trail design

States and cities are shifting toward mobility oriented development, and MKM is an established part of that transition. MKM has designed numerous rail trail corridors, working closely with communities to create active recreational spines which in turn stimulate regional economies.

HARLEM VALLEY RAIL TRAIL

MKM Landscape Architecture has worked with the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association and NY State Parks to plan and develop 20 miles of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. This recreational greenway is transforming the former New York Central Rail Line into a community amenity. The trail originates in Copake Falls and extends north past Hillsdale, through a major wildlife sanctuary owned and managed by the Audubon Society, and on through Philmont and Ghent to Chatham, NY.

RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR TRAIL

MKM Landscape Architecture was selected by NYC Parks to prepare a master plan and contract documents for the development of a new 50 acre park on the site of a historic former reservoir in the Ridgewood section of Queens, New York.  The original reservoir, consisting of three large basins, was constructed in 1858 and associated infrastructure such as pump house buildings, historic fencing, gate valves and granite sluice structures still remain largely intact. Each basin contains a diverse group of ecological habitats that have developed since the reservoir was decommissioned in the 1980’s. 

The  vision for Ridgewood Reservoir is to create a dynamic, sustainable park that will preserve, restore and enhance the site’s rich historical features and unique ecology while providing recreational, social and educational opportunities for visitors.  

Putnam RAIL TRAIL

The New York City Parks Department commissioned MKM Landscape Architecture to develop a general use Greenway along nearly two miles of the Putnam Rail Trail as it passes through Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, NY. In addition, MKM was tasked with completing a master plan for the proposed southern extension of the path from Van Cortlandt Park to the Harlem River.

The Bronx River Greenway

As a project for NYC Parks, MKM Landscape Architecture collaborated with Sam Schwartz Traffic Engineering (SSE) on the reconstruction of the Bronx River Greenway between Unionport Road and Allerton Avenue in the Bronx. The completed reconstruction of this segment improves crosswalks for pedestrians and bicyclists to improve safety.  Completion of this segment benefits local Bronx communities, New York City, and regional residents by providing a key pedestrian/bicycle link to existing and proposed Greenway / bicycle routes.

Fisher's island

MKM Landscape Architecture provided extensive design consultant services for a four mile multi-use recreational path on the East End of Fishers Island. As prime consultant, MKM teamed with CME Engineering to protect and enhance the natural and rural character of Fishers Island &s; to design a recreational path that that links various island communities.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

MKM and The Lignin Group participated in puting up this magical path in the grounds of FDR State Park in Westchester, NY in October 2022.