Patrick Marsh
Patrick Marsh
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie, WI
Patrick Marsh is a 340-acre conservation area beloved for hiking, outdoor education, fishing and bird watching and provides over two miles of trails to nearby Patrick Marsh School and Sun Prairie neighborhoods. Central to the natural area, Breeze Lake attracts abundant waterfowl as a critical stop in Wisconsin's migratory routes. Patrick Marsh also holds intriguing history as an intersection of Ho-Chunk trading routes, and one of the trails is believed to still be the entry from the nearby road. Furthermore, a major Ho-Chunk village was once located on the southwest corner of the marsh where effigy mounds are still present today.
In the presence of such historical and cultural significance, the design shows restraint and treads lightly to improve accessibility and create moments of interpretation without major earthwork or disturbance.
Patrick Marsh is also a powerful demonstration of community involvement and volunteerism. In support of educational signage, low-cost site improvements create an environment of interpretive cues and include a custom-modified entry gate, overlook platform, and ADA-accessible trail improvements.
This project was completed under the tenure of Saiki Design and designed in partnership with Groundswell Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Friends of Patrick Marsh. Construction was performed by the nonprofit, Operation Fresh Start. Photography by Shane Bernau.
Patrick Marsh is a 340-acre conservation area beloved for hiking, outdoor education, fishing and bird watching and provides over two miles of trails to nearby Patrick Marsh School and Sun Prairie neighborhoods. Central to the natural area, Breeze Lake attracts abundant waterfowl as a critical stop in Wisconsin's migratory routes. Patrick Marsh also holds intriguing history as an intersection of Ho-Chunk trading routes, and one of the trails is believed to still be the entry from the nearby road. Furthermore, a major Ho-Chunk village was once located on the southwest corner of the marsh where effigy mounds are still present today.
In the presence of such historical and cultural significance, the design shows restraint and treads lightly to improve accessibility and create moments of interpretation without major earthwork or disturbance.
Patrick Marsh is also a powerful demonstration of community involvement and volunteerism. In support of educational signage, low-cost site improvements create an environment of interpretive cues and include a custom-modified entry gate, overlook platform, and ADA-accessible trail improvements.
This project was completed under the tenure of Saiki Design and designed in partnership with Groundswell Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Friends of Patrick Marsh. Construction was performed by the nonprofit, Operation Fresh Start. Photography by Shane Bernau.
Design Concept
Design Concept
Inspired by the site's identity as a prime birding area, the design playfully uses bird-shaped forms to inspire visitors to ask, 'What's this place all about?' Beginning as a UW studio project and evolving into a real-life partnership, Patrick Marsh exemplifies the success of a grassroots vision where creativity, community stakeholders, and conservation agencies come together as one.
Inspired by the site's identity as a prime birding area, the design playfully uses bird-shaped forms to inspire visitors to ask, 'What's this place all about?' Beginning as a UW studio project and evolving into a real-life partnership, Patrick Marsh exemplifies the success of a grassroots vision where creativity, community stakeholders, and conservation agencies come together as one.
