Portage Liberty Park
Liberty Park was originally an underutilized industrial site complete with leaking underground storage tanks, contaminated soils, and eroding stream banks. Improvements were constructed in 2004 as an important water quality enhancement initiative that diverts storm sewers into the park where the ponds, wetlands and a rock-lined channel filter, cool, and aerate the water before discharging it into Portage Creek, which is a trout stream.
The park fronts on the heavily traveled South Westnedge Avenue commercial corridor, so while the park’s primary purpose is to filter and clean storm water; it is also designed as an attractive image building element for use by visitors.
OCBA was retained as a subconsultant to Fishbeck, civil engineers, to prepare a site master plan, develop construction documents, and provide construction observation for the surface features of the project. The 1.64-acre park features extensive storm water treatment features, sidewalks, a cascading waterfall, lighted pedestrian bridges, a space-frame pavilion, riparian buffer plantings and landscaping.
AWARDS
Quality of Life Honorable Mention Award, 2005, ASCE
Environmental Project of the Year, 2005, APWA (Southwest Branch)
Achievement Award for Superior Innovation, 2005, Michigan Municipal League
