Project Spotlights

Project Details:

• The design and creation of a splash pad/water feature for young children and educational purposes.
• Stormwater management incorporating the site’s natural features.
• Completed as part of a fine arts education grant secured by the Peoria Public Schools District.

Austin Engineering’s Roles:

• Landscape Architecture
• Stormwater Management
• Utility Staking

Project Description:

As part of a fine arts grant the Peoria Public Schools District secured in 2023, the money would be put towards educational facilities used by Peoria schools and learning centers. The Annie Jo Splash Pad was one such project approved via this grant.

Austin Engineering led the charge with the design of a ½ acre splash pad. The splash pad is located next to the Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center. It includes educational elements as well as a stormwater management plan that incorporates facilities with native plantings. Stormwater management was managed this way to hold water on site while helping to create a natural habitat for native species of birds and insects. Part of the planning also included limiting disturbance within the drip line of veteran oak trees on site.

Project Highlights:

• One of the many examples of projects where our team must work with approval from an elected board and with significant input from the community.
• We successfully implemented the site design without disturbing existing wooded areas of the property.
• Unique stormwater management solution, incorporating plantings to create a natural habitat for native species.