Client: Champaign Park District

The Champaign Park District sought to enhance accessibility and mobility throughout Zahnd Park by upgrading its pathways. The result was a new half-mile paved walking path designed to connect various park amenities, such as the parking lots, restrooms, baseball diamonds, batting cages, playground, football field, and YMCA. Clark Dietz played a crucial role in designing and overseeing the construction of this new pathway, which also connects to the city’s extensive pedestrian sidewalk network.

Zahnd Park after construction.Addressing Accessibility Challenges
The project focused on addressing accessibility issues within the park, replacing outdated and non-compliant sidewalks and ramps. A carefully designed pathway was developed, ensuring that it matched the park’s natural landscape and provided easy wheelchair access. The design aimed to maintain gentle slopes and the right grades for safe mobility.

Efficient Earthwork and Drainage Solutions
To keep project costs down, Clark Dietz ensured that the earthwork was balanced, meaning no extra soil was needed to be hauled in or out of the site. Drainage was also a key consideration. Drainage grates and culverts were installed to manage stormwater and keep the pathway clear of water, using the park’s natural overland stormwater flow.

Zahnd Park after construction.Work Elements and Improvements
The project involved several key construction elements, including earth excavation, grading, topsoil placement, and seeding. Portland cement concrete was used for the new sidewalks, with aggregate base course added as needed to elevate sidewalk grades. Additionally, sidewalk curbs, culverts, and trench drains were installed, and various removals and landscaping were carried out to complete the pathway.

Project Timeline and Budget
The total project cost was $223,396, with a construction cost of $173,501. The project started in December 2017, and was completed in September 2019. This project significantly improved accessibility to Zahnd Park, ensuring that residents and visitors could enjoy the park’s amenities without barriers.