The Ann Grinell Children’s Garden

KITTERY, MAINE // 2019 - ongoing

The Kittery Foreside has long been the hub of the Kittery community. The small community is thriving. At its core is the small but mighty Rice Public Library.

The building has been on the historic register since 1979 and Friends of the Rice Public Library has been a cornerstone of community support in Kittery for over 65 years, since its founding in 1959. Lead by a cadre of dedicated locals, the thriving non-profit has continually worked to enhance the library’s resources and programs including a recent renovation and addition, completed in 2023.

Planned as a capstone to the building and renovation project, the Children's Garden was made possible thanks to the incredible support of generous donors in honor of the late Ann Grinnell - former citizen, Councilor, Planning Board Member, Port Authority Member, and advocate for children’s connection to the water. After a lengthy public design process, the space became a varying collection of private nooks, reading areas, lawn, an interactive play fountain, small fruits and berries, and a collection of Ann Grinnel’s favorite perennials

FORACULTURE: This work was done under our previous studio partnership, Whole Systems Design Collective, with significant contributions from Lindsey Luria, Nick Moulton and Lindsey Langenburg.

LANDSCAPE TRADE PARTNERS: Rye Beach Landscaping

ONGOING MANAGEMENT: Maine Master Gardener Volunteers

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Site plan of a community complex featuring a children's garden focus area, a library building, surrounding pathways, trees, and landscaping elements.
Landscape plan for a children's garden with social lawn, planted berms, memorial water feature, terraced seating, and dry creek with hand pump, drainage areas.
A digitally illustrated scene of a park with tall trees, shrubs, and a grassy area. In the background, an apartment building is visible. There are people depicted in various activities, including a person lying on the grass with a laptop, children playing in a small water feature, and others near a water pump. The illustration combines realistic and sketch-like elements, with some parts appearing partially transparent or overlaid.
Detailed technical drawing of a landscape water feature, including top view and side elevation views, with elements labeled such as limestone splash pads, hand pumps, granite platforms, and drainage channels.
Sketch of a multi-level outdoor architectural structure with stairs, a gate, and a chimney-like feature.
Sketch of three rock climbing holds and a diagram of mounting process for climbing holds
A detailed landscape architectural plan showing various features such as benches, a creek bed, a stone drainage area, a library building, and several contour lines indicating elevation changes.