Evesham selects design firm E&LP to develop concept plan for passive recreation park at 176-acre ‘Beagle Club’ site

“To create solutions that inspire through the innovation of the natural and built environment.

That’s the mission statement of Engineering & Land Planning Associates (E&LP), the multi-disciplined landscape design firm already hard at work on a concept plan for a passive recreation park at the 176-acre “Beagle Club” property Evesham Township is preserving through the NJ Green Acres Program.

With Evesham close to finalizing its purchase of the Garden State Beagle Club on North Elmwood Road, the township can now begin to shift its focus to the conceptual design work that will ensure the property provides passive recreation that is inclusive of all residents of all abilities.

The township chose to partner with E&LP for the project after an extensive search, which began with a public notice requesting that firms to submit their qualifications to the township. The search recently concluded onceTownship Council interviewed finalists from multiple, well-known and highly-decorated firms.

In the short time since E&LP was selected to work with the township, the firm’s professionals have already started meeting with township officials and touring the Beagle Club property.

E&LP is also starting plans to solicit incredibly-valuable input for the project from Evesham’s residents and stakeholders. In past projects, E&LP has successfully utilized public meetings, surveys, and many other methods of community engagement.

“E&LP are already proving to be wonderful partners for us here in Evesham Township,” Mayor Jaclyn Veasy said. “They have the experience needed to help us preserve the environmental integrity of the Beagle Club property and the expansive design of the site.”

Evesham Councilwoman Patricia Hansen also spoke to the township’s desire to protect the environmental integrity of the site.

“The Beagle Club property was the largest piece of developable land left in Evesham Township, and our council has ensured the property will remain as open space for generations to come,” Hansen said. “With the help of E&LP, I know we can design a park that integrates the natural beauty of the site while protecting the health of our local environment.”

Just some of Mayor and Council’s potential ideas for the park include walking paths, nature trails, pavilions and/or other shelters to provide dining and shade, additional rest areas, outdoor lighting, space for outdoor performances, grounds for outdoor events and proper parking areas.

However, Mayor and Council are most excited to hear what residents have to say about their future park.

“This concept plan should capture a shared vision between the township and our residents,” Mayor Veasy said. “I hope the public shares our excitement for this project, and I hope they’ll take advantage of all the different opportunities they’ll soon have to offer their input. Residents should stay tuned for more information soon!”

Edward Confair, a senior project manager at E&LP, said the firm was beyond excited to have been selected by Evesham Township to lead the conceptual design of The Beagle Club site. 

“Our approach in designing public space is one of marrying social and physical infrastructure,” Confair said.  “This means we want every programmatic element to also be environmentally sustainable and resilient.  We look forward to collaborating directly with the community and municipal officials throughout this project so that the concept we all arrive at is representative of the goals, values, and vision of Township of Evesham and its residents.”

Just some of the work E&LP is known for includes work on projects such as:

• Mercer Meadows – Working with the Mercer County Park Commission on an extensive park master plan to provide scenic walking and biking routes through the meadows and woodland in Hopewell and Lawrence Township, while also promoting environmental conservation and stewardship.
• Historic Frelinghuysen Arboretum – Working with the Morris County Park Commission to complete an extensive assessment of trails at the historic site in Morris Township, ultimately developing repair, replacement, and new construction recommendations that limited environmental disturbance while maintaining the areas aesthetics
• Sgt. George Ashby Memorial Park – Working with Allentown Borough, aka “The Crossroads of the American Revolution,” in order to lead a public engagement and visioning campaign where community input was solicited to develop a program for the park that would honor the site’s history, while also serving as a central community park

The chance for residents to have direct input on such a major tract of undeveloped public land comes along perhaps once in a generation. Evesham Township encourages all residents and community groups to continue following the township for more news on these upcoming opportunities in weeks and months ahead.