View down the Rahway River

The Union County Board of Freeholders and the City of Rahway, N.J. are planning to spend five million dollars to build a major sports complex in Rahway. The problem is, they want to construct it in the middle of the historic Rahway River Park, a park designed in the 1920’s by the renowned landscape architects, the Olmsted Brothers. This design firm was originally established by Frederick Law Olmsted, who is considered the father of landscape architecture, and was responsible for the design of many influential projects around the country including New York City’s Central Park, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, and Newark’s Branchburg Park.
I decided to drive out and take a look at the park the day after Thanksgiving – in retrospect, maybe not the best time to travel. I drove north on Route 1 past miles of box stores and fast food restaurants, maneuvering in and out of cars on their way to holiday shopping. By the time I finally got to the park my nerves were buzzing and my head spinning. I parked under the shade of a tree and sat behind the wheel for a minute to catch my breath. When I finally stepped out of the car, I was awed by a stunning view of the Rahway River which bends at this location and cradles the park along two sides. I stepped onto a walkway and took a 30-minute leisurely stroll around the park. I was surprised at the number of people that were out on this autumn day; children playing on swings and slides, two old men conversing on a park bench, a couple pushing a stroller, and more than a few joggers. I could only imagine the crowds in summer. I passed the public pool – which I later discovered was the first public pool built in the country. The path led me under mature oak trees where tables and barbecue grills were set up for summertime picnics. I passed through the bare-branched canopy of a row of cherry trees – what a magical experience it must be when they are in blossom. I arrive at a point midway on my walk and my attention was suddenly engaged by this panoramic view of the park; across an expansive lawn framed by trees with the river off in the distance. I stand there silently for a moment while taking in the beauty of the view, the sounds, and the smells of nature. I soon realize that I am breathing easier, my nerves have calmed, and my mind has cleared.
Frederick Law Olmsted believed in this “unconscious influence” of landscapes. He did not want individu

Beautiful canopy of trees at Rahway Park

al elements to distract from the overall design. His removed these demands on the conscious mind of the user so that his landscapes would appear organic and natural. These design concepts were passed on to his son Frederick Law Jr. and stepson John Charles – the Olmsted Brothers. Rahway River Park may seem like it is just a preserved ‘Natural Landscape’, but is important to note that the park experience is not just ‘natural’ but ‘intentionally’ designed. It is a rare privilege for a community to have an ‘Olmsted Park’ and it should be a priority to preserve it.

A sports complex would destroy the park. The proposed stadium would include; an artificial turf football field with an 8-lane running track, 1200 bleachers seats, an aluminum fence, stadium lights, a loud-speaker system, two team pavilions, and a concession stand. And although it hasn’t been mentioned yet, additional parking will be required to accommodate the number of people needed to fill those bleacher seats. This facility would go unused for most of the year and

The Great Lawn designed by the Olmsted Brothers Soon to be gone.

it would destroy the park-like atmosphere for the many who enjoy it now. It would no longer be a park, it will be a football stadium with parking. Maybe the artificial field will not cause pollutants to wash into the river. Maybe there will be a way to mitigate the noise from the surrounding community. Maybe the lights won’t drive away the existing wildlife. And maybe they won’t have to cut down too many trees to provide parking. But these are concerns that need to be addressed. The city and county officials, however, seem determined to start this project without input from the community who have already obtained 5000 plus signatures on an online petition to save the park – www.saverahwaypark.org.

Having a swimming area on your property will add value to your home. This is good if you plan to put your house in the market later on. If the pool is landscaped in a beautiful way with plants and exotic flowers, you will get an even better price for your residence.

Beautifully landscaped gardens and pools will make the surroundings more pleasant and relaxing. You may make your backyard the perfect place to hang out during summer. Imagine barbecue parties by the poolside with your relatives and friends. During winters, you can still enjoy a nice view at the back of your home.

You might want a pool designed to look like a haven or oasis. The best way to achieve this is to hire a creative and professional landscaper who is experienced in beautifying swimming areas for residences. You can have the swimming area landscaped along with the backyard garden to have a coordinated appearance.

Aside from decorating with plants and tropical trees, you should have your landscaper add the perfect space and furnishings for lounging and sunbathing. You can also add an area near the pool for BBQ parties if you often entertain at home. A small outdoor dining area would also be nice near the swimming area.

Your Hillsborough NJ residential landscape design company can do all these but it would be nice if you could also input your own ideas. Coordinate with your landscaper and discuss things that you want in your pool area. The design should be functional according to your lifestyle and beautiful too.

Find a summary of the benefits you get when you hire a landscape architect and more information about a Hillsborough NJ residential landscape design professional at http://www.thomasbiro.com now.

PRESS RELEASE: Hillsborough NJ, 18-JUNE-2013 – Thomas Biro Associates, LLC and Hillsborough NJ residential landscape design authority, Thomas Biro, are pleased to announce that attractive and functional pool designs are available to upgrade the value and appearance of homes and structures. The skills of the architect are brought to bear upon the preferences and needs of the client to provide a usable, yet attractive landscape or recreational feature to the home.

The Hillsborough NJ residential landscape design firm utilizes both functional and aesthetic features when designing a landscape pool for a home or business. The features of the land and the type of environment in which the property is located play a role in satisfactory completion of the project.

Thomas Biro, Hillsborough NJ residential landscape architect, spoke to an interviewer recently, “With the 25 years or more of landscape design experience that I hold, I am able to oversee every phase of the pool design and construction project. I work closely with my clients to determine what their preferences are, and then transform these ideas into a workable vision and a finished project.”

“Because of my knowledge and experience in client relations, ” he continues. “I have designed and managed multiple outdoor landscapes, many of which include pools or water features. These designs have been utilized for gardens, public spaces and parks, as well as home landscaping features.”

The pools are incorporated smoothly into the style and environment of an existing building or landscape. Additional features might include plantings, walkways, spas or more elaborate outdoor living structures. In each case, the aesthetic elements are as important as the functional aspects of the pool.

Learn more about professional architect pool and landscape design by a knowledgeable architect by reviewing the web pages here at http://www.thomasbiro.com today. Members of the press and others who have further questions about the contents of this press release are encouraged to contact Thomas Biro Associates at the location described below.

Contact Person Name: Thomas Biro

Company Name: Thomas Biro Associates

Company Address: Hillsborough, New Jersey

Contact Telephone Number: (908) 359-0091

Email: info@thomasbiro.com

Website: http://www.thomasbiro.com

While a patio does not have to match the indoor theme of a home, it is wise to keep the style and size of the indoor area in mind. A house designed with bold lines and a modern interior might look odd with a rustic courtyard. Staying within the general scope of the interior plan can be beneficial when planning the outdoor architecture.

Many people prefer a classic style for their homes, and there are numerous options for implementing a sense of traditional elegance outside. A place that has an expansive view might be suitable for marble tile surrounding an outdoor hot tub. Wrought iron doors could lead out onto an upstairs balcony with a fountain and benches.

Rustic chic offers a wealth of appealing possibilities. Double glass doors framed with polished wood might open onto a comfortable and luxurious veranda. A backyard fireplace made of stone may be built to remind residents and guests of a countryside retreat.

Modern architecture can be implemented in any number of ways. A gazebo could be designed to look like the inside of a spaceship. The area around an outdoor swimming pool could be bordered with walls and a ceiling made of glass. Various colors, such as red, black and silver, are sometimes used to give a modern effect.

No matter what kind of patio a person has in mind, there are innumerable design options that can turn fantasy into reality. A professional may offer insight that could prove to be invaluable. With help from a Hillsborough NJ residential landscape design team, homeowners can have the patios of their dreams.

Find a review of the advantages you get when you hire a landscape architect and more information about a Hillsborough NJ residential landscape design professional at http://www.thomasbiro.com now.