Man and Nature: Landscape architects honor 1930s efforts

Local and state architects, parks workers and politicians convened Friday to celebrate the rededication of a local state park.

The Ravine Gardens State Park is one of three public spaces in the state that the American Society of Landscape Architects chose to highlight.

Kevin Mangan, a member of the society, said their organization asked that every state pick one public space to feature.

But Florida is so big, Mangan said, that the Florida division of the society decided to highlight public spaces in north, central and south Florida.

Mangan presented a rededication plaque to Nathan Sommons and Alfred Bea, the Ravines park manager and assistant park manager, respectively.

Bea said that with the park's nearly two-mile road and other structures being built around a natural setting, the park staff constantly notices new things.

"This park is built on a living ravine, which means it's constantly moving," Bea said. "We enjoy seeing the work that was done, and we are discovering new things every day."

During the rededication ceremony, there were numerous speakers, including state Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights.

Van Zant, who received his bachelor's degree in architecture, praised the Ravines, the architects present and the architectural field itself.

"I have a deep reverence for every aspect of our profession," said Van Zant, who said he still considers himself an architect.

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Man and Nature: Landscape architects honor 1930s efforts