Diversity of habitat is paralleled by diversity of topography on the park, ranging from hilltops to the creek valley, from flat meadows to precipitous slopes. The trail system takes advantage of the changing spatial experience of passing through and among these spaces to make the park seem much larger, adding to its worth.

The findings of the site analysis and the extraordinary amount of community input led to the plan to improve pedestrian access by developing trail links from the community to the key areas within the park. More people reaching the park on foot and by bike means less traffic in the adjoining neighborhoods and less impact on the park .

A guiding principle is to preserve sensitive habitats.  By connecting major habitats and key adjacent uses, visitors can appreciate the park, while limiting active recreation to one area of the site and vehicular access to the site perimeter will lessen human impact.

With a long history of productive uses that include farming and coal mining, the park's varied heritage is expressed in a contemporary theme of productive, sustainable development. This heritage provides opportunities for interpreting the coexistence of nature, technology, agriculture and industry. 

The park will serve as a model of "green design" using recycled materials, energy conservation techniques, and low maintenance landscape treatments.

Stretched along Chartiers Creek, the park acts as a giant filter for urban storm water runoff from adjacent development. Improved water quality is the result -- a positive impact on both the health and recreational aspect of the watershed.