Schmeeckle Trails Development: A new ecologically friendly neighborhood, located on the East side of Stevens Point, adjacent to Schmeeckle Reserve (a 282 acre reserve managed by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, for education and recreation).
Schmeeckle Trails Development is a subdivision designed and developed by Revelations Architects/Builders, engineered by Rettler Associates, and owned by the Milano/Sciarrone/Milanos Partnership. During its conception, care was taken to maintain, enhance and respect the existing natural landscape. The central stimulus to the design scheme was the notion that this development was not to hurt Schmeeckle Reserve, but enhance it and to provide a natural setting to build environmentally affable and architecturally unique residences. The Milano/Sciarrone/Milanos Partnership has donated approximately 5 acres to Schmeeckle Reserve, including a 700-foot section of Moses Creek and a new segment of the Green Circle Trail, linking the development and the Reserve. A public/private partnership between the development and the City of Stevens Point has also created a new bridge over Moses Creek. This bridge and corresponding trail not only connect all of the subdivision to the Schmeeckle Reserve, but also give an entire neighborhood outside of the development easier access to the reserve.
Schmeeckle Trails Development is located on a former grown-over farm site. Its in-town location and compact lots make it an ideal alternative to sprawling suburban developments. The site is also in the recharge area for the Stevens Point Wells.
Architecture and landscape are inseparable; the developer and designers have taken measures to ensure that this development works in harmony with the surroundings. The designers, engineers, and developers worked together to create an innovative layout that incorporates environmentally friendly solutions to common development problems. By limiting the amount of fertilized grass area, eliminating clear-cutting, designing the site with neutral storm water runoff, reducing energy consumption and promoting reforestation, we created an environmentally conscious development that relates to the local environment. Street layout incorporates a boulevard rain garden, a first for the City of Stevens Point. All of the storm water is totally contained on-site with a landscaped retention pond along Moses Creek, which doubles as a geothermal loop bed area for Forest View Lots where the added moisture increases geothermal efficiency. A nature sculpture (similar to those created by "With the Grain" [www.withthegrain.us] in fall of 2005) is planned to grace the boulevard rain garden. Reforestation of the Forest View lots is required with 2nd generation tree species, such as; maple, oak, white pine and white spruce, to ensure a long-term forest growth and renewal. Also, through utilization of geothermal technology, heat recovery ventilators, super-insulated envelopes, and intelligent orientation, environmentally consciousness is encouraged throughout the development.
Schmeeckle Trails Development was conceived as a subdivision for people who strive to live in harmony with nature. Covenants protect landowners and the community at large by encouraging and ensuring quality of natural setting. Schmeeckle Trails Development offers residents a location close to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, jogging, biking, kayaking and canoeing.
The development features two types of single-family residential lots; Forest View and Prairie Single Family.
The Forest View Lots are the lots that abut Schmeeckle Reserve. These mostly-wooded lots are located about 30' to 200' from Moses Creek.
Prairie Single Family lots are single-family lots that do not abut Schmeeckle Reserve, but have convenient trail access to the Reserve. These lots follow normal single-family setback practices. These lots are ideal for smart-sized dwellings.
