Landplan Engineering, P. A.

Shawnee MIssion Park Beach Improvements

Johnson County, Kansas

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District retained Landplan Engineering for design of improvements to the Shawnee Mission Park Beach and Beach house area. Landplan created schematics, final construction drawings and provided construction administration for the project. The project presented a number of unique goals and objectives as desired outcomes of the beach improvement project.

Central to the design was the need for accessibility. Landplan devised a site plan that provides for universal access for pedestrian paths, parking, beach house and related beach activities. Another prime consideration was the need to consider visibility and safety requirements for children and lifeguards, along with the need for shade and microclimate moderations that will lessen the effects of summer heat, adequate surface drainage and wind blown sand retention. To address these issues, Landplan designed a series of low retaining walls, wood decks, shade structures, sand retention fencing and tree plantings. Finally, long term management and maintenance, together with budgetary considerations and time frame requirements, were addressed through selection of building materials, a variety of tree and grass selections and a construction phasing plan.