At Hill Hiker, we believe that innovative design needs to be at the center of all we do. We strive to find new and improved ways to deliver safe elevator systems that break new ground. We are pleased to announce this commitment has been recognized by Elevator World Magazine, which has named our Patuxent River State Park Observation Tower project it’s Inclined Elevator Project of the Year for 2019.
This project was a labor of love for us at Hill Hiker. The Patuxent River State Park is one of the beautiful native wonders in Maryland, a state known for its impressive historical landmarks and resources. The park includes over 7000 acres of riverside parkland that includes several habitats for wildlife, scenic landscapes and historical structures and markers. The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) determined that even though the existing four-story observation tower afforded visitors a wonderful view of the parks’ assets, it was antiquated and needed to be replaced. Not wanting to lose the opportunity that the perch offered, the commission decided to replace it with a modern structure that would allow visitors of all physical abilities to enjoy the panoramic views.
Wanting to ensure the smallest possible environmental imprint, Hill Hiker devised a way to include an elevator support structure made out of the same timber as the observation tower. This required a redesign of the standard track system, and the result was what the commission had hoped for: an integrated, environmentally sound system that was accessible to all visitors. It was essential the sound of the system be minimal, so as not to disturb the activity or balance of human or animal life. Hill Hiker designed a separate chassis for a traveling cable system to ensure noise pollution would not be an issue for this state treasure.
Partnering with Greenman-Pedersen Inc.and Carroll Engineering, Hill Hiker integrated an inclined elevator system to the observation tower that was structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. The system allows park guests of all ages and mobility levels to enjoy the lush environment and learn from the land’s abundant history.
We are thrilled to be recognized by our peers and by Elevator World as true innovators in the field. You can read more about the 2019 Elevator World Project of the Year Winning project here (https://hillhiker.com/portfolio/project-of-the-year-2019/). Hill Hiker is proud to be leading the way in the inclined elevation industry!
