Carillon Park

Landscape Architect: Arbolope Studio
Civil Engineer: Civil Design, Inc.
Location: Centralia, IL

This park surrounds a freestanding carillon tower in Centralia, redesigned to expand its open-air listening grounds and knit it back into the surrounding business district. The landscape is informed by the idea of sound radiating outward from the bells: concentric berms and low knolls shape open, amphitheater-like lawns where visitors gather, each oriented to catch the music. Tree-shaded paths fan out toward adjacent streets, drawing foot traffic toward nearby shops. Planting is prairie-style and native, selected to hold color across three seasons while supporting pollinators. Accessible plazas and walkways use regionally sourced gravel and hardscape, and existing lighting was upgraded. The work is part of a longer effort to grow the park by acquiring and clearing nearby commercial buildings.