PROJECT SUMMARY:
The challenge with this project was to create an outdoor
classroom where students could learn about biology and ecology
from a long neglected, mosquito-infested retention pond that
was a potential hazard for West Nile Virus. The upper
pond was caked with years of debris and silt.
PROJECT SOLUTION:
Restoration of the water feature began when crews hauled over
100 truck loads of mud and silt away from the project site.
The upper pond was excavated to a depth of 8 feet in order to
allow for proper water flow. Additionally 400 tons of
limestone boulders were installed to enhance the aesthetic
value of the feature. A 3 phase, 11 horsepower motor and
electric pump were installed to ensure that water throughout
the classroom site continues to circulate properly.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The entire project needed to take place prior to the begging of
classes at Parkway in August of 2005 so as not to disturb
students and faculty with construction noise and activity at
the site. The whole project, start to finish, had a
completion time of 45 days.
PHOTOS:
The project just
after drainage of the upper pond so grading could begin.
Lining is used to
help contain the waterfall between the upper and lower
ponds.
An excavator with a
hydraulic thumb is
used to place boulders and help excavate he site.
Dozens of stone
boulders were used to line A view of the finished wall
with caps in place.
View of the overflow
structure camouflaged by a boulder wall.
View of the 12' deep
pump house with 11 horsepower pump.
A shot of the lower
pond after completion. The construction debris (mud
and dirt) has yet to settle for the water to become
clear.
A wide shot of the
two finished ponds and the waterfall.
Another view of the
completed cascading waterfall.
