From the moment you enter a community, there should be a discernible sense of arrival. It should just feel like home. 

As planners and landscape architects, the development of thoughtful entry sequences – or marketing trails – is an important component of our work.  On its most basic level the marketing trail is a means to get from one point to another, but the strategy and nuances that go into its development can significantly influence the success of a community before, during, and after full build-out.  So what are the key considerations when developing a marketing trail, and how can communities make the most of this often overlooked amenity?

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RVi held its first public meeting last week on the path toward developing the Trails Master Plan and Park Development Plans for 14 individual sites in the City of Pflugerville.  RVi’s own Barbara Austin, Chris Lalich, Paul Cozzolino, and Jenn Engelke presented at the Parks Commission Workshop.

With the project currently in the analysis phase, the purpose of the meeting was to present RVi’s assessment of the existing park and trail infrastructure and identify potential directions for planning and future development.  Much like the human body is supported by the spine, RVi proposed organizing the trail network along a series of spines, or main trails.  Secondary trails would either loop back around to the main trail or branch out to major destinations, such as schools and community facilities.

Along with the Trails Analysis, RVi also presented potential uses for each of the 14 parks identified for master planning.  The proposed program elements result from an analysis of the site, surrounding neighborhoods, and existing park facilities.  Potential recreational amenities range from nature trails and outdoor classrooms to a dog park and community gardens.

Based on input and feedback gained from the workshop, RVi will now begin the official master planning phase, with another public meeting scheduled for mid-August.

Beginning with a staff of two in 2006, RVi’s Houston office has been steadily growing throughout the past few years.  The addition of three new employees this year has prompted a step that we’ve all been waiting for – the expansion of the Houston office!  Construction began this month, and once completed will provide workspace for all 7 employees with room to grow in the future.

As the Founding Principal of the Houston office, Chris Patterson has witnessed the changes firsthand.  “The Houston market is really heating up, and we are excited that our team is growing to meet the demand.  I’m looking forward to building upon the successes we’ve had in the past few years,” Chris said.

At the beginning of this year, RVi welcomed Casey Collins, PLA as a Project Manager in the Houston office.  Casey is a licensed landscape architect and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University.

Also joining RVi in the past few months were Designers Robert Whittemore and Brad Sweitzer.  Previously a student intern with the firm, Robert Whittemore holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arkansas.  Brad Sweitzer recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Urban Planning, and is a LEED Green Associate.