Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition’s (nbCC) new Community Center integrates thoughtful landscaping within its mission to serve over 38,000 northern Berkshire County residents. The project includes the renovation of an 18,000-square-foot building and reimagines its outdoor spaces to foster connection and accessibility. 

From individual quiet retreats to larger group activities, the landscape embodies nbCC’s vision of a community-centered space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while enhancing opportunities for connection, education, and recreation. The yard and garden area are defining elements of the Community Center, offering a gently sloping terrain shaded by a mature tree canopy. This open space is envisioned as a vibrant, multi-use area designed to meet nbCC’s goals of supporting community activities, providing accessible spaces for gatherings, and creating a productive landscape. It aims to support wildlife, promote environmental education, and connect visitors to nature. 

The design of the new Community Center envisions a landscape that is dynamic and welcoming. Key landscape-focused goals include: 

1. Creating Flexible Gathering Spaces: Outdoor areas will accommodate a range of activities, from small, informal meetups to larger community events, ensuring versatility in how the space can be used. 

1. Promoting Movement and Connection: Walking paths will wind through the site, encouraging physical activity and connection to nature. These paths will integrate seamlessly with other outdoor elements, such as seating areas and gathering zones. 

1. Supporting Learning and Growth: A dedicated outdoor classroom and greenhouse will foster educational opportunities, offering spaces for workshops, youth programs, and hands-on learning experiences. 

1. Celebrating Local Ecology: Garden beds and native plantings will enhance biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, and create a productive landscape that aligns with nbCC’s values of environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

1. Enhancing Accessibility: Every element of the outdoor design will prioritize accessibility, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy and benefit from the space.