The Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas serve as a historic and cultural centerpiece for agriculture, entertainment, and community events across the state. As a landscape architecture subconsultant on a big team, Tallgrass Landscape Architecture worked to develop detailed site design solutions for a series of targeted infrastructure, accessibility, and public space enhancements across the fairgrounds. This was way back in 2023- 2025!
The scope spanned several distinct zones across the grounds, focusing on enhancing visitor flow, upgrading aging site amenities, improving irrigation efficiency, and integrating durable, localized aesthetic details:
North/South Connector & Entry Gateways: Designed welcoming pedestrian pathways and structural entry features, including custom ranch-style timber and steel gateway structures at key fairground access points. The gateway assemblies feature custom weather-vane details, laser-cut steel "Wyoming State Fair" signage, and heavy cross-bracing that reflect the state's rich western heritage. The inspiration was directly drawn from old reference/advertisement drawings.
Stage Area & Performance Pavilion: Developed the site, grading, drainage, and layout plans for a new outdoor performance space featuring a Poligon Half-Hexagon Amphitheater shelter. The site design incorporates concrete stage paving, dedicated performer/equipment parking, post-and-rail perimeter fencing, and coordinated electrical service hookups.
Ft. Reno Plaza Enhancements: Created site and restoration plans to re-level, re-sand, and reset historic brick pavers to meet ADA compliance and eliminate trip hazards, flanked by low-maintenance concrete mow strips, organic mulch beds, and drought-tolerant perennial plantings.
Irrigation Infrastructure & Tree Preservation: Designed full site irrigation modifications along Brownfield Road and Binson Drive, utilizing drip laterals, Smart controllers, backflow preventers, and targeted point-of-connection taps. The plan emphasizes critical tree protection zones, root-pruning protocols, and hydroseeding for turf re-establishment. See the pictures, as there is nothing more satisfying than a nicely soil-vac’d pit to find the water main.
Gate 4 Landscape & Security Facilities: Upgraded entry plantings at Gate 4 with hardy, arid-adapted species—such as Big Sagebrush, Western Sand Cherry, Catmint, and Rubber Rabbitbrush—alongside site cleanup, sidewalk replacements, and river rock mulch installations surrounding primary operational buildings. This was a light touch - just adding a few accents.
A facility like this is in a constant state of renewal, and the leadership team there is doing great things. We can’t to see what they have in store next!