INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE PARKWAY
A PROJECT BY ANNA HOOKER, KATEE STONE, + JACOB DINES FOR LA 401 REGIONAL DESIGN STUDIO, FALL 2015
original photo by Tom Gill
Purpose The purpose of the Indiana Dunes National Parkway is to showcase the various ecosystems and plant communities that make up the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and educate visitors about them.
Vision The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is home to a wide variety of ecosystems. The purpose of the Indiana Dunes National Parkway is to draw attention to and highlight specific ecosystems found in the Lakeshore area. These ecosystems, like most ecosystems, are subject to intense pressure by human activity. It is important, therefore, that these unique and special ecosystems should be protected. The National Park Service believes that education and exposure to natural ecosystems promotes protection and consideration of these habitats (NPS 2015). Thus, the Indiana Dunes National Parkway highlights the ecosystems found throughout the Lakeshore, subsequently increasing public awareness of these natural ecosystems while providing protection and opportunities for research. This Parkway will also resolve logistical concerns related to the parkway including problem intersections and the rerouting of commercial and commuter traffic.
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Parkway The purpose of the parkway is to create a parkway that showcases and educates visitors about the various ecosystems and plant communities that make up the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
What ecosystems can be found within the lakeshore? Many ecosystem types and plant communities can be found in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, sand dunes being the most obvious. Other landscapes include lake, beach, dune, pond, marsh, oak savanna, forest, prairie, river, bog, and fen. National Park service land numbers about 15 thousand acres.
As plants begin to grow in the sand of the upper portions of beach, dunes may begin to form. These dunes are shifting mounds of sand shaped by the wind. In between the peaks of the dunes, wetlands form and as succession takes its course, trees take over the wetlands to from savanna and forest. Marram grass provides stabilization for the dunes and cottonwood trees are specially adapted to growing in the dunes. If a low space between dunes is protected from wind, plants and animals may be able to move in, and if the depression reached the water table, a pond may form. The resulting habitats dramatically increase the diversity of species in the Indiana Dunes Lakeshore environment.
Lake Michigan is one of the third largest of the five great lakes. Formed around 11,000 years ago following the last glacier retreated. The lake is home to many species of fish, as well as various species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Another ecosystem that contains a wide diversity of species are wetlands, specifically marshes. Marshes can be found in many different places: in backwaters of creeks and rivers, former lakes and ponds, or shallow lagoons. Marshes are home to many plant and animal species.
Beaches serve as a transition between the water and land. Beaches provide habitat for many species of animals as well as plants. However, beach-goers may only be aware of the obvious species of birds, some insects, and the occasional reptile or amphibian. Many species become active at night.
As the marshes and interdunal ponds get filled in by vegetation, trees begin to grow creating oak savanna. Oak savanna are characterized by prairie-type grasses and herbaceous material with black or white oak trees scattered throughout along with understory shrubs. As oak savanna and marshes fill in with trees and shrubs,
original photo by Tom Gill
forests can begin to form. Even old dunes can become blanketed in trees and become known as hardwood dunes, with multiple species of trees and shrubs. While oak savannas are defined by the presence of trees, when they are absent, it is called a prairie. The heart and soul of a prairie are its grasses, with wildflowers fighting their way through the dense vegetation. The lakeshore is along the edge of the tallgrass prairie that once covered 140 million acres of North America. Plants such as big bluestem, little bluestem, indiangrass, and switchgrass can reach heights of eight or nine feet tall and their roots reach down 15 to 25 feet below ground. If you want to view attractive spring wildflowers or a river-side trail then the Heron Rookery along the Little Calumet River is a great choice. Several creeks and rivers flow through parts of the lakeshore. Rivers provide habitat for many species of plant and animals. Many types of wetland habitat can be found in the park, including marshes and bogs. Bogs high pH levels prevent many plant species from surviving. Bogs are also characterized by ‘spongy peat deposits’ (EPA 2013) and a thick layer plant material. Because of unique conditions, the species found in bogs are often specially adapted to survive in such conditions. Pinhook Bog can be found further inland from the main part of the lakeshore but was formed by a large chunk of ice dropping off of the glacier.
Another type of wetland that can be found in the lakeshore is called a fen (NPS 2015). Fens, like bogs, are characterized by peats, but unlike bogs, they are not as acidic; this is because they are fed by groundwater seeping in (EPA 2012).
What spots along the road are best suited for scenic overlooks? In selecting areas for scenic lookouts, spots along US 12 that have views or access to more than one ecosystems are desired though not mandatory. Locations that provide easy access to existing trails and scenic areas are also desired. To keep the natural areas along the parkway pristine, areas within land owned or managed by the National Park Service is preferred. This will allow for protection and maintenance to ensure the future of these ecosystems for the education and enjoyment of visitors and the existence of plant and animal species dependent on them for survival. The end result will be a corridor with scenic nodes along it.
Goal 1: Create a parkway that showcases ecosystems along US 12.
Goal 2: Create a parkway with educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the surrounding ecosystems.
Goal 3: Resolve logistical concerns in terms of multimodal traffic and circulation related to the parkway.
o Provide pull-offs so visitors can view ecosystems as closely as possible.
o Increase understanding of ecosystems through the use of signage and other wayfinding devices along the parkway and at all stopping points.
o Reroute commercial and commuter traffic to reduce congestion and traffic speeds and alleviate safety concerns along the parkway.
o Develop roadside signage to illustrate ecosystems to people in automobiles.
o Design intersections that improve the safety and efficiency of the parkway.
o Design new interpretive trails for guided or unguided tours of parkway ecosystems.
o Promote multi-modal transportation throughout the parkway to provide a variety of ways to experience the ecosystems of the parkway.
o Protect the ecosystems along the parkway for the enjoyment of future generations, by limiting development and disturbance. o Provide easy access to existing trails along the parkway by connecting to and improving access to existing trailheads. o Develop a design language that takes inspiration from natural and cultural surrounds and aesthetics to convey a sense of place along the parkway. o Design parkway entry points that inform visitors that clearly define that you are in the parkway.
o Design and locate shelters along the parkway for programs and other purposes. o Reclaim and reuse existing built areas to minimize disturbance to natural areas. o Locate welcome center(s) at one or both ‘ends’ of the parkway to introduce people to the parkway and the ecosystems within. o Reference the history of the parkway ecosystems and the problems they face to encourage stewardship.
o Continue Calumet Trail for the entire parkway.
CONCEPTUAL PARKWAY MAP
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The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Parkway follows US-12 between Gary and Michigan City taking it past the ecosystems the Parkway would showcase. Running adjacent to the Parkway on the northern side of the road (except near the industrial areas, where it moves the south side for some time) will be the expanded Calumet Bike Trail. The Parkway and the Trail together help to unite the trails, South Shore railroad line, communities, and ecosystems that make up the region. Trailheads and South Shore stations are marked on the map along with the expanded Calumet Trail and the Indiana Dunes National Parkway. The stars indicate where pull-offs have been proposed. These function as nodes for the showcasing of ecosystems as well as providing connection points to existing trails and attractions. Also shown on this map are the areas where traffic will be rerouted to limit the presence of commercial traffic on the Parkway. These areas are further explained later on.
site plan (full spread map) DUNE ACRES
PORT OF INDIANA
GARY OGDEN DUNES GARY
BURNS HARBOR PORTAGE
MICHIGAN CITY
BEVERLY SHORES
PINES
site plan (full spread map) PORTER
CHESTERTON
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GOAL 1
Create a parkway that showcases ecosystems along US 12.
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OVERLOOK PULL-OFF PLAN
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OVERLOOK PULL-OFF This pull-off connects to a small parking area for the Tolleston Dunes Overlook. From the overlook, visitors can see dunes, wetland, and Long Lake. The overlook will have information about the different environments and the plants and animals that live there. The Tolleston dunes overlook pull-off allows guests to view many of the ecosystems found along the dunes. These include woodland, grassland, wetland, and exposed dunes. As guests arrive at the pull-off they park in a small lot and walk a short trail to the overlook where they can enjoy the landscape any time of year.
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grass covered dune
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path with educational signage
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TOLLESTON TRAIL PULL-OFF This pull-off connects to the existing Tolleston Dunes Trail parking area. It allows people to walk along the trail through the dunes and wetland. It also has access to a short educational loop that has information on local wildlife and plant life. The Tolleston trail pull-off connects people with the environment through access to trails. Here, guests can walk a short educational loop or take a longer hiking trail. There is also a shelter for picnics, restrooms, access to the bike trail, and a scenic view next to the parking lot. With iconic signage and structures pointing the way, guests will know that this pull-off is not one to be missed.
native woodland
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DESIGN LANGUAGE Materiality and signage will communicate to visitors that they are in the Indiana Dunes National Parkway. Steel will be used throughout the Parkway and is appropriate because of the ties to the steel industry that is of historic and cultural value in the region. Two types of steel will be used: corten and silver steel. Signage will all have the same kind of curve in them to further reinforce and consistent aesthetic to Parkway structures and signage. In addition, symbolic signage will be used in the Parkway to communicate to visitors what they can expect to see at pull-offs. These circular signs use simple images to convey a variety of things including what ecosystems can be viewed. The design language of the Parkway strives to unite functionality with symbolism and cultural references. Curving lines in signs recall the curves of the dunes and also of the waves that are what make this region special. The use of steel recalls the human aspects of the place and keep the design language rooted in a sense of place. In an effort to make the Parkway stand out and specific to the Dunes National Lakeshore, design language choices came about organically by looking at the lines and forms present in the Lakeshore.
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South Shore station
time to walk trail
shelters
railroad crossing
trailhead
no access
stop
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woodland ecosystem
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SYMBOLIC SIGNAGE
illustrative perspective showing the landscaping improvements, custom lighting, + overhead entry way signage. similar conditions would be found at both the Gary and Michigan City entrances.
the design of the monumental signage, illustrated here, led the design of all other parkway signage. the weathered steel celebrates both the natural elements of the surrounding ecosystems + the steel industry.
GOAL 2
Create a parkway with educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the surrounding ecosystems.
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DEMONSTRATION GARDEN PULL-OFF PLAN
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section through wetland area
shelters + restrooms
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DEMONSTRATION GARDEN PULL-OFF This pull-off showcases woodland, wetland, and grassland by connecting to the Cowles Bog Trail. When guest pull-off the parkway they can park and get out of their cars to walk a short educational loop, traverse the longer hiking trails, sit at the shelter, or access the bike trail. The parking lot, shelter, and restrooms are between the rail road and the parkway, but the educational loop and hiking trails pass under the rails in a small pedestrian tunnel. On the other side of the parking lot, the pedestrian overpass allows the bike trail to cross over the parkway and continue on the other side.
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SELECTED PLANTS OF PARKWAY ECOSYSTEMS
Sugar Maple // 1
Witch Hazel // 2
NATIVE PLANTS FOR WOODLAND
Maidenhair Fern // 3
FERNS Polypodium virginianum (Rock Polybody) Dryopteris hexagonoptera (Broad Beechfern) Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair Fern) Pteridium aquilinum (Western Brackenfern) Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York Fern) Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) PERENNIALS Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-tehe-Pulpit) Arisaema dracontium (Green Dragon) Symplocarpus foetidus (Skunk Cabbage) Uvularia grandiflora (Corn Lily) Clintonia borealis (Dogberry) Maianthemum candense (Wild Lily-of-the-Valley) Smilacina racemose (False Solomon’s Seal) Polygonatum commutatum (Solomon Seal) Trillium recurvatum (Wake Robin) Actaea alba (Baneberry) Aquilegia canadensis (Wild Columbine) Hepatica triloba (Liverleaf) Podophyllum peltatum (May-Apple) Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn) Corydalis sempervirens (Corydalis) Geum candense (Avens) Toxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy) Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry) Eupatorium purpureum (Joe-Pye Weed) Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) VINES Vitis spp. (Wild Grape)
SHRUBS Corylus americana (Hazelnut) Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn) Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark) Rubus occidentalis (Black Rasberry) Rubus allegheniensis (Blackberry) Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
SHRUBS Vaccinium pennsylvanicum (Lowbush Blueberry) TREES Quercus velutina (Black Oak) Quercus alba (White Oak)
TREES Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen) Populus grandidentata (Large-toothed Aspen) Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) Carya ovata (Shagbark Hickory) Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory) Carya cordiformis (Bitternut Hickory) Fagus grandifolia (Beech) Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry) Liridendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) Prunus americana (Wild Plum) Prunus nigra (Canada Plum) Prunus serotina (Wild Black Cherry)
Wild Lupine // 4
Lowbush Blueberry // 5
NATIVE PLANTS FOR OAK SAVANNA
White Oak // 6
PERENNIALS Anemone cylindrical (Thimbleweed) Baptisia spp. (False Indigo) Lupinus perennis (Lupine) Oxalis violacea (Violet Wood Sorrel) Asclepias sullivantii (Prairie Milkweed) Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed) Phlox pilosa (Prairie Phlox) Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) Aster spp. (Asters) GRAMINOIDS Hierochloe odorata (Vanilla Sweet Grass) Aristida tuberculosa (Beach three-awned grass) Koeleria cristata (Prairie Junegrass)
Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) Leptoloma cognatum (Fall Witchgrass) Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) Hierochloe odorata (Vanilla Sweet Grass) Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)
Rattlesnake Master // 7
Prickly Pear Cactus // 10
Prairie Grasses // 8
Marram Grass // 11
NATIVE PLANTS FOR PRAIRIE
NATIVE PLANTS FOR DUNE
Rudbeckia // 9
FERNS Thelypteris noveboracensis (New York Fern) Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) PERENNIALS Tradescantia virginiana (Spiderwort) Allium cernuum (Wild Onion) Allium tricoccum (Wild Leek) Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum (Prairie Lily) Lilium superbum (Turl’s Cap Lily) Camassia esculenta (Wild Hyacinth) Sisyrinchium albidium (Blue-eyed grass) Stylophorum diphyllum (Celandine Poppy) Agrimonia parviflora (Agrimony) Baptisia spp. (False Indigo) Lupinus perennis (Lupine) Dalea candidum (White Prairie Clover) Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) Gentiana andrewsii (Closed Gentian) Verbena hastata (Blue vervain) Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beard Tongue) Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root) Veronia altissima (Tall Ironweed) Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) Aster spp. (Asters) Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant) Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock) Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant) Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyes Susan) Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers) Coreopsis spp. (Tickseed) Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed)
Indian Paintbrush // 12
PERENNIALS Lycopodium tristachyum (Deeproot clubmoss) Selaginella rupestris (Ledge Spikemoss) Rosa blanda (Early Wild Rose) Opuntia humifusa (Eastern prickly Pear Cactus) Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) Asclepias tuberosa (Butterflyweed) Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) Pycnanthemum virginianum (Mountain Mint) Castilleja coccinea (Indian Paintbrush) Viola pedata (Bird-foot Viola) GRAMINOIDS Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) Leptoloma cognatum (Fall Witchgrass) Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) Cenchrus spinifex (Grass Bur) Calamovilfa longifolia (Dune Grass) Ammophila breviligulata (Marram Grass) Elymus canadensis (Canadian Wild Rye) SHRUBS Sassafras albidum (Sassafras) Lindera benzoin (Spice Bush) Prunus serotina (Wild Black Cherry) Prunus virginiana (Choke Cherry) Prunus pensylvanica (Fire Cherry) Prunus pumila (Dwarf Cherry) Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac) Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea) Cornus stolonifera (Red Osier Dowgwood)
Pinus strobus (White Pine) Juniperus communis var. depressa (Dwarf Juniper) Juniperus virginiana (Red Cedar) Populus deltoides (Cottonwood) Quercus alba (White Oak) Quercus macrocarpa (Burr Oak) Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm) Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)
Beach Grasses // 13
Cottonwood // 14
NATIVE PLANTS FOR BEACH
Purple Prairie Clover // 15
PERENNIALS Dalea purpureum (Purple Prairie Clover) GRAMINOIDS Echinochloa walteri (Coast Cockspur Grass) Oryzopsis pungens (False Rice Grass) Stipa spartea (Feather Grass) Eragrostis hypnoides (Love Grass) Ammophila breviligulata (Marram Grass)
SUBMERGENTS Elodea canadensis (American Waterweed) Vallisneria americana (Tape Grass) Zannichellia palustris (Horned Pondweed) Najas guadalupensis (Common Naiad) Naias flexilis (Slender Naiad) AQUATIC Lemna minor (Duckweed) Nelumbo lutea (American lotus) Nuphar lutea (Yellow Pond-lily) Nymphaea odorata (White Water Lily) Ranunculus longirostris (Longbeak Buttercup)
TREES
Wapato // 16
American Lotus // 17
NATIVE PLANTS FOR WETLAND
Sedge // 18
FERNS Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern)
PERENNIALS Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s Tongue) Equisetum fluviatile (Water Horsetail) Typha latifolia (Common Cattail) Sparganium eurycarpum (Giant Burreed) Sagittaria latifolia (Wapato) Alisma subcordatum (Water Plantain) Potamogeton spp. (Pondweed) Pontederia cordata (Pickerel-weed) Peltandra virginica (Arrow Arum) Tofieldia glutinosa (False Asphodel) Iris versicolor (Blue Flag) Saururus cernuus (Lizard’s Tail) Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) Impatiens biflora (Jewelweed) Decodon verticillatus (Swamp Loosestrife) Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) Chelone glabra (Turtlehead) Lobelia siphilitica (Big Blue Lobelia) Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) Aster spp. (Asters)
GRAMINOIDS Zizania aquatic (Wild Rice) Calamagrostis canadensis (Blue Joint Grass) Glyceria canadensis (Rattlesnake Manna Grass) Cyperus spp. (Galingale) Eleocharis spp. (Spike Rush) Scirpus spp. (Bulrush) Carex spp. (Sedges) Juncus spp. (Rushes) TREES Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore) Populus heterophylla (Swamp Poplar) Salix nigra (Black Willow) Carpinus caroliniana (Hornbeam) Ostrya virginiana (Ironwood) Betula lutea (Yellow Birch) Quercus palustris (Swamp Pin Oak) Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) Prunus pensylvanica (Fire Cherry)
Crested Shield Fern // 19
Pitcher Plant // 25
Marsh Fern // 20
Yellow Fringed Orchid // 26
NATIVE PLANTS FOR MARSH
NATIVE PLANTS FOR BOG
Slough Grass // 21
FERNS Thelypteris palustris (Marsh Fern) Dryopteris cristata (Crested Shield Fern)
Poison Sumac // 27
FERNS Woodwardia virginica (Virginia Chainfern) PERENNIALS Scheuchzeria palustris (Bog Arrow-grass) Calla palustris (Water Arum) Medeola virginiana (Indian Cumcumber) Cypripedium acaule (Moccasin Flower) Cypripedium parviflorum (Yellow Lady’s Slipper) Cypripedium candidum (White Lady’s Slipper) Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady’s Slipper) Orchis ciliaris (Yellow Fringed Orchid) Orchis psychodes (Purple Fringed Orchid) Microstylis monophyllos (Adder’s Mouth) Sarracenia purpurea (Pitcher Plant) Drosera rotundifolia (Sundew) Gaultheria procumbens (Checkerberry) Solanum nigrum (Common Nightshade) Triglochin maritima (Common Bog Arrow-grass)
PERENNIALS Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) Iris versicolor (Blue Flag) Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander) GRAMINOIDS Spartina michauxiana (Slough Grass) Scirpus acutus (Bulrush) Scirpus validus (Bulrush) Carex comosa (Sedges) Carex lacustris (Sedges) Carex stricata (Sedges)
Bristly Greenbrier // 22
White Orchid // 23
NATIVE PLANTS FOR FEN
Jewelweed // 24
PERENNIALS Orchis leucophaea (White Orchid) Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed) Smilax tamnoides (Bristly Greenbrier) TREES Thuja occidentalis (Northern White Cedar)
GRAMINOIDS Muhlenbergia racemose (Upland Wild Timothy) Glyceria canadensis (Rattlesnake Manna Grass) Psilocarya scirpoides (Bald Rush) SHRUBS Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) Betula pumila (Dwarf Birch) Alnus incana (Speckled Alder) Rhus vernix (Poison Sumac) Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) Vaccinium corybosum (Highbush Blueberry) Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) TREES Larix laricina (Tamarack) Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Like most of the signage in the Parkway, the map and educational display signs will have silver colored steel for accents and other secondary aspects. The base map shown in this area will display maps or information about the Parkway ecosystems. Educational signage along trails will also be implemented.
QR code technology integrated into informational signage would allow visitors to use their smartphones to scan the codes, bringing them to websites where more information could be accessed and saved for later.
As with a majority of the signage and structures in the Parkway, corten steel is the principle material of all educational signage in the Parkway. Corten steel was chosen because of its great color and the connection steel has to this part of Indiana which is easy to see, even within the Parkway.
EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE
While configuration may vary among individual signs, any displays using maps will use the same symbols found along all Parkway trails and signage.
In addition to steel, stone will also be used in Parkway signage, often in the bases of structures and signage.
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DUNES SUCCESSION PANELS To provide interesting views while also informing visitors about the ecology of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Parkway, a series of connected panels displaying the succession of the dunes will be implemented. The panels are made of steel, namely corten steel.
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GOAL 3
Resolve logistical concerns in terms of multimodal traffic and circulation related to the parkway.
CIRCULATION CHANGES Parkway precedent studies that were conducted informed us of the importance of limited access in order to create the optimal experience. Therefore, we suggest that the minor roads traversing the current US 12 are turned into two-way stops, and well-used roads are turned into overpasses, to limit stopping on the parkway as much as possible. The inclusion of overpasses is especially important in the industrial sector along the parkway; rerouting large hauling vehicles off of US 12 and down to SR 20 is crucial for providing a pleasurable drive for Dunes Parkway visitors.
two-way stop
stop - access to West Beach
two-way stop with access to SR 20
local traffic
overpass with 2 ramps + 2 lights
overpasses from Port of Indiana to reroute
2 light + ramp overpass to Park
two-way stop
two-way stop
Beverly Shores stop light
overpass
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two light + two ramp
two-way stop
no access overpass
two light + exit ramp
bike + pedestrian trail 8’ - 12’ wide (varies)
swale (width varies)
two-land Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Parkway (US 12) 12’ lane width
vegetated swale + buffer
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MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION With the extension of the Calumet trail to match the length of the parkway, it is essential to consider the design of both the roadway and all of the surrounding elements. The bike and pedestrian trail varies in width depending on the proximity to the road, as does the safety swale seperating it from vehicular traffic. By allowing for multiple kinds of transportation (foot, twowheels, or four-wheels) we are creating use for a larger number of visitors.
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Upper portion of Informational signs will have relevant icons to alert visitors to what is ahead. These symbols are further illustrated elsewhere in this project.
Informational signs are located along the Bike + Pedestrian trail. These signs alert visitors to upcoming attractions. In the example to the right, visitors are alerted to a pull-off approaching, are told what is at each of these areas. These signs are used to inform visitors of other attractions separate from pull-offs.
Mile marker signage uses similar colors and symbols to the general Parkway symbology.
Mile markers are used to inform Bike + Pedestrian Trail users of how for along the Parkway they are. They are constructed from the same core group of materials the rest of the Parkway Signage is, principally corten steel
MULTI-MODAL PARKWAY SIGNAGE
grass + woodland buffer between parkway and railroad
commercial/residential road overpass with exposed steel supports
pedestrian lane
grassland buffer when closer to railroad
dune-themed retaining + support wall 0
OVERPASS DESIGN Overpasses along the parkway display common design features. From the colors of the sand dunes to their steel supports and large signage, all overpasses help convey a sense of place.
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pedestrian + bike path
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native grass slope
thematic wall
South Shore line railway
steel support
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Parkway
thematic wall
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OVERPASS DESIGN While driving under an overpass motorists would normally lose sight of the beautiful landscape around them. The overpasses along the parkway combat this with native plantings, locally sourced steel supports, and thematic walls. These walls represent the layers of the dunes and hills in the area, and the rust colors remind onlookers of the human aspect of this beautiful landscape.
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original photo by Tom Gill
Conclusion The Indiana Dunes and the surrounding area have always been and will always be a beautiful natural wonder. With the creation of the Indiana Dunes National Parkway, there will finally be a place for visitors to be connected to all the best places the dunes has to offer. With the National Parks Service in charge of the parkway this scenic route will stop being a commercial highway, and become a beloved national landmark. With the implantation of these designs for US 12, one of the greatest parkways in the nation and certainly the best in Indiana will be made. No parkway along the dunes would be complete without the inclusion of concise design language, accessible connections to the natural environment, and improved circulation for visitors to the parks. By connecting people with scenic views, trails, and educational experiences in the environments that make up the Indiana Dunes, there will be greater interest in their protection and increased pride in this natural wonder. These designs also make for a safer more scenic parkway through the removal of heavy commercial traffic, and the improvement of intersections. The Indiana Dunes National Parkway will be the greatest parkway for experiencing the natural environment it passes through.