Professional Engineering prepared the plans and specifications for this project which linked the Bearskin Trail and the Hiawatha trails together into one trail. Approximately 3 miles of the existing trail was in poor condition and needed to be resurfaced. In addition, the trail was connection at Old Hwy K was unsafe. Professional Engineering redesigned the trail so that it aligned with the existing trail on the north side of the road.
Professional Engineering was the civil engineer for this 37 acre park project. The project required not only respect for the environment, but skill in navigating the political and governmental issues surrounding it. Professional Engineering worked with the developer, adjacent property owners, city staff, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, environmental consultants and elected officials while developing the park project. Due to poor drainage conditions with environmentally sensitive low lying kettles, flood control efforts with an emphasis on infiltration were needed as part of this project.
After an extensive site investigation, soil and infiltration tests took place. It was determined that the “pre-development” stormwater runoff condition was very low for both rate and volume of runoff, because the many closed depressions acted as small catchments. For volume control, the various Best Management Practices (BMPs) were designed so there would be no increase in stormwater or rainwater runoff volume for the 2-year, 24-hour storm. For peak rate control and to prevent localized flooding, the various BMPs were interconnected with a shallow piping system capable of conveying 2-year through 100-year flows without overtopping the BMPs or creating damaging flooding.
Rain gardens and bioretention basins were selected for the design because of their relatively straightforward construction and their ability to dissipate the energy of the high flows anticipated on the subject property and to provide increased levels of infiltration. Natural Resources Consulting, Inc. provided a planting plan for the BMPs
The Aldo Leopold Nature Center building addition and parking lot expansion was designed be a LEED-certified “green building”. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a “green building” rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Professional Engineering completed the civil engineering plans for this project which incorporate design elements that are intended to minimize the impact on our natural resources. Ephemeral wetlands were constructed on the site to slow and filter stormwater runoff before it reached higher quality wetlands and ponds. These wetlands along with several other raingardens installed as a part of this project will be used to teach children and adults about nature through hands-on, guided experiences. In addition, the plans were designed to limit disturbance to the maximum ability to protect the adjacent prairie.
Professional Engineering worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources and the Division of State Facilities on this project. Project included adding accessible paths to a new fishing pier, accessible boat landing, and hunting blind located in the Grand River Marsh area.The project also included impoving an existing clear span bridge that serves DNR service vehicles, foot traffic, and wheel chairs. The bridge was retopped and railing replaced. The gravel roads either side of the bridge were modified to meet current wheel chair standards. The parking areas throughout the wildlife area were improved to be accessible and stalls were posted to designate disabled parking slots. Professional Engineering completed the plans and specifications for the accessible trails, fishing pier, hunting blind and new boat landing in the Grand River Marsh. The plans were designed to minimize the impact on our natural resources. The accessible trails were created to access the new fishing pier and hunting blind located within the Grand River Marsh. The former lock and dam site receives moderate use by shore anglers and this project will enhance their use, particularly for disabled persons. The wildlife area receives heavy use by gun deer hunters, and this project will provide accessibility for many hunters.
Professional Engineering completed this study which was done to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a new ADA compliant bridge over the Fox River. The bridge will be used for pedestrians to access the two existing ADA compliant fishing piers located on the island portion of a department owned public fishing area. Professional Engineering reviewed regulations impacting the project along with environmental concerns such as wetlands, floodplains, and Areas of Special Natural Resource Interest. Several bridge types and foundations were considered to help reduce project costs.