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

Keller Engineers has been the partnering Engineer firm for Bedford Joint Municipal Authority since 2009. Keller Engineers were a key component in every area from design to construction for the first phase of Shuster Way Heritage trail that was completed in 2015. Our partnership with Keller Engineers continued as we designed and completed the 2nd phase of the Shuster Way Heritage Trail in September of 2023. The staff are professional, passionate, and dedicated to a project from the beginning to completion. On behalf of Bedford Joint Municipal Authority, I would highly recommend Keller Engineers, Inc. Brian Sell, Chairman Bedford Joint Municipal Authority