The LaGasse Medal - Landscape Architect Professional:
Julie Hensley, ASLA
"Julie always brings with her a quiet determination to make every park the best it can be – both in providing memorable places that create a stronger sense of community and in being responsible stewards of our lowcountry landscapes."
-Nominator, William T. Eubanks, FASLA
Since the beginning of her career, Julie has been concerned with the proper management of the nation's public lands and the use of natural resources for the betterment and enjoyment of society. For 28 years, Julie served as the Director of Planning for Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) in Charleston, South Carolina. Under her leadership, CCPRC grew from 5,000 acres of protected parkland to 12,000 acres and is nationally recognized as a model for operating an ever-expanding park system with little reliance on tax subsidies for growth. Julie was also very involved in the Charleston Greenbelt Program - which has protected over 21,000 acres of land to date and purchasing over 9,300 acres for future public parks and greenspaces. Now the owner of her own firm, Julie continues to provide pro bono services for parks and public landscapes, including her design work at Folly Beach park near her home.
View nominating and supporting materials.