Blacksburg Freshwater Heritage: A Conceptual Plan to Highlight History, Heritage and Environmental Stewardship at Owens Street, Spout Springs, and Five Chimneys Park

Abstract

The Community Design Assistance Center worked with a team of project stakeholders to develop conceptual master plans for three town-owned properties: Spout Spring Park, Five Chimneys Park, and Owens Park. Each site contains fresh water and has opportunities for enhancement and education. The plans for each site highlight the history and heritage of freshwater resources in Blacksburg through design and signage, provide recommendations to improve water quality and soil stabilization through plantings, and demonstrate possible alternatives for stormwater management. The Town of Blacksburg is located in Montgomery County in southwest Virginia. The three parks identified for this project are in or near the town’s historic 16 squares, in the heart of Blacksburg. Spout Spring, located at the corner of Clay and Wharton Streets, is a pocket park with an historic spring on the edge of the property. Five Chimneys Park, located at the corner of Draper Road and Washington Street, offers one of the few opportunities to see Stroubles Creek above ground in downtown Blacksburg. Owens Park, located near the intersection of Owens Street and Harding Avenue, is a neighborhood park that serves as a temporary detention basin during storm events. A map in this report indicates the locations of the parks within the town.