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Sep 09 05 12:32p Near NW Neighborhood Inc (219)232-1171 p,2 905 La?rryette The Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. in collaboration with area residents has designed a garden intended to be a gai eway to the neighborhood, an addition to Leeper Park, and an asset to the community. Beginning in the spring of 2005, the NNN began working with five neighborhood architects to survey the land and generate ideas of what might feasibly be installed in the spot where once a derelict strvcat-e had been. Neighborhood input was sought through three visioning sessions where tli-as flowed and the suggestions were made as to the configuration and design of a space the: would respect the historic charm of the neighborhood while accenting the already presont Leeper Park. The final plan tries to incorporate a number of those ideas. Central themes to the overall design of the plar ;ncluded simplicity, use of natural materials, and minimal annual upkeep. Another importer t consideration was the adjoining neighbors' concern that the loss of the derelict structure, the removal of which they supported, left them exposed to public view in a way that they had not experienced before and did not enjoy. Included in the design are a few seating area, phi -es to pause and catch one's breath but not necessarily areas that encourage large gathertn,;; or excessive lingering. On the Southern end where the lot abuts LaMante Terrace a burm with perennial plantings will be installed to add height to the landscape. This will offer the neighbors the protection they desire and will also p-ovide visual separation between LaMonte and the park. On the Western edge of the park there is an existing retaining wall that appears to be in great disrepair but which is not owned by the NNN trid thus could not be included in the plans. To minimize the appearance of the wall and to creat..- visual interest, a three-level terrace will be added. This will be bordered by stacked stone :filled with perennial plantings, and cascade east towards the Leeper Park. On Northern poi ni of the park, several large white pine trees and a grass burm will be added. This is again mended to provide a visual barrier for the neighbors on LaMont Ten -ace. The Eastern edge: of the park is the simplest. It is primarily grass and has two large shade trees. Cutting thraugh the park diagonally from Lamont Terrace on the South to Lafayette on the East, k. a brick -lined curved walk for those who are going from the neighborhood to Leeper Park.