Marston Lake North Drainageway

StudioCPG is providing landscape architecture services for improvements to the North Marston tributary channel including reconstruction of regional detention at Quincy Pond, channel reconstruction and a new grade control structure at the channel outlet to Lakes Lake. Working with the engineering team and project stakeholders to implement a ‘soft’ approach to reconstruction, the design will work to establish greater natural diversity in the landscape as well as new recreational opportunities.

The concept for pond design was derived from the midwestern “playa” lake: A natural prairie landscape where intermittent inundation alternates with otherwise arid conditions.  Constructed berms within the pond interrupt the otherwise constant elevation of the pond bottom and differences in storm storage depth and residency time at each berm contribute to the formation of a rich variety of micro-ecosystems. A new loop path promotes recreation, bringing park visitors into the habitat areas.

The grade control structure at Lakes Lake replaces an unsightly engineered structure and reduces the possibility of local flooding in the surrounding neighborhood. The new structure creates a more appealing landscape that also serves as a setting for passive recreation.  Both sites were designed to meet the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District’s “Maintenance Eligibility” policy to capture valuable maintenance funds.