Forest Hills Park is a 7.35 acre neighborhood park located in the southern sector of Charlottesville. The park is typified by its hillside canvas of mature oaks descending to a heavily wooded dell and perennial stream. Previous efforts that include basketball courts, wading pools, and a baseball field interrupt the sinuous geomorphology of this Piedmont landscape and adversely affect erosion and park security. Partnering with the Charlottesville Community Design Center, a non-profit community development facilitator, McKee Carson donated its time and services to the redesign of Forest Hills Park.

The collaborative process resulted in a holistic redesign that balanced the recreational needs of residents with the existing hydrological and ecological systems. Reinstating the hillside geomorphology with use areas took precedent in the design. Detailed grading studies ensued, allowing recreational elements such as paths, play courts, and fields to work with topographic changes to accommodate a variety of activities while at the same time securing sight lines. Recommended biofilter / raingarden plantings stabilize existing wet drainageways to manage erosion while enhancing overall park aesthetics and ensuring the health of mature oaks on site.