Publication Date
Spring 3-22-2026
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Darlene Panvini
Presentation Type
Gallery
Summary
The Edgehill neighborhood, North of Belmont University, is often overlooked by city designers and planners for revitalization and redesign efforts. The William Edmonson Homesite Park sits 0.5 miles from the university’s main campus and became the focal point of a redesign effort in Dr. Panvini’s Urban Ecology course. Classmates Ryder Loftis and Reese Cobb searched for an answer to the question, “Why are the community members of the Edgehill neighborhood not using the William Edmonson Park for more recreational activities, and what ecological improvements could be made to the park in order to make it more appealing to community members while also enhancing the natural ecosystem around it?” This project investigates how ecological principles can guide urban and campus design, with particular attention to how vegetation and built infrastructure influence thermal regulation and human experience. The redesign explores opportunities to enhance environmental quality and community well-being through ecological principles and nature-based solutions. By applying these principles to an underdeveloped neighborhood, the project highlights how thoughtful ecological design can address urban inequities, strengthen community connections, and ultimately foster a more resilient, accessible, and livable environment.
Recommended Citation
Loftis, Jonathan R.; Cobb, Reese; and Panvini, Darlene, "Redesigning William Edmonson Homesite Park: Improving Community Wellbeing Through Nature-Based Solutions" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1044.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1044
