Landplan Engineering was retained to continue our master planning services for this regional park. The objective of this first step in implementing the park master plan was to determine the feasibility of constructing an approximately 30-acre lake and the resulting construction requirements, lake elements and anticipated costs.

The planning process involved data gathering and analysis of existing conditions through geotechnical exploration and hydrological analysis. Factors such as soil characteristics, depth to and type of rock, topographic conditions, characteristics of the watershed feeding the proposed lake, and existing or proposed utilities were considered. The hydrologic analysis also examined the size and type of outflow structures and emergency spillway necessary, the size of the lake and the time required to fill the lake.

In addition, the Landplan team took the process further to develop strategies to maintain and manage the lake, including recommendations for a sediment basin to prevent lake siltation, and a wetland fringe to filter run-off into the lake. The Landplan team also developed a master facilities plan for future lake improvements such as a swim beach, admissions/bathhouse facility, and boat launch, as well as a recommendation to use an existing pond as a Children’s Fishing Pond.

Landplan was then retained to provide final design and construction documents for construction of the dam, spillway and other improvements. Design challenges included using native materials while minimizing environmental impacts; containing water impoundment within the property while obtaining the desired lake area; and relocation of a gas main. Landplan also coordinated permitting with the Kansas Division of Water Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers. Construction of this $1.2 million lake was completed in early 2000.