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Director of Marketing & Public Relations
863-734-1210; bososky@boktower.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2013

Bok Tower Gardens wins Florida ASLA Frederic B. Stresau Award for 25-Year Master Plan

LAKE WALES, Fla. – Bok Tower Gardens is the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Frederic B. Stresau Award, presented by the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FLASLA) at the association’s annual awards banquet July 18 at the Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg.

The Frederic B. Stresau Award is named in honor of Frederic Stresau, a pioneer in early Florida landscape architecture.  The award is bestowed annually by a jury upon a Professional Award of Excellence recipient which best exhibits innovation and design excellence.  Bok Tower Gardens entered its 25-year master plan in the Planning and Analysis category. Careful considerations were made to stay true to famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.’s original designs.

“Only works that are truly exceptional and advance the landscape architecture profession and enhance our collective body of knowledge are considered,” said Kenn Bates, ASLA, FLASLA Design Awards Committee Chairman.”

This year the FLASLA received 63 award submittals from Florida-registered professionals and students for various projects, of which 32 were award recipients. Among those receiving a Professional Award of Excellence and therefore eligible for the Stresau Award included Nemours Children's Hospital, Luštica Bay, The Casey Key Pagoda Garden, and the Bok Tower Gardens Master Plan.

 According to the jury, “The Bok Tower Gardens master plan is a sensitive, beautifully imaginative, and masterful piece of work respectful of an iconic Florida landmark.” They commended the designers—Studio Outside/Tres Fromme, and David Sacks Landscape Architecture—for a very carefully prepared document, with a deep understanding of Olmsted’s vision.

“We are thrilled to have the Bok Tower Gardens Master Plan recognized by the state’s landscape architects as the best design plan for 2013,” said Bok Tower Gardens President David Price. “Tres Fromme and David Sacks produced a thoughtful and thorough plan that will guide us for the next 25 years.”

The Florida Chapter of the ASLA Design Awards Program recognizes and celebrates outstanding design works by students and professionals.  The program encourages the advancement, expansion, and recognition of landscape architecture efforts throughout Florida, across the nation, and around the world.  It honors and celebrates projects that blend environmental and artistic principles, emphasizing beauty, function, and the environment. 

2008—Stone Reef House Garden / Key Largo, FL / Raymond Jungles, Inc.
2009—Rosewood Laguna Kai Resort at Mayakoba / Riveria Maya, Mexico / EDSA, Inc.
2010—Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort / Al Ain, United Arab Emirates / EDSA, Inc.
2011—Miami Beach Soundscape / Miami, FL / West 8
2012—Castiglion del Bosco / Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy / EDSA, Inc.

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About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted Florida’s best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. LEGOLAND ticket holders will receive free admission for children under 12. For more information, contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.BokTowerGardens.org.

About Florida Chapter ASLA:
Chartered in 1959, the Florida Chapter ASLA is the state-level professional association for landscape architects, representing approximately 625 members throughout Florida in 10 professional sections and student chapters at two Florida universities. The Florida Chapter operates as a local extension of the national body, and its purpose is the advancement of knowledge, education, and skill in the art and science of landscape architecture. The Florida Chapter promotes the profession of landscape architecture and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. Learn more about the Florida Chapter online at www.flasla.org.

About ASLA National:
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing 16,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society's mission is to lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.