H. Edward Black and Associates, Ltd. master planned an award-winning linear greenway around the City of Harrisburg, which is comprised of more than 20 miles of greenway originally envisioned by landscape architect Warren Manning in 1890. The Capital Area Greenbelt connects several green spaces around the Harrisburg area. Areas connected by the greenway include: River Front Park, City Island, Italian Lake, Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, Harrisburg Area Community College, the State Hospital, East Harrisburg Cemetery, Reservoir Park, Spring House, Paxtang Park, and the 19th Street Access.
Programming for the project included special user needs, an education center for the visually impaired persons, nature trails, and bicycle paths. The Master plan includes proposed restorations to historic elements, such as the Old Spring House located on Paxton Avenue.  Other aspects of the Master plan involve suggested planting locations along the trail to screen undesirable areas, entice wildlife, and add aesthetic value to the greenway. 
Along with the already mentioned green spaces, the greenway also incorporates a Butterfly / Senses Garden that was designed by landscape architects along a section of the greenway in Swatara Township along Route 441.  The significance of the garden is its hands-on aspect of the five senses (touch, smell, taste, sound, and sight).
Services provided include:
  • Master plan design
  • Site analysis and site selection
  • Concept design
  • Layout
  • Grading
  • Planting design
  • Construction Administration