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Gail
Y. B. Lash, Ph.D.
Nevin
Lash, ASLA
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Project Brief
Cherokee Wildlife Park
Cherokee, North Carolina
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Diagram
shows the proposed Wildlife Park Concept Plan
INTRODUCTION
rsa International was invited to assist the Eastern
Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina in designing a
wildlife park to depict the Cherokees relationship with the animal
world as seen through their historic stories and culture. After
an exhaustive site selection process, we determined that White Oak
Flats was the clear winner, there was just one thing - it was nestled
high above the town of Cherokee in a saddle between two ridges and
Mount Noble.
In order to access the site, visitors will arrive at the Oconaluftee
Indian Village near the town center and take a 3/4 mile gondola tram
ride over 2,000’ in elevation to a new “view”
restaurant and Tram Plaza. From there visitors can either walk or
take a shuttle vehicle to the Council House in the center of the
wildlife park.
From the Council House that contains a major performance theater,
gallery space for interpretive artifacts, educational materials and an
orientation film theater, not to mention restrooms, gift shop, snack
bar, eating terrace and gathering spaces for ceremonies and
demonstrations. There is also access to the boardwalks that lead
out of the east side of the building at the second level providing an
interpretive walk through ten naturalistic habitats for the native
animal collection: Black Bear, Cougar, Red Fox, Bobcat, Otter, Beaver,
Deer, Eagle, Turkey and Red Wolf.
Once back in the Council house, the visitor head west out of the
building and into a large ceremonial outdoor plaza that will be
programed with special events and dances. The boardwalk trail continues
west through the largest woodland habitat for Bison and Elk and then
divides to head towards the Education and Vet Center or towards the
Amphitheater.
Additional features include:
• An Education Center is planned to provide classroom space for school groups, and special meetings and events.
• A Veterinary clinic is also planned to
provide necessary care for the animals and teaching opportunities for
future scientists.
• A Wildlife Amphitheater with trained
birds of prey and other creatures as well as a set of Eco-tents for
overnight stays.
• Additional study is needed to determine if a guided ride is possible through the large habitats on the south side.
We also completed a Business Study and Construction Feasibility Study.
The project has been presented to the Council as part of a three legged
initiative to produce Economic Development through improved tourism
products and is awaiting funding.
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Diagram
shows the proposed Tram route (brown line) from the Village, up the
mountain to the upper terminal overlook and transportation center.
Once visitors arrive at the summit, they will take a wheeled tram
to the Council House (red line) at the Wildlife Park.
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Credits
- The Cherokee Wildlife Park: White Oak Flats was designed by Ursa
International in collaboration with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Economic Development Department and the Wildlife Park Committee
- Additional work was done by:
- Robert Brais, ConsultEcon
- Dan Ergle, ADE Construction Consultants
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Project Data
Design began: September
2004
target budget: $45+ million
client:
Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians
client contact:
Doug Cole (828) 497-1677
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