http://www.tomneppl.com/projects daily 0.75 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1495372669667-3J78Y0IJ4NDUPFPADIVL/Daisy+Aerial+Photo+-+cropped.jpg Portfolio of Camp Projects - Camp Daisy Hindman | Dover, Kansas Camp Daisy Hindman is the setting for resident camp and horse program. The 186-acre camp is located along the eastern edge fo the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie - a natural icon of the Kansas landscape defined by ridges, limestone outcrops and sweeping ridges of big bluestem and other native prairie grasses and forbs. The camp's program spaces are nestled along a central valley and rise up along the rolling topography to offer framed views into the heart of camp and the surrounding landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1590163585695-K4XAAQD4SODLH8G083YQ/Tongawood+Aerial+Site+Analysis+no+text.png Portfolio of Camp Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1590170625597-X2O1QO0PWK6MMRNXAF62/Schooner+Site+Analysis+Aerial+Oblique+04202020.png Portfolio of Camp Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1590179717921-HTXRCGYV06DT6N2J2TT4/TimberRidge+Aerial+Site+Analysis+v2010.png Portfolio of Camp Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1495374528025-3OJA469F8VOVNMXE4F7B/Daisy+Hindman0029.JPG Portfolio of Camp Projects - Master Planning Study of Camps Daisy Hindman, Prairie Schooner and Tongawood The master planning study integrates the seven priorities of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri Outdoor Task Force Report - aquatics, equestrian, sports, STEM, high adventure & challenge course, excursion and camp experience - with the landscape character of each of the three subject camps to foster the progression of learning and experience for all ages of Girl Scouts. Additionally, our study process examined four key components at each camp - landscape character and form, camp core, circulation and spatial relationships. The following images illustrate examples of these components at Camp Prairie Schooner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1667946354690-3RXAZQLX5OT8LB8Z3CER/Wildwood_MASTER_PLAN.jpg Portfolio of Camp Projects - ILLUSTRATIVE MASTER PLAN Wildwood Outdoor Education Center’s mission is to ‘…bring kids outside to learn and grow together, transforming summer into a season of learning, youth development and outdoor adventure.’ With this mission in mind, the master plan addresses several aims: 1. To increase camping, retreating, and outdoor education capacity and to allow for concurrent activities; 2. To establish a progression of experience, and; 3. To identify an ecological strategy for site development and outdoor experiences in support of increased camp, retreat, and outdoor education capacity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1442333965491-S8EWFZU0HWCP6NDV5KZ0/IMG_4367E4.jpg Portfolio of Camp Projects - Rock Springs 4-H Center Water Wheel Plaza I consulted with Bruce McMillan AIA Architects of Manhattan, Kansas on the development of the conceptual site plan of the Water Wheel Plaza program area at Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City, Kansas. The intent of this project was to celebrate water, stone and the Kansas Flint Hills. Several concepts were generated with this in mind; each concept explored opportunities for campers and retreaters to interact with the spring water.       https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1571657400431-K5TBTSMP4IZ1OGV4DU2B/GSAC-9957.jpg Portfolio of Camp Projects - CAMP PRAIRIE SCHOONER AQUATIC CENTER The Camp Prairie Schooner master plan called for a new aquatic center in the location of the camp’s existing swimming pool and pool house. Given the age and condition of the existing pool, the new aquatic center represents an exciting opportunity to provide unique, challenging, and fun outdoor experiences for girls, while also drawing inspiration from the landscape and the camp’s outdoor setting. http://www.tomneppl.com/pearson-park daily 0.75 2019-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559142977777-NO2DX4W0CDDVH601ZT3Z/IMG_7331.JPG Pearson Park - Existing Site Conditions At the time of the charette, the project site was largely in agricultural production of soybeans, including this area in the southern part of the property. While the primary agricultural land use will be transformed, the master plan intends to maintain the existing barn as an iconic element of the site’s history while also serving a key structure for tree production in the Orchard Program Area. Fruit and nut trees will be planted on this site, in the foreground area of the photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559142977777-NO2DX4W0CDDVH601ZT3Z/IMG_7331.JPG Pearson Park - Farm-to-Conservation-Area Wapello County Conservation’s vision for the Pearson Farm was to transform this 36-acre site from agricultural production to a working demonstration garden and outdoor education center, celebrating Iowa’s natural heritage with an abundance of native forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Their vision included functional elements and native seed production as well as opportunities for visitors to spend time in a restored native landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559139967171-E7PMC30EHAX42NPPISU0/Pearson+Park+web+300ppi.jpg Pearson Park - Pearson Park Master Plan “Everyone is entitled to a home where the sun, the stars, open fields, giant trees, and smiling flowers are free to teach an undisturbed lesson of life.” - Jens Jensen The design team felt this statement by Jensen aligns well with Wapello County Conservation’s vision for Pearson Park so we drew inspiration from it as we developed the master plan. We believe that as open spaces and native areas have become increasingly rare in our communities, places like Jensen describes (as ‘homes’) are essential to provide needed amenity and natural balance in our lives. Pearson Park represents such a place. The former Pearson farm is transformed into an immersive environment where children, youth and adults engage in hands-on, interactive, educational and fun activities while being immersed in the beautiful and inspiring native Iowa landscape. Program areas demonstrate advantages of Iowa’s native plants while also creating spaces for outdoor learning and social activities. Trails provide a progression of interactive experiences within Iowa savannah, prairie and wetland as well as fruit and nut tree production, and the practice of permaculture. The ultimate aim is to create inspiring and memorable experiences in the Iowa landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559142681947-RVO9INIT24LKH84XW674/IMG_7359.JPG Pearson Park - Charette Process The charette was held in the late summer 2018 at Pioneer Ridge Nature Area near Ottumwa. Setting up in the lower level of the main nature center building, the design team spread out aerial photos, topographic maps, and rolls of tracing paper transforming the space into a temporary design studio. Several conceptual diagrams, studies, and plans were generated in response to site analysis findings as well as a thoughtful and engaged discussion with conservation staff. Three alternative concepts were presented leading to a consensus on a final vision for the site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559142977777-NO2DX4W0CDDVH601ZT3Z/IMG_7331.JPG Pearson Park - Existing Site Conditions At the time of the charette, the project site was largely in agricultural production of soybeans, including this area in the southern part of the property. While the primary agricultural land use will be transformed, the master plan intends to maintain the existing barn as an iconic element of the site’s history while also serving a key structure for tree production in the Orchard Program Area. Fruit and nut trees will be planted on this site, in the foreground area of the photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559143059420-4FPV98OG64Q4VW88KUCX/IMG_7334.JPG Pearson Park The site is characterized by a gently rolling terrain with a southerly aspect. While much of the site is under agricultural production, there are existing woodland areas and a small grove of trees (shown here) that inspired the ultimate master plan development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559143180136-LUSZ8BQYFZK5X58NZMA1/IMG_7332.JPG Pearson Park In addition to the row crops planted on the existing site, a greenbelt of chestnuts was also recently planted, prior to the master planning process. These trees will be relocated to the Orchard Program Area where visitors can learn about nut and fruit tree production as well as permacultural practices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1559142122374-4U09KBDW93QTUUU8PQ14/IMG_7317.JPG Pearson Park - Native Seed Production Plots The master plan establishes 39 plots for native seed production and harvest. Species including Liatris (above) and other Iowa natives will be grown on site in plots that are accessible for visitors to experience the plants and learn more about Iowa’s natural heritage and the ongoing work at the farm. (this photo and all others by Tom Bentley) http://www.tomneppl.com/home daily 0.75 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1590160456971-US2FFL8SCHRSWCAZLQKN/GSAC-9957.jpg Home http://www.tomneppl.com/new-cover-page daily 0.75 2015-07-25 http://www.tomneppl.com/bio daily 0.75 2025-02-11 http://www.tomneppl.com/work daily 0.75 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1531249505516-CP2QHP51SU0K0RVVWEML/WindVoicesLayout_01+resized+for+web.jpg Completed Works - Make it stand out Wind Voices Forest Theater https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1b6dd6b4-3242-4771-b2b5-01eb00d47d83/GSAC-9976.jpg Completed Works - Make it stand out Camp Prairie Schooner Aquatic Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1718306619724-2B55ONNQBJ47CQ0MT2F1/Axonometric+drawing.png Completed Works - Make it stand out Camp Prairie Schooner Aquatic Center Site Rendering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1590162584104-149QM96CRLEUJKPI4A5Y/Schooner+Aerial+Oblique+Site+Analysis+2500x1250x72.png Completed Works - Make it stand out Camp Prairie Schooner Conceptual Diagram https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1716494639295-RXTT3VH2MSQJSCFEP672/BASEMAP2-WITH+LABELS-WebCompressed.png Completed Works - Make it stand out Simons Family Spring Plaza https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560896500692-6L38UTADU7NRGGD1KHKY/Tongawood%2BSTEAM%2BCenter%2Bconcept%2Bplan_Page_1.jpg Completed Works Design for Tongawood STE(A)M Center Natural Pool http://www.tomneppl.com/new-page daily 0.75 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1495373747197-PGCH5QHRWPI8MSFMHX4K/Native+Bur+Oak+Grove+%7C+Lake+View+Camp+%26+Conference+Center Our Environmental Design Philosophy Bur Oak Grove | Marion County, Iowa http://www.tomneppl.com/process daily 0.75 2025-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560897679477-CO0222RCP6MVSJHGW3Y3/Tongawood+STEAM+Center+concept+plan_Page_1.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Concept https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898108786-3PGS7JDUYYXB61V1416D/Final+STE%28A%29M+Center+images_Page_1.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood Site Layout Strategy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898309791-FUX2NBA0CF98P5T5B32G/Final+STE%28A%29M+Center+images_Page_2.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Axon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898688263-YY694ZSZPP6ZI15H2KUT/tongawood+entrance+copy.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood Active Recreation Zone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898430196-I2GIXLP5ZTZXVAM0840L/Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+081018_Page_1.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Aerial https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898433246-8J9LJNARZ8F47JEV3FIU/Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+081018_Page_2.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Natural Pool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898454001-KVO0LY72A4WKLRTCSBEX/Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+081018_Page_3.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Ecological Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898568625-GXHO1RA2TCUZV45ZSKV7/Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+081018_Page_4.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Experimental Aerial 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898614883-U3IAKJUORQ0P3VT9M87Q/Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+081018_Page_5.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Experimental Aerial 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898653970-ZJ36I5VHN0OAPB688WD7/Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+081018_Page_6.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Experimental Site Plan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898979024-UU2BE4M8YQ16S0HYBG16/Pages+from+Camp+Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+Diagramming+071818_Page_1.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Conceptual Layout 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560899062646-XBFUO21ERWAUTH7BAQF3/Pages+from+Camp+Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+Diagramming+071818_Page_2.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Conceptual Layout 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898927857-NXSGOYSXW5W6EUWCAU31/Pages+from+Camp+Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+Diagramming+071818_Page_3.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Conceptual Layout 3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898931267-G6PLW7IS3ODAL25C7S4Q/Pages+from+Camp+Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+Diagramming+071818_Page_4.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560898940877-CSYY62AOLKYH33HIKH8D/Pages+from+Camp+Tongawood+STE%28A%29M+Center+Diagramming+071818-2.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Conceptual Aerial Layout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560899329582-MUDBPO6QAJW46UXU52J0/Tongawood+STEAM+Center+concept+plan_Page_3.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process - Camp Tongawood STE(A)M Center Ecological Relationships https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5411ffcfe4b065f40cc78e37/1410979833956-YDVGH0MJOIIMYRSI0Y6G/trade14_0205.jpg Experimental and Iterative Design Process http://www.tomneppl.com/landing daily 0.75 2019-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1442333965491-S8EWFZU0HWCP6NDV5KZ0/IMG_4367E4.jpg Landing - Rock Springs 4-H Center Water Wheel Plaza I consulted with Bruce McMillan AIA Architects of Manhattan, Kansas on the development of the conceptual site plan of the Water Wheel Plaza program area at Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City, Kansas. The intent of this project was to celebrate water, stone and the Kansas Flint Hills. Several concepts were generated with this in mind; each concept explored opportunities for campers and retreaters to interact with the spring water.       https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1442334134075-MUI2Q1FSSBG2RFOV2LTA/IMG_4329_3.jpg Landing The spring emerges from the hillside and flows through two flumes; the upper flume turns the new water wheel as shown in the background; the lower flume, in the foreground, flows through an open channel before cascading across the face of a stone wall. The lower flume provides a place for campers and retreaters to interact with the water as it flows over the stone wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1442334094397-KQFTYROGMY0ZXARK5APK/IMG_4360E2.jpg Landing The project team also included Orazem & Scalora Engineering, P.A. and Bayer Construction Co., Inc., both from Manhattan, Kansas. These photographs were taken by Michael Henry Photography, also from Manhattan, Kansas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1442334790972-DKMK5QP3EMMYRS6WRI7T/IMG_4396E_4.jpg Landing In September 2015, this project received the Award of Excellence from the Kan-Struct Collaborative Awards Program. Kan-Struct is the inaugural joint conference of the Kansas chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of General Contractors (AGC), and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1716494639295-RXTT3VH2MSQJSCFEP672/BASEMAP2-WITH+LABELS-WebCompressed.png Landing - Conceptual Site Plan The conceptual site plan illustrates the many distinct program areas including a program shelter, open greenspace, two council rings, and an interpretive wall of the natural history of the Kansas Flint Hills. The space is intended to be a celebration of water and stone and provides an immersive and interactive experience for Rock Springs' campers and retreaters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1560359894956-Q5AP1EJX8JH0YKHBCG6A/Rock+Springs+Image+-+Tom+Neppl.jpg Landing Rock Springs 4-H Center Water Wheel Plaza, Junction City, Kansas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/1531249599790-UCOXQ5P6O8D67U09H3H3/WindVoicesLayout_01+resized+for+web+copy.jpg Landing http://www.tomneppl.com/statement daily 0.75 2018-07-10 http://www.tomneppl.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-02-11 http://www.tomneppl.com/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2019-06-12 http://www.tomneppl.com/about-1 daily 1.0 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/73fd8d90-6402-4520-9bef-46320738997c/GSAC-9957+website.jpg About Camp Prairie Schooner Aquatic Center | Kansas City, Missouri http://www.tomneppl.com/new-page-4 daily 0.75 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/3223a3cb-42b2-41f6-977f-8c563b0d51bb/GSAC-9989-B.jpg Professional Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/31c8090d-2cb8-4110-8150-4152a961f5e1/TRAC+Master+Plan+4x4+300dpi.jpg Professional Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55ad1ce3e4b09aa10b8f5e27/6cc3c2af-af6f-4949-9575-e5b4da32c8af/shutterstock_66901048.jpg Professional Services