Prescott Food Forest Project

An overview of the total area. There are paths providing access to all expected entrances and exits. The playground is preserved and expanded. A ring of boulders North of the playground provides a gathering space. A food forest to the West will yield thousands of pounds of food per year.

Arial view of playground (expanded) and ceremonial space. Open space is maintained here, allowing for play, and for gatherings ranging from casual events or large events such as festivals and conferences, enhancing tourism opportunities.

Expanding the playground in combination with the food production and beautification will increase traffic to the park.

Paths through and around the food forest are provided both for efficiency of passing through, as well as for contemplation, maintenance, and play.

Overview of playground and food forest area, a berry farm is a temporary filler between the two for this illustration.

A ring of large boulders with more trees planted around it provides space for gatherings. Kids will use this space to hop from rock to rock, learning to use their bodies and interact with their environment.

Phase 1 North of the main path features primarily native plants that are planted close to one another to create a true food forest setting. Along the North is black walnuts, a native food source (delicious nuts). These trees release Juglone which inhibits growth of many other plants which reduces long-term weed pressure. All of the trees in the food forest are resistant to this chemical.

South of the path is a food forest using fruits that are more familiar to most people such as apples and Asian pears.

The food forest is a densely planted grouping of (primarily) native trees and bushes. This dense planting allows for a natural succession and reduces the need for maintenance as the trees will form a canopy to shade out most grasses and weeds.