Nature Works Park - Keller Engineers

Responsibilities

Survey
DCNR Grant Applications and Document Review
Site Planning, Design, and Layout
Landscape Design
Stormwater Management Calculations
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permitting
NPDES Permitting
Chapter 106 Permitting
Rezoning Hearing
Building Permit Applications
Land Development Approvals
Bidding
Construction Management
Construction Inspection

Owner

Blair County Conservation District, Blair County

Project Details

NatureWorks Park is an environmental education park which will ultimately include the Blair County Conservation District’s new office.

This project included the design of a two-phase master plan for a parcel which included rezoning the land to allow for the proposed use. Phase Two is in progress.

Phase 1: NatureWorks Park is located in the floodplain of the Beaverdam Branch of the Juniata River and adjacent to Exceptional Value wetlands. The park design contains accessible walking paths, a man-made wetland with boardwalk, a pavilion for 100 people, a pavilion for 30 people, numerous rain gardens for stormwater management, a unique boulder amphitheater classroom, a pollinator garden, and educational signage.

Project Uniqueness/Challenges:

The property was purchased from a sheriff sale; the original developer had bought the land and began to dump fill material on the site.
The project included a rezoning hearing, individual NPDES Permit, and a Chapter 106 Permit
The park was constructed during the wettest summer on record for Blair County, which delayed construction completion by almost three months
The pathways were built with Trail Surface Aggregate

Photos

For over 20 years I have had the privilege of working with Keller Engineers and their staff of surveyors, and civil and structural engineers on over $150 million worth of work. During these project relationships and partnering opportunities, my architectural teams have received nothing but premium professional services and courtesy towards my own staff, clients and prospective clients with stellar attention given to building and site details, client responsiveness and peer respect. I look forward to many more teaming opportunities and urge any other architectural firms, municipalities or clients who have not worked with Keller Engineers to do so. You will be pleasantly surprised! Richard L. Karcher, AIA, NCARB