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Green space guru
5/23/2012 10:06:55 AM
By Craig Howard
Splash Editor
Mike Terrell was an undergraduate student at the University of Idaho majoring in biology when he attended an informational meeting on campus about landscape architecture.
There were far more empty chairs than people at the presentation but, for Terrell, the discussion would lead to a mid-stream transition in college and career priorities. Nearly three decades later, Terrell's professional inventory includes many of the signature landmarks in towns and cities throughout Eastern Washington, including Liberty Lake.
From green space gems like Pavilion Park and the new Greenacres Park to Liberty Lake's exemplary trail network, Terrell has been a catalyst for projects that integrate the environment into the community.
"Mike's been a very integral part of the history of green space in Liberty Lake," said Doug Smith, community development director for the city of Liberty Lake. "In this city alone, he's contributed a tremendous amount of quality landscape architecture. A lot of Mike's success has to do with his demeanor. He's a great person to work with."
Terrell's involvement in Liberty Lake goes back to a time well before incorporation. In 1995, he was part of a design team that began a project to add a covered marquee at Pavillion Park along with walkways, a playground and a tennis facility. The update of the park's master plan was keyed by community pillars like Ross Schneidmiller, Margaret Barnes and the late Lud Kramer. Advertisement
In the same decade, Terrell created a master plan for expanding the local trail system, including connections to the Centennial Trail. The document was vital in a resident-led campaign to improve the pedestrian grid, an effort that eventually included a grant from the National Parks Service.
Terrell said residents and leaders in Liberty Lake have always placed a priority on the enriching value of green space.
"As landscape architects, we can design great things, but unless the community is on board, nothing materializes," he said. "The culture of Liberty Lake is about the outdoors, parks, open space and trails. I think it's great, both from a civic standpoint and a professional standpoint."
Terrell grew up on a wheat and alfalfa farm in the rural town of Weiser, Idaho, around 70 miles west of Boise. He excelled in sports and debate at Weiser High School, running track and cross country while taking second with a teammate at state debate as a senior.
Terrell recalls a consistent work ethic being a prerequisite on the 640-acre farm.
"It was tough work, but at the end of the day, you feel like you've accomplished something," he said.
Terrell liked to draw as a kid, but had no plans to study architecture. Now, in a field characterized by advanced technology and CAD drawings that have made manual renderings obsolete, Terrell occasionally waxes nostalgic about "hand-drawn plans that really speak to people."
"I think, in some ways, we lean on technology too much now," he said. "The expediency of stuff has changed things a lot. It's all about the quick turnaround. There's some cool technology out there, but I do miss the hand drafting."
Terrell participated in the R.O.T.C. program in college and reported to a Navy ship two weeks after graduating from Idaho in 1986. After two years of active duty, he began his career as a landscape architect in southern California.
"I went from being an officer in the Navy to a draftsman on the lowest rung," Terrell said.
Terrell relocated to Spokane in 1990 and worked for several landscaping firms before venturing out on his own. Along the way, he served as the program director for the Sustainable Landscaping program at the Spokane County extension of Washington State University and lectured on landscaping design at WSU-Spokane.
Terrell has been part of the Navy Reserves for 24 years and was mobilized in 2001, reporting to Bremerton. When he returned to Liberty Lake in late 2002, he paid a visit to a local homebuilder in hopes of remobilizing his professional career.
"My first stop was Greenstone," Terrell said. "They put me right to work. They were just extremely supportive."
Greenstone CEO Jim Frank said Terrell is known for his "creativity in working on interesting and unique aspects of parks" while collaborating effectively with community stakeholders.
"Mike is not only a very talented and experienced landscape architect, he has an excellent ability to work with the public in obtaining valuable feedback on the design process," Frank said.
Terrell moved to Greenstone on a full-time basis in 2005, overseeing development planning and landscape architecture. His projects included coordinating the specific area plan for the River District, Greenstone's ambitious development in the northwestern section of Liberty Lake.
Over the years, Terrell has helped implement a sports complex in Kennewick, an atrium in Pasco, upgrades to the Eastern Washington University campus and other projects that have become hallmarks in their respective communities. He left Greenstone in 2009 to concentrate on an independently owned venture, Michael Terrell - Landscape Architect, which he founded in 2002.
With a home office in Liberty Lake, Terrell is surrounded by many of the designs included in his portfolio. While most residents may not have heard of his name or company, for Terrell, the abundance of trails and parks is an ample reward.
"Really good parks become part of the culture of a community," Terrell said. "They give it a sense of place."
Profiles:
Mike Terrell
Age
49
Family
Wife, Kara, two sons, Phillip and Patrick
College
University of Idaho
Hero
My father
Favorite park
Manito Park
Hobbies
Trying to play golf
Favorite food
Chocolate croissant
Landscape architect idols
John Olmsted, Frederick Olmsted
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