As Cedar Hill’s first signature park and public library, this project garnered tremendous community support and excitement. With a community set goal of “keeping it wild”, TELA was responsible for creating a place that honored both environmental and community needs. To accomplish this, the design team performed site analysis and community engagement exercises in tandem, listening to both sets of stakeholders equally to properly program the site and place design elements. The culmination of this collaborative process allowed for the protection of existing water ways and old growth hardwood trees with passive park elements and the library nestled in to the sloping hillside. The project is currently under construction and set to open in 2023, meaning Cedar Hill’s community dream of a “library in a park” is soon to become a reality.