Title
Update; Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park Erosion Control Improvements
Requested Action
Project Update
Recommendation
Project Update
Description/History
During the original construction of Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park, the bridge connecting the park sections over Walnut Creek was installed with the natural channel of the creek remaining un-armored. At that time the channel width was relatively small and incised. With the immense rains and severe flooding during the Spring and Summer of 2015, the creek channel widened and became such that armoring the section below the bridge was required in order to further protect the bridge and its supporting structures. The original consultant agreed to provide a construction document package at no cost to the city for the engineering drawings to construct the channel armament. Through numerous reviews and a couple of additional weather events the plans were approved for a flexi-mat armament system. The project was recently advertised and bid and is recommended to award to the lowest qualified bidder upon reference checks.
April - On April 11, City Council passed a resolution approving a construction contract between MPFDC and Nu-Way Construction for erosion prevention improvements to the pedestrian bridge at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park. Staff will be holding a pre-construction meeting between with the construction consultant, Nu-Way Construction, early next month. This meeting will headline the construction schedule and implementation guidelines. Construction is anticipated to begin mid May with a completion time of 60 calendar days.
May - On May 3rd, construction began in Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park for the erosion prevention project by Nu-Way Construction to the pedestrian bridge. Staff has directed Nu-Way on staging areas, low impact construction practices and keeping pedestrian pathways clear while construction progresses. Currently, we are on schedule for this project to be completed within 60 calendar days.
June - Construction is underway. All vegetative debris has been removed, embankments graded, and slopes compacted. The anchoring of the Flex-O-Mats has begun with anticipation of the mat installation directly under the bridge to be finished this month. This will leave installation on the side embankments to be completed. Despite the weeks of rain, we are still on schedule for this project to be completed within 60 calendar days.
July - A final walk through was conducted on July 11, 2016. The construction consultant is in the final stages of cleaning up this project. There will be one of their members on site in the morning to run the temporary irrigation for the next few weeks until the new vegetation has taken full root.
Justification
This project is to be funded out of the Oliver Nature Park operational contractual FY 2015-16 Budget. The project will help armor the bridge section and prevent further erosion damage that occurred In the Spring and Summer of 2015 on the banks and in the channel of the creek near the pedestrian bridge at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park. This armament will also assist in less turbulent conveyance of water and debris under the bridge during future events.
Funding Source
MPFDC ½ cent sales tax
Prepared By
Chris Ray, ASLA
Park Planner, Parks and Recreation Department
chris.ray@mansfield-tx.gov
817-804-5788