Landscape Architecture Students Reimagine Bedford Senior Activity Center Backyard
A graduate-level landscape architecture (LARC) class at the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) is helping shape the future of a community gathering space in Bedford, Texas, through a collaborative design project for the Bedford Senior Activity Center (BSAC).
The project originated when the Bedford City Council partnered with CAPPA to give students the opportunity to develop a comprehensive landscape design for the center's backyard. Supported by the Bedford Foundation for Seniors (led by President Bruce Emery and Secretary/Treasurer Steve Otto) the initiative provided students with a real-world opportunity to address community needs through thoughtful design.
As part of a Planting Design course, graduate landscape architecture students Gavin Mejia, Isabella De La Hoz, and Bri Dunphy developed a series of landscape concepts and detailed renderings that reimagined the outdoor space as a vibrant and welcoming environment for older adults.
"Our purpose was to create the final design project for the Planting Design class while addressing a real community need," said James E. Theiss, course instructor. "The students met with representatives from the Bedford Senior Activity Center early in the semester, listened to their ideas and priorities, and then developed their own design solutions based on those interviews."
Following an on-site visit and engagement with BSAC representatives, students produced proposals incorporating detailed planting plans and features designed to enhance recreation and wellness. Key elements of the designs included sensory gardens, activity areas, and a water feature, all aimed at creating an engaging outdoor experience for visitors to the center.
Students presented their final concepts to Bedford city leaders on April 27, 2026. During a Bedford City Council meeting, Council Member Dr. Rob Gagliardi highlighted the presentation and praised the students' work, noting that the project was designed to be implemented in phases.
The project has also inspired additional community partnerships. Jim Tharp of Williams Tharp Architects and other partners have agreed to design an outdoor pavilion at no cost to complement the students' landscape proposals, further advancing the vision for the space.
In recognition of the students' contributions, the Bedford Foundation for Seniors awarded $1,500 toward scholarships to support students in CAPPA's landscape architecture program.
Pictured L-R: Isabella De La Hoz (Student), Gavin Mejia (Student), Dr. Diane Jones Allen (LARC Director), Steve Otto (Secretary/Treasurer of the Bedford Foundation), and Bri Dunphy (Student)
The project highlights the value of experiential learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world site while working directly with community stakeholders. It also reflects CAPPA's commitment to building partnerships that create meaningful impacts beyond campus.
Next steps include review and consideration of the students’ proposals by Bedford city leaders as they explore opportunities for future implementation.
Pictured L-R: James Theiss (Adjunct Assistant Professor), Steve Otto, Gavin Mejia, Isabella De La Hoz, Bri Dunphy, Dr. Diane Jones Allen, Dr. Rob Gagliardi (Bedford City Council Member), Rich Steves (Bedford City Council Member), Mark Long (Bedford Assistant City Manager), Bruce Emery (President, Foundation for Seniors, Inc.), and Jim Tharp (Principal, Williams-Tharp Architects)
By integrating academic knowledge with community engagement, the collaboration demonstrates how design can enhance quality of life while providing students with valuable professional experience.