches for visitor use.

Location: Ames, Iowa
Completion Date: September 17, 1991
Project Size: 3,150 sq. ft.
Abstract: Iowa DNR Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant funding provided the start for this complex at a new prairie park in Ames. The initial plan called for a shelter house and restrooms. Separate funding was later acquired for an observation tower to be located south of the shelter. A system of accessible trails, signage and lighting were also added.

The centerpiece of the development is the 2,600 square foot shelter house which is large enough to accommodate 200 people. Originally conceived of as a simple open pavilion, additional study and development led to the current agrarian influenced shelter. Corn crib siding was utilized in the all cedar structure to provide air circulation and to create a nighttime lantern on the high point on which it was situated.

A 400 square foot cedar sided wood frame restroom building sits to the northwest, while a 150 square foot open air observation tower was located to the south to provide an elevated view of the park and the city.