Introduction

Studio Outside’s 2025 intern cohort—Trinity, Arielle, Alex, and Hayden—was challenged with completing a schematic design for the Trust for Public Land’s Big Cedar Wilderness. Established on June 23, 2023, this 300-acre + preserve was created to protect a wild landscape just minutes from downtown Dallas. With its rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and meandering creeks, the site offers not only recreational opportunities but also serves as a critical ecological resource that benefits both people and the environment.

*Studio Outside 2025 Intern Cohort, from left to right, Trinity, Arielle, Alex, and Hayden.*

Since its opening, Big Cedar Wilderness has grown in popularity, attracting hikers and mountain bikers seeking a nearby escape into nature. In response to this demand, the Trust for Public Land is looking to expand the park’s programming while preserving its trails and conservation goals.

Project Brief

The Studio Outside interns were tasked with designing a new recreational area within the greater Big Cedar Wilderness—one that would serve both the surrounding neighborhoods and the broader Dallas community. Their goal was to create a welcoming, accessible space that introduces new programming while establishing a cohesive identity and design language for the park.

Site Visit

To begin the project, the interns conducted a site visit to immerse themselves in the landscape and observe existing conditions. They explored the trails, cataloged the plant palette, and evaluated the current amenities, signage, and wayfinding systems.

From their first moments on the trail, the interns were struck by the unique character. “From the first few steps onto the trail, we were immediately immersed in nature,” shared one intern, Alex Nicol. “While it was clear that signage and wayfinding were lacking, the stunning views overlooking Joe Pool Lake and the serene connection to the landscape made it obvious that we had something truly special to build upon.”

Not all initial impressions were the same, however. Trinity reflected: “As someone who’s never felt entirely comfortable in wooded environments, my first impression of the site reflected that. I initially felt uneasy from the lack of clear paths and signage. What stood out to me most were the shifting terrains, the need for improved wayfinding, and more accessible pathways—especially for beginners who want to feel safe and confident while exploring nature.”

These reflections led the team to a deeper understanding of the visitor experience. They identified key opportunities for improvement—specifically in trail connectivity and the separation of mountain biking and hiking routes to reduce user conflicts.

*Arielle walks the team through the site analysis diagrams during the final presentation.*

The Design Process

With a clear direction, the interns began analyzing the site. They compiled research and site visit notes into a series of layered diagrams. The combination of hydrology, vegetation, slope, and soils maps helped them visualize the most ecologically sensitive areas and those suitable for development. These overlays guided their approach to balancing conservation with recreation.

Understanding that trails are the backbone of Big Cedar Wilderness, the team proposed several new connector paths to link the park more directly with neighboring communities. Drawing inspiration from precedent imagery, they also introduced educational and wayfinding elements to create a unified and engaging experience throughout the trail system.

*Concept sketch of bike trails created by the interns.*

One particular area emerged as an ideal location for a new hub of activity. Carefully selected to accommodate development without disturbing key natural features, this zone was designed as a recreation-focused area that included:

A new access road and parking area, offering a defined point of arrival
A nature playground, fostering discovery and play within a restored prairie setting.
Shade structures, placed along soft paths for moments of rest and reflection.
A large pavilion, capable of hosting community events and gatherings.
A short loop trail, designed for beginner and casual hikers.
Clearly marked trailheads, seamlessly connecting to the existing trail network.

Describing their overall design philosophy, the team explained: “Our design intent centered on revitalizing Big Cedar Wilderness by introducing a new public-facing entrance, educational trails with interactive elements, a pollinator garden, and nature play areas. Trail connectivity and ecological preservation were key to our approach.”

*Redesigned entrance for Big Cedar Wilderness.*

They acknowledged that working with such a sensitive landscape presented challenges: “One of the biggest challenges we faced was working within such a sensitive landscape. Much of the site was composed of clay and steep slopes, which pushed us to think critically about how to build without disturbing the environment.”

Despite the challenges, collaboration came naturally to the group: “Teamwork came naturally for us as we were able to share ideas openly and stayed flexible with one another’s perspectives. It helped us resolve design decisions with ease. This project taught us how to balance creativity with ecological responsibility, work as a team, and transform complex site conditions into fun opportunities.”

The Results

The final design presentation was met with enthusiasm from the client. The Trust for Public Land expressed excitement about the intern team’s thoughtful and strategic approach, and looks forward to carrying the project forward using their work as a foundation.

*The interns present their final aerial rendering during the end-of-week review.*

The interns not only delivered a compelling vision for the future of Big Cedar Wilderness, but also created a design that harmonizes recreation, education, and conservation—ensuring this treasured landscape continues to inspire and serve the Dallas community for generations to come.