Ironwoods Park
Leawood, Kansas

Ironwoods Park is a rustic retreat in the heart of Johnson County, Kan. The City of Leawood Parks Department envisioned a lodge that could be rented for large gatherings, a cluster of cabins, a challenge course for tests of skill and teamwork, a nature center for programs on ecology and wildlife, an amphitheater, and lots of green space. The Oxford School, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, was relocated to the park site for interpretive historical tours. A walking trail that wanders past a lake, through the woods and past masses of wildflowers connects all the facilities on the site.

The Lodge recalls the site's agricultural legacy. With a patio for outdoor seating and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, the Lodge can host 300 people for a sit-down dinner or 500 for a business meeting.

The cabins are distinguished by themes -- earth, wind, fire and water -- and each has artistic details related to its theme, including floors with painted "rugs," exterior trim, and color schemes.

Outside the Nature Center, a "corn-crib" shelter built with a mix of actual corn crib components and peeler log columns hosts classes in an open setting. Inside, a large classroom, library, offices, and a reception area feature rustic finishes, hand-painted details and creative uses of natural light and vertical space.

ROLE IN PROJECT:
Full design services from schematic design through construction documents and full construction administration services.

This is a Bowman Bowman Novick (BBN) project (formerly Theis Doolittle Associates) and Becca provided these services while under employment with BBN.