memberSPOTLIGHT < Katie Swanson
Katie Swanson
2020 Central States Conference Planning Chair
Park Planner with the City of Omaha Parks, Recreation and Public Property Department
Omaha, Nebraska
When did you realize you wanted to become a Landscape Architect?
From a young age, I wanted to be an architect. Growing up on a farm in rural Nebraska, I was also interested in nature and the landscape. I worked in nurseries and garden centers in high school and during my Architecture degree program in college. I decided to combine my interests in grad school and received my MLA from UT-Austin.
What is your favorite landscape and why?
I think my all-time favorite landscape is the site of Teotihuacan in Mexico. I was lucky enough to visit the site during a study abroad program in grad school. The sheer immensity of the site, with its ancient pyramids and artwork, really blew me away.
I am a member of ASLA because…I believe that Landscape Architects should help build each other up. I love that our profession is so welcoming, and there is so much camaraderie among Landscape Architects in our chapter. ASLA helps facilitate that with the many events and social gatherings that we have throughout the year.
What is the most important thing you have learned since joining the profession?
As designers, we need to look at the full life cycle of each project. Too often, we don’t take into account the maintenance of the project twenty to thirty years down the road.
What is one item you cannot live without?
My e-reader. I read probably 30-50 books per year and have hundreds in my library. Being able to keep them all on a small, handheld device that I take with me wherever I go is a lifesaver!
Where would you like to be in 20 years?
In 20 years, I would like to see that we have taken meaningful steps to slow the warming of our atmosphere and reverse the effects of climate change. I want to live in a world that we will be proud to pass on to future generations.
What is something you find joy in other than landscape architecture?
I learned how to crochet when I was eight years old, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I am fascinated by the different shapes and patterns that can be made with just a strand of yarn and a hook. I love working with natural yarns like bamboo and wool, and being able to give my creations to family and friends as gifts.
Share a project that holds great meaning to you.
One of my first major projects after starting at Omaha Parks & Recreation was to design a spray ground at Miller Park in Omaha. Miller Park is located in a low-income neighborhood, with a large minority population. The Miller Park spray ground is the largest spray ground to date in Omaha, at almost 4,000 square feet. It includes 37 spray features in a Viking theme, which are spread through three zones for toddlers, young children, and older children. The spray ground also incorporates shaded seating areas for adults.
The Omaha Parks & Recreation Department worked with private donors to complete the spray ground, which is part of a larger master plan at Miller Park. The Master Plan includes a walking trail, community performance area, sports courts, and improvements to the Miller Park Pavilion. The improvements are part of a larger effort to bring the community together around the park.
