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Thompson Oaks River to River Greenway and Water Quality Design

Helping transform a former blighted site into treasured neighborhood asset

  • West St. Paul, Minnesota

    West St. Paul, Minnesota

Brownfield redevelopment improves water quality and creates a recreational amenity for the community

When an underutilized golf course closed, Dakota County saw an opportunity to create a new segment in the River to River Greenway Trail. But first, they had to address construction debris that had been buried across the site prior to its use as a golf course. The County reached out to our team to help.

We developed a remediation plan and design concepts that considered stormwater management, water quality, and access and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Our plan resulted in the screening of more than 10,000 truckloads of impacted soil as well as restoration of the wetlands and a portion of the creek.

The site manages runoff from 25 percent of West St. Paul, preventing 93 pounds (42 kilograms) of phosphorus from reaching the Mississippi River each year. In addition to these water quality improvements, a new boardwalk bridge serves an iconic landmark for the regional trail and, along with two trail loops, provides opportunities to enjoy wildlife, wetland, and waterfall views.

Located near a library, multi-family development, and future amphitheater, this restoration project has become a popular community destination.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Dakota County
Partners
  • City of West St. Paul, MN
Meet Our Team

Todd Shoemaker, Principal, Senior Water Resources Engineer

I’m committed to empowering others to achieve—I do this by ensuring my team always feels supported and heard.

Sarah Harding, Senior Landscape Architect

I love developing solutions that bring out the best in ourselves and the best in our communities. Great things happen when we come together.

Todd Shoemaker

Principal, Senior Water Resources Engineer

Sarah Harding

Senior Landscape Architect

We’re better together

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