We wanted highlight an exciting project in the works. Situated along the Napa River, Oxbow South will not only create much needed housing in Downtown Napa, but will also provide significant open space for the community. The proposed landscape improvements provide more access and connectivity to previously inaccessible stretches of the river and the new river trail allows for a more walkable and bikeable experience of the Oxbow District. Native trees and natural riparian vegetation will be protected while the proposed planting design complements the existing plant palette. Building and landscape massing preserves view corridors to the Napa River and surrounding hillsides. 

We are excited to be working with Lennar to prepare landscape designs for a trail loop park system in Mountain House, CA. This trail loop is designed with the ‘Active Adult’ community in mind, while also preserving and incorporating the existing ponds. As trails users run, bike or walk along the trail, they can take breaks at shaded benches and picnic tables while overlooking a pond, or exercise at par course stations. Two mini parks are also available with playground equipment for children, along with plenty of passive recreation turf areas. Additionally, the loop runs through a larger neighborhood park that includes more play structures, a picnic shade shelter, large and small dog parks, volleyball courts, a multi-use soccer field, pickleball and badminton courts, and opportunities for games like table tennis and chess.

A message from Phil vanderToolen:

January 2024

2024 commences with vanderToolen Associates Landscape Architects approaching its 30th anniversary and I am thrilled to announce another significant milestone, three new shareholders are joining Mary Carden and me in leading vTA.

Please welcome Mary McGovern, Jacqueline Smyth, and Kathryn Mendenhall as our next generation of leaders. Each of these individuals have over a decade of experience with the firm.

I will continue in my role as vanderToolen Associates Founder and President and truly excited to continue mentoring and sharing my over four decades of professional experience with our new partners.

And all of us look forward to continuing our relationships and collaborating with our incredible clients, talented fellow consultants, and professional colleagues.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Phil vanderToolen, ASLA, RLA
President, vanderToolen Associates