Missouri Avenue & Spring Lake Park Restoration

Spring Lake Park, established in South Omaha during the 1870s, originally contained three small ponds that were drained in the 1930s. The park has a long history of neglect, but through collaborative efforts between the Clean Solutions for Omaha, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Omaha Parks and Recreation, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, Keep Omaha Beautiful, Spring Lake Neighborhood Association and the Spring Lake Park Habitat Restoration and Preservation Team, a plan was developed to revitalize the park.

The main project involved sewer separation in the 416-acre Missouri Avenue, including Spring Lake Park and Golf Course, with the main outfall just north of the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Omaha, Nebraska. The project also included rehabilitating the F Street dam and re-establishing the ponds within Spring Lake Park.

The new park design included a detention pond to reduce flows in the sewer system and allow the reuse of existing portions of the downstream pipe. The concept also incorporated green infrastructure to promote wildlife diversity and increase recreational opportunities. Benesch worked as a sub to Kirkham Michael, providing environmental delineations and geotechnical engineering. During construction, Benesch also provided testing and construction consultation services to the City of Omaha.