The City of Crystal Lake has made sustained investments in infrastructure that support public health, safety, and quality of life for its residents. From wastewater improvements to transportation safety and recreational amenities, the City continues to take a proactive, long-term approach to serving its community. Recent projects across Crystal Lake highlight this commitment and the collaborative effort required to deliver meaningful results.
Lift Station #6: Updating Essential Infrastructure
To address ongoing electrical and operational deficiencies at an aging sanitary lift station, the City of Crystal Lake initiated the replacement of the existing lift station with a new 10-HP lift station. Rather than continuing short-term repairs, the City elected to pursue a complete replacement to improve long-term reliability, performance, and service to the community.
Clark Dietz is supporting the City by providing design and construction oversight services for the project. “Replacing the existing lift station allows the City to address ongoing issues and invest in infrastructure that will better serve the community over time,” said Project Engineer Nicholas Stepina, PE, CFM.
Early project phases focused on developing a clear understanding of existing conditions and establishing a strong technical foundation. Field investigations included surveying, geotechnical work, and land acquisition support, along with the preparation of three technical memoranda evaluating the existing force main, hydraulic design considerations, and options for managing fats, oils, and grease. This analysis helped guide decision-making and confirm the most effective approach before advancing into final design.
Designing the new lift station within a tight commercial site presented a key challenge. Surrounded by existing utilities and active businesses and located adjacent to a busy parking lot and driveway, the project required careful coordination to maintain tenant access throughout construction. “We had to fit the design into a very limited footprint while ensuring the driveway and surrounding businesses could remain operational,” Nick said. The final design incorporates temporary easements and construction staging concepts that balance technical requirements with real-world site constraints. Lift Station #6 is planned for construction in 2027.
Design Manager: Nicholas Stepina, PE, CFM
Three Oaks Recreation Area Trail: Turning a Long-Term Vision into Reality
At the Three Oaks Recreation Area, Clark Dietz helped transform a long-standing vision into a trail system that connects people to one of Crystal Lake’s most popular outdoor destinations. The City had envisioned a walking path around the lake for years, but early cost estimates delayed the project. When funding became available, Clark Dietz was selected to help bring the idea back to life.
“This was a challenging design,” said Antonio Acevedo, PE, Clark Dietz Project Manager. “We were trying to build a flat plane on very steep slopes, and that can be tough to do.” Initial designs relied heavily on retaining walls, which raised concerns about cost and constructability. Through a value engineering process, the team adjusted the trail alignment and grading to eliminate the need for walls while still meeting accessibility requirements.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project. The trail surface uses a crushed granite and limestone mix instead of asphalt or concrete, creating a natural look and reducing maintenance needs. Native trees and prairie grasses were incorporated to restore habitat and preserve the area’s character. “It’s environmentally sustainable,” Antonio said. Completed on time and under budget, the trail now serves as a lasting community asset that balances recreation, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful design.
Read our past blog for more details: Building the Path Forward: Designing the Three Oaks Walking Trail
For more information, visit Crystal Lake’s website.
Project Manager: Antonio Acevedo, PE
Mini Roundabouts: Innovation Through Collaboration
To address safety concerns and support smooth travel along Congress Parkway, the City of Crystal Lake explored the use of mini roundabouts at the Exchange Drive and Federal Drive intersections. The initiative was developed as a pilot project, allowing the City to evaluate how mini roundabouts would function in a local context and how residents would respond before considering similar solutions elsewhere.
As the prime consultant, Clark Dietz supported the City through the planning and design of its first mini roundabouts. Clark Dietz completed the engineering design, including geometric and ADA design, while City engineers prepared the construction documents. This collaborative delivery approach allowed the City to remain closely involved in plan development while leveraging Clark Dietz’s specialized expertise and software capabilities. The roundabouts were designed in accordance with current NCHRP and FHWA guidelines and delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.
“Clark Dietz not only provided an innovative design for our project, but they also structured their project plan around our unique needs,” said Paul Walter, PE, Capital Engineering Manager for the City of Crystal Lake. “Their understanding of our vision was critical to the success of the project.” Construction was completed in September 2023, and the roundabouts have received positive feedback for improving traffic flow and safety.
Read our past blog for more details: Project Milestone: Crystal Lake Mini Roundabouts » Clark Dietz, Inc.
Project Manager: Antonio Acevedo, PE
A Trusted Partner for a Growing Community
Together, these projects reflect the City of Crystal Lake’s continued commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports public health, safety, and quality of life for its residents. Advancing wastewater, transportation, and recreational initiatives requires coordination across departments and a collaborative approach among partners.
Clark Dietz is grateful to work alongside the City and its staff to support these efforts. Through close collaboration across disciplines and departments, the City and Clark Dietz share a commitment to serving residents and delivering infrastructure solutions that support both daily life and long-term community goals.
