The Hoblitzelle Park East Erosion Analysis and Master Plan project includes preliminary hydraulic analysis, erosion assessment and master planning for Hoblitzelle Park east playground and trail to address erosion and accessibility issues.

Built in 1993, Hoblitzelle Park east trail is located between single family homes and the creek. In the interim, the trail has settled and the creek banks have eroded due to increased stormwater flows in the creek and from surrounding neighborhoods.  Railings installed to keep trail users away from creek banks are failing due to severe undercutting underneath. The playground was built in the same year. An examination of the playground and the adjacent trail indicates that neither are compliant with ADA standards. Playground equipment no longer complies with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards, and replacement parts are no longer available to maintain existing play equipment.

The Parks and Recreation Department recommends approval of an expenditure in the amount of $141,048 for professional services from Freese and Nichols, Inc. for the Hoblitzelle Park East Erosion Analysis and Master Plan. The intent of the master plan is to analyze surface flows from adjacent streets and to identify areas within the creek channel for erosion control measures, to identify solutions to address trail settling and accessibility compliance, and to identify improvements to the playground to bring it into full safety and accessibility compliance. The master plan is intended to provide a phased plan that will guide the implementation of future renovations and improvements.

Freese and Nichols, Inc. was deemed the most qualified consultant for this project based on their Statement of Qualifications submission for RFQ No. 2017-0281-X. Freese and Nichols, Inc. has a strong background with community outreach, and is a multi-discipline firm well represented by the landscape architecture, planning, and civil engineering disciplines.

The contract fee is $141,048 which includes preliminary hydraulic analysis, erosion assessment and master planning for Hoblitzelle Park east playground and trail replacement.  The fee, which includes project coordination, data collection, site investigation, topographic survey, hydraulic analysis, alternative analyses, playground and park master planning and Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC), is typical for a project of this size and scope.

If this project is not awarded, surface and subsurface storm water will continue to erode the creek banks and eventually the trail will fail and require closure. With time, some homes may be threatened. The playground will eventually require closure when portions of the playground equipment fail or break.