Strawtown Koteewi Park, Hamilton County

Jeff Mader served as the lead Landscape Architect for the Master Plan and Phase 1 implementing Strawtown Koteewi Park. The property is a 750 acre park in northeastern Hamilton County bordering over 3.2 miles of the White River and containing over 100 acres of pristine wetlands. With a rich history of occupation, dating back over 10,000 years, the extensive archaeological sites throughout the park helped guide planning efforts. While at Schmidt Associates, Jeff led a team of architects, landscape architects, natural resources consultants, cultural resources consultants, economic consultants, archaeologists, and aggregate extraction experts through the master plan and design of the project.

The Master Plan proposed to implement extensive woodland restoration as well as a 300 acre pocket prairie that once existed on the site. The plan also proposed over 15 miles of trails including separate equestrian and multi-use hiking trails, as well as an Archaeology/Nature Center, 60 acre lake with a beach, Lodge/Conference Center, canoe launches, equestrian facilities, interpretive farm, and environmental and cultural programming.

From the master plan, Phase 1 of implementation saw the construction of the Taylor Center for Natural History, over 8 miles of multi-use trails, a canoe launch, over 90 acres of native prairie, and 55 acres of reforestation. Jeff worked with the Park Department as well as Indiana DNR grant administrators, working with Land & Water Conservation Funds and Heritage Trust funds for project implementation.

Mader Design was engaged later for the design and development of Koteewi Trace, an outdoor interpretive space dedicated to educating park visitors on archaeology and interpreting prehistoric settlement of this place. We also provided design and construction documents for site development associated with the Equestrian Center, Tubing Hill, and Adventure Course.