Stormwater problem transformed into community recreation resource; Project recognized for excellence

May 12, 2009
Black & Veatch and the city of Lenexa, Kan., announced today that the Lake Lenexa Dam and Spillway has earned the U.S. Society of Dams (USSD) 2009 Excellence in the Constructed Project Award...

• Lake Lenexa Dam and Spillway project earns excellence award from United States Society of Dams

OVERLAND PARK, KS, May 12, 2009 -- Black & Veatch and the city of Lenexa, Kan., announced today that the Lake Lenexa Dam and Spillway has earned the U.S. Society of Dams (USSD) 2009 Excellence in the Constructed Project Award.

Lenexa, a suburban community in the Kansas City metropolitan area, owns the lake and associated park area and conceived the "Rain to Recreation" program that includes the dam and spillway project. Black & Veatch, a global engineering, consulting and construction company, provided study, public outreach, design and construction management services.

"Thanks to the support and visionary thinking of our citizens, the courage of our governing body to carry out the mission of Rain to Recreation, and the expertise and creative solutions of our partners and city staff, this beautiful state-of-the-art dam will enhance the quality of life and serve our growing community for many years to come," said Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm.

The Lake Lenexa Rain to Recreation approach transforms stormwater into a community asset. The city built a spillway and dam to create a 35-acre lake within nearly 350 acres of parkland for fishing, nature education and non-motorized boating. The new facilities also feature wetlands, trails, docks, a boat ramp, picnic areas and boardwalks.

"We rejected the mindset that stormwater is a problem to be rapidly swept away," said Ron Norris, Public Works Director. "City staff worked closely with Black & Veatch's water resources experts to carefully plan and effectively implement a project that delivers much more than flood control."

The USSD 2009 Excellence in the Constructed Project Award recognizes the significant contributions made to the dam community and to society through the construction, remediation or removal of a dam or water resources structure. The award honors individuals or team of professionals who meet the challenges of the nation's aging infrastructure in an era of limited financial resources and increasing environmental awareness.

The $23-million lake, dam and spillway, and park project benefits Lenexa and other Johnson County residents. The project not only provides essential flood control but also improved water quality through construction of wetlands; natural stream preservation and restoration; stormwater management through incorporation of porous pavement and rain gardens; and recreation and education opportunities.

Community involvement was essential to the project's success, and public input was strongly encouraged. The project team was responsive to other needs as well. When it was discovered that vital habitat for the protected Redbelly Snake existed along the reservoir stream, plans were modified to minimize construction impacts on the habitat area.

Nature's hydrologic cycle inspired innovative design of the dam's 8,000 cubic yards of steel-reinforced concrete using sloping curves and other architecturally appealing features. The 800-foot-long, 50-foot-high dam holds stormwater in a 700-acre-foot lake.

"The Lake Lenexa Dam and Spillway is a marriage of form and function that will continue to add great value to the community for generations to come," said Michael Beezhold, Watershed Manager for the city of Lenexa. "They are beautifully conceived, designed and constructed, and the city is very pleased with the outcome."

Dam work is among the most demanding undertakings in heavy civil engineering, and the Lake Lenexa Dam and Spillway project effectively addressed design challenges such as the need for spillway walls that allow for settlement and spillway slabs/steps that minimize seepage as well as settlement.

According to Les Lampe, a Black & Veatch Vice President and the Global Water Resources Practice Leader for the company's water business, the Lake Lenexa Dam and Spillway dramatically showcases the application of high-level engineering and creativity to achieve balance between natural environment and man-made resources. "We're proud to partner with progressive cities such as Lenexa to help turn their far-sighted visions into concrete results," Dr. Lampe said.

The Rain to Recreation Program and Lake Lenexa project previously received a Crown Communities award from American City & County magazine in 2006 and the Gold Metal for Municipal Excellence for the National League of Cities in 2007.

Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets.

The city of Lenexa is a ring suburb of the Kansas City Metropolitan area with a population of nearly 50,000. The future of Lenexa is driven by community-based visioning. The innovative initiatives of the Rain to Recreation program are founded in Vision 2020 that was adopted by city council in 1997. The community has recently completed Vision 2030 and looks to Lenexa's sustainable future.

Related Articles
>> Rain to Recreation: Recasting Stormwater Runoff as a Water Resource Asset
>> Black & Veatch expands dams, reservoirs practice

###

Sponsored Recommendations

ArmorBlock 5000: Boost Automation Efficiency

April 25, 2024
Discover the transformative benefits of leveraging a scalable On-Machine I/O to improve flexibility, enhance reliability and streamline operations.

Rising Cyber Threats and the Impact on Risk and Resiliency Operations

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

State of Smart Manufacturing Report Series

April 25, 2024
The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

SmartSights WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track