The Little Prairie

04
Designing with Repurposed Materials



The existing grade change was utilized to design an active street edge with benches and climbing features, inviting neighbors to socialize while watching children play. The benches, steppers, runnels and balance beams were crafted from trees that were removed due to disease. In total, three trees were repurposed: two black locusts and one bur oak. To honor their origins, the trees' locations have been engraved onto their surfaces.

The retaining walls are constructed from two perforated copper panels salvaged from a local church in downtown Minneapolis. All repurposed materials were locally sourced and fabricated within a 24-mile radius of the project site.

Wood Science
Not all wood species are suited for exterior use—especially in Minnesota’s freeze-thaw climate. For ground contact applications, we rely on species with natural rot resistance, such as Black Locust and White or Bur Oak.


Black locust, though classified as invasive in Minnesota, is the hardest domestic hardwood and extremely durable lasting 20 to 30 years outdoors without chemical treatment. White and bur oak offer slightly less longevity, with an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years in exposed conditions.

This bench is crafted from a black locust tree that was removed due to it being an invasive species. The copper panel is recycled from an old project in Downtown Minneapolis. 

Honoring the Trees’ Origins


Engraving the origin of each tree into the repurposed wood offered a way to honor its past life. It sparks curiosity and invites conversation—encouraging visitors to learn more about the story of urban trees and the possibilities of reuse.
Learning about sustainable practices at an early age is a great way to instill sustainable practices in one’s life. 


Children play on recycled wooden stumps made from black locust trees. These stumps serve as steps, a bench, and a play feature. It was also important to place these on the street edge, as a method of engaging the public with the garden. 
In the summer, the wooden stumps have even served as an outdoor learning space for children.
And in the winter, the wooden features continue to stand out under a coat of fresh snow.




Resources on Repurposed Wood

Most trees removed by arborists are chipped into mulch at commercial recycling yards —a practical solution, but one that often ends the story of the tree too soon.

Repurposing urban wood is a challenge. Unlike commercial lumber, reclaimed materials are less standardized and harder to inventory. Still, a few local businesses are finding creative ways to give these trees a second life.

  • Holistic Tree and Forestry combines arborist services with in-house milling and fabrication. They sourced, milled, and prepared all of the repurposed wood used in the Little Prairie. 

  • Wood From the Hood collects trees removed due to disease or decline—often from municipal streets—and transforms them into furniture and custom wood products.
1     What Sparked It All
2     Understanding the Site 
3     Revealing the Flow of Rain
4     Designing with Repurposed Materials
5     How It All Came Together
6     Tasty Natives We Love    
7     Planting and Establishment Process
8     What It All Cost
9     Lessons Learned
Curious about Ping and what inspires our projects? Come explore more at ping-la.com

Ping Design, LLC
Saint Paul, MN