The Garden Hills Infrastructure Improvements Project continues to take shape, with visible progress across the neighborhood and major milestones reached this fall. Most recently, two pedestrian bridges were installed in late October, adding a distinctive visual feature to the new detention basin at the heart of Phase 2.
The bright red bridges, which span each section of the basin, connect walking paths that will surround a future park space. Once complete, the area will feature recreational amenities and native landscaping designed to both manage stormwater and provide residents with a new gathering place.
“Each bridge was installed in one piece using a large crane,” said Project Manager Keary Roberts, PE. “They’re striking features that really help define the space, and while they’re not the central focus of the project, they add to the overall character of the park and walking path.”
While the bridges are primarily part of the pedestrian path, the surrounding improvements carry much broader community benefits. “The park, the walking path, and the drainage itself are hugely important to both neighborhoods on the north and the south side,” Keary said. “This is a flooding area where we’re pulling the flooding off the streets.”
Phase 2 Progress
Phase 2 remains focused on completing major neighborhood enhancements, including drainage improvements, new pavement and sidewalks, and the creation of the detention basins. Crews are working diligently to wrap up construction activities.
The park, which sits within the detention basins, was designed with long-term durability in mind. “The park has a lot of really cool new and innovative pieces to it, especially for the Champaign area,” Keary said.
Once completed, the park will serve as a space for community gatherings and local events.
Looking Ahead: Phase 3 on Track
As Phase 2 nears completion, work continues on Phase 3, which focuses on new storm sewer installations and street reconstruction throughout additional areas of Garden Hills. Phase 3 remains on track for completion no later than 2027.
When all phases are complete, the Garden Hills neighborhood will benefit from safer streets, improved drainage, enhanced lighting, and new public spaces designed to support long-term community resilience and connection.
We’re proud to continue partnering with the City of Champaign on this transformative project and look forward to sharing more as the new park and public spaces take shape.
Project Manager: Keary Roberts, PE
Read More:
For a deeper look at our contributions in Garden Hills, explore our full project portfolio, as well as our project update.
To understand the broader impact of this work, visit the City of Champaign Public Works Department’s Garden Hills Neighborhood Improvements page.
This project was also spotlighted in the Design Develop Construct Journal—read the feature article here.
Garden Hills is a key part of the City of Champaign’s broader stormwater management strategy. Learn more about the master plan here.
This effort builds on previous success, including our work on the West Washington Street Watershed Drainage Improvements & Community Green Space project.
