News and Events

OPI Unveils Design for Natural Playground in Bonita SpringsSeptember 03, 2010 12:37 PM

OPI is proud to unveil designs for a natural playground at Depot Park in Bonita Springs.  The design process is complete and the volunteer-driven construction process is set to begin.

So what is a natural playground? Imagine children tumbling down soft grassy hills, running across a dry river bed scattered with boulders, balancing on fallen tree trunks and running across timber bridges. It may sound like a pastoral setting in another location, but this is a natural playground.  Natural playgrounds are growing in popularity across the country and Depot Park’s playground will be the first of its kind in this area. What differentiates a natural playground from traditional playgrounds is that the materials are kept as natural and organic as possible. The slides are cut into actual grassy hills instead of large plastic slide structures out of a box. Balance beams are made out of tree trunks, and plastic climbing toys are replaced with natural boulders and tree timbers.  The landscape of the park design includes flat-sodded areas, rolling hills and a dry river bed. This style of park has been growing around the country for its look and its added benefit to children’s play and motor skill development.

“As both a parent and a designer, I was excited to design Depot Park for the City of Bonita Springs,” said Landscape Architect W. Patrick Trefz.  “I’ve watched my kids run wild in creek beds and open grassy fields while on vacation and thought bringing something of this nature to Southwest Florida was an exciting opportunity.  I can imagine families from throughout Lee and Collier counties coming to Bonita Springs to enjoy this space.”

OPI Selected for Fast-Tracked Red Sox Roadway DesignSeptember 03, 2010 10:33 AM

Outside Productions has been hired to provide streetscape designs for the new six-lane Daniels Parkway, from Chamberlain to Gateway, on a fast track schedule to ensure the Red Sox training facility is ready for opening day. All designs must be completed and ready for bidding by October 1, 2010.

The two-mile stretch of Daniels Parkway will tie in with the stadium’s landscape design for a cohesive look and will be 100 percent native. Utilizing a native plant palette such as live oak trees, slash pines and cypress will reduce the cost of city maintenance, increase water preservation and draw upon the natural beauty of southwest Florida. “We are excited to be working with Lee County and playing a role in the new Red Sox stadium,” said Owner Pat Trefz. “Everyone is looking forward to the first pitch in the new stadium, but we want to make sure the traffic flow and aesthetics of the widened roadway are something the residents can enjoy beyond spring training.”

OPI Delivers Winning Designs at Aurora AwardsSeptember 03, 2010 10:14 AM

Outside Productions Inc’s designs for three of Stock Development’s communities have resulted in three separate awards at the 2010 Aurora Awards.

Both Paseo in Ft. Myers and Players Club in Naples received awards for Best Recreational Facility and Country Club.  Outside Productions provided the winning designs of all the outside amenity and recreation areas at these two clubhouse facilities.

“The goal was to create a tropical, resort-like setting that residents can enjoy within their own neighborhood,” said Owner W. Patrick Trefz.  “We are excited that the judges for the Aurora Awards appreciated our designs and that sales for Stock Development reflect that homeowners are also pleased.”

Stock Development’s Lely Resort also won for Best Residential/Mixed Use Land Development with over 501 Acres.  Outside Productions was responsible for the streetscape design throughout the community as well as the updated entry design that features the wild mustang statues, valued at $1 million.  “It was integral to highlight these beautiful statues that draw visitors to the community”, said Trefz, “while also creating a safer boundary for the landmark horses.”

OPi Starts New Project in NassauNovember 25, 2009 8:17 PM

OPi just started work on the schematic design for a new home in the Bahamas. The home will be on a wonderful ocean front 3 acre site. The grounds will include a grand home, a tennis court and a "real" salt water swimming pool. If all goes as planned fresh sea water will be filtered in from the ocean in an environmental process allowing for small fish and coral in the actual swimming area.

OPi Competes and Wins to Assist Admiralty PointSeptember 02, 2009 1:48 PM

Recently OPi successfully completed a RFP which consisted of written qualifications, office interview and a 45 minute presentation. OPi received a unanimous decision from the Board at Admiralty Point Condominiums to move forward with an objective report of how the communities' amenities stack up to the competition and present community trends. OPi leads the team for this special job which includes Humphrey Rosal Architecture, Waldrop Engineering, Coaching for Success and Biological Tree Services.

OPi Finishes in the top 2 of 12August 27, 2009 1:41 PM

OPi recently competed against 12 regional firms for the Streetscape and Entry Renovation of Pelican Bay. The scope of services included Sound Wall Design, Median and Walkway Design, Lighting Design and Entry Signage and Monument Design. There were several complicated pieces to this project where OPi reacted by forming a team of engineers, biologists and public relations personnel. Unfortunately, the project was awarded to a large multidisciplinary engineering firm which houses several departments under one roof. We take pride in being a small firm that can provide the personal service and quality that some large firms cannot. We still count this a victory for OPi!

Grand CaymanJuly 31, 2009 6:55 PM

OPi is teaming with Harrell and Associates on a new private residence in Grand Cayman. The home will feature many special places such as a large pool for entertaining, two private boat docks and numerous mini gardens. Due to the owners love of the outdoors and garden spaces one special program element being considered is a private botanical garden featuring tropical many specimens from the island.

OPi assists BCB Homes in LEED certificationJuly 30, 2009 6:29 PM

OPi cooperated with BCB Homes on the certification of their new model in Mediterra. OPi assists in sustainable practices in design such specifying drought tolerant turf, right plant right place, native plant material and water conserving irrigation practices to help obtain LEED certification on Lot 5 Mediterra. Contact us for more information on how we can assist you and your clients in reducing water, manmade fertilizers while maintaining a superior aesthetic result. Sustainable can also be beautiful.

ASLA Florida Chapter Conference in Fort MyersJuly 27, 2009 6:00 PM

OPi recently attanded the 2009 FASLA Chapter meeting at the Sanibel Harbor Yacht Club. OPi had a great time catching up with old friends and seeing new products at the trade show. 16 hours of classes were attended by Pat and Rebecca focused on LEED and Sustainable Development