Virgil Park Earns Dual Honors for Sustainability and Engineering Excellence

BROWNSBURG, IN — Virgil Park, a 6.7-acre green space located along the B&O Trail, has been recognized with two prestigious awards for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability. The park received the 2025 American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana (ACEC IN) Engineering Excellence State Finalist Award and the 2024 Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (INASLA) Biodiversity and Climate Action Green Ribbon Award.​

These accolades highlight the collaborative efforts between the Town of Brownsburg and V3 Companies in transforming a former wetland mitigation site into a multifunctional public park that integrates environmental stewardship with community engagement.​

Engineering Innovation Recognized

The ACEC IN Engineering Excellence Award honors outstanding engineering achievements that demonstrate exceptional innovation and impact. V3 Companies earned this recognition for their work in converting the flat, isolated site into a functional wetland that incorporates flood control measures discreetly throughout the park. By utilizing native plantings and permeable pavers, Virgil Park not only mitigates stormwater issues but also fosters a thriving ecosystem for native wildlife and plant species .​

Sustainability and Biodiversity Emphasized

In addition to engineering excellence, Virgil Park’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity was recognized with the 2024 INASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action Green Ribbon Award. This award highlights projects that prioritize ecological balance and climate resilience, reinforcing Virgil Park’s role as a model for sustainable park development .​

Design Features and Amenities

Virgil Park offers a variety of features designed to enhance visitor experience while promoting environmental education. The park includes a permeable parking lot, an internal circulation system leading visitors through prairie and native landscapes, educational signage, a natural play space, and a fitness station. These elements are thoughtfully integrated to allow users to engage with the site’s natural resource functions, including wetlands and prairie areas .​

Community and Environmental Impact

The development of Virgil Park began as a wetland mitigation project in 2017, with V3 Companies partnering on the mitigation development to enhance an existing wetland. The Town of Brownsburg then engaged V3 to create a master plan for securing Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Funds. The design concept took cues from the land and human relationships to the environment, referencing the site’s agrarian use and native cultures .

The park’s pathways include crushed limestone and boardwalks for leisurely walks through the prairie and wetland landscape. The design responds to the site’s natural topography and utilizes native cultural forms for the layout of the park elements and site circulation. More formal plantings are organized to celebrate the site’s agrarian heritage and educate users about how humans have utilized the land .​

Dedication and Legacy

Virgil Park was dedicated to Diana and Hall Virgil, who spent more than 20 years converting the B&O Trail, a former rail line abandoned in 1990, into a recreational trail. Their efforts inspired hundreds of volunteers and donors, leading to the first 1,000 feet of the B&O Trail being paved in Brownsburg in 2009. Today, the B&O Trail connects multiple communities and sees thousands of visitors each year.

The park embodies the Virgils’ spirit, allowing people to connect with the natural world and serving as a testament to the Town’s values of health, well-being, and environmental stewardship

Conclusion

Virgil Park’s dual recognition underscores the successful integration of engineering innovation and sustainable design. The park serves as a model for future developments aiming to balance ecological preservation with community needs. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore Virgil Park and experience firsthand the benefits of a nature-inspired park that harmonizes recreation with conservation.

Resources:  Town of Brownsburg