On June 3rd of this year, I arrived at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, ready to start my first day on the job. Just two weeks earlier, I’d secured this internship and now found myself 11 hours from home, poised to spend the summer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. My mission was both clear and open-ended: to analyze park accessibility and develop new concepts through the lens of Landscape Architecture.
By the end of the first month, I was deeply immersed in a project focused on Sand Point, the park’s headquarters and a popular site. Sand Point was a blend of historic Coast Guard buildings and over half a mile of pristine Lake Superior beach. My work involved a broad analysis of the area, seeking ways to enhance accessibility while also laying the groundwork for a more detailed design. This initial work would eventually shape a final design, paving the way for tangible improvements to the park.
My initial focus was on Sand Point, the park's headquarters and a popular spot. It boasted historic Coast Guard buildings and over half a mile of Lake Superior beach. My work here involved a sweeping analysis aimed at improving accessibility. I crafted detailed proposals that would eventually evolve into a comprehensive design and, hopefully, tangible changes.
As July rolled in, my attention shifted to Miners Beach, a more remote and challenging location. This stretch of beach, set below an 8’ through’ 22’sandy bluff, was frequently battered by waves and weather. Working here was a test of creativity and resilience, involving conceptual designs developed in collaboration with the National Park Service team. The highlight was designing a 120-foot ramp to connect the bluff to the shoreline, providing wheelchair access to the lake. Additionally, I worked on designing an accessible trail loop that stretched over three-quarters of a mile.
Throughout the summer, I was fortunate to contribute to various other projects around the park. From creating drawings for a future pollinator garden to conceptualizing a boardwalk at Grand Sable Lake and designing a new housing area for park workers, each project offered its own set of challenges and learning opportunities.
Beyond the projects themselves, the internship was a chance to work alongside a diverse group of professionals, each influencing and shaping my experience. By the end of the summer, I had not only gained valuable experience but also forged connections that would leave a lasting impact on my career and personal growth.
Reflecting on my summer at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, I realize how transformative this experience has been. The journey from my first day, filled with anticipation, to the final projects that stretched my skills and imagination, has been incredibly rewarding. Each challenge, whether it was the broad analysis of Sand Point or design of Miners Beach, contributed to a deeper understanding of landscape architecture and accessibility. As I begin my final year of undergrad, I carry with me not only a portfolio of work but also a sense of accomplishment and a network of mentors and peers who have profoundly influenced my professional path.
