Creekfront activation: strategies for linear spaces and nature-based activities along Wildcat Creek

Abstract

In recent decades, many cities have rediscovered and embraced riverfront development as an ecologic, economic, and social asset. The trend of more active and purposeful riverfront development may even be accelerating (Otto et al. 2004). However, creeks as smaller watershed features than rivers, are far more abundant, while being largely ignored and underused (Marsh 2010). Compared to rivers, smaller creeks are often more sinuous, more prone to flooding, overgrown with vegetation, and steep embankments often restrict physical creek access. Creeks are often not seen by the public, and as a result, are an underutilized community asset. In addition, with the increased popularity of sedentary online activity, outdoor nature-based activities are neglected. Many people may seldom encounter nature, especially along creeks which are rich in ecological diversity and can be a site for active recreation and education (Szczepanski 2006; Gruno and Gibbons 2020). Therefore, addressing how communities and designers can better utilize creeks for recreational and educational purposes is a topic worth discussing. This report explores the research question: “How can nature-based recreational and educational programs that are resilient to periodic flooding be developed along creeks that frequently flood while maintaining better creek accessibility?” Research methods included a review of the literature, compiling and analyzing precedents, and conducting projective design for two sites along Wildcat Creek in Manhattan, Kansas. The outcome is an activation guide for nature-based recreational and educational activities located along creekfronts which can be used by community groups, landowners, and designers.