WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in engineering, community planning, environmental, and construction services. Our staff of over 600 improve the way people engage with communities, transportation, infrastructure, energy, and our environment. We offer services in over 25 complementary areas that seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation. Our coast-to-coast client base is served by 15 offices in five states. We share a vision to connect your dreams for tomorrow to the needs of today-the future is ours for the making.
Software used: AutoCAD Civil3d, Bentley MicroStation, SketchUp, Lumion, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office

Bison Reintroduction at Spring Lake Park,
Hastings, Minnesota

 
Vast numbers of bison once freely roamed the southeastern prairies of Minnesota, but nearly 150 years ago, the last wild bison in Minnesota disappeared. In 2011, the Minnesota Conservation Herd Partnership was established with the objective of augmenting the population of genetically pure bison while eliminating those that had interbred. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and various local organizations began to examine how they could successfully reintroduce bison to Minnesota prairies not only for restoration but for the ecological benefits.
Located in Hastings, Spring Lake Park Reserve is an integral component of the Dakota County Park System, spanning more than 1,100 acres along the Mississippi River. Within this expansive park, Dakota County has implemented a strategy where bison will aid in the process of restoring and managing a 150-acre prairie on the west end. In collaboration with local officials, WSB and their team of experts played a key role in planning, designing, and constructing the necessary infrastructure and improvements to reintroduce bison to this prairie area on a year-round basis. This initiative aims to leverage the presence of bison to assist in the restoration and management of the prairie ecosystem. The park is one of few Minnesota parks to reintroduce bison while offering ecological, economic, and recreational benefits to the area. The herd was introduced to the site in Fall of 2022.

Fallon Ave Bridge, Minnesota

The Fallon Avenue Overpass bridge spans across Interstate 94 and connects the fast-growing Monticello community. The overpass serves as a major local connection in the city that improves transportation, economic development opportunities, and public safety. To highlight the significance of the bridge, our landscape architecture team created an overall landscape design for the new Fallon Avenue bridge, corridor, and surrounding three roundabouts.
Multiple elements, shapes, colors, and materials were explored to relate this structure to the context within the city and create a landmark along the corridor. The final design includes ashlar stone patterned columns, shepherd hook lights, arched railings, and the city's logo. The trails were designed to be cohesive with the roadway improvements by incorporating appropriate pedestrian crossings. The project included three roundabouts at three of the major intersections within the corridor, multi-use trails, water main improvements, and landscaping.
The corridor was not only important for traffic but also an important connection for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate both sides of Monticello. The city received positive community feedback on improved quality of life due to reduced travel times and less traffic congestion.

Lions Volunteer Park, Hugo, Minnesota

The WSB design team worked with the City of Hugo on a comprehensive planning process and transformed an existing park into an expanded civic space. WSB maintained its partnership with the City of Hugo, guiding the community development efforts that led to the acquisition of additional land. The estimated costs served as a basis for identifying funding mechanisms and establishing an overall budget for the redevelopment project.
In 2020, WSB facilitated the planning process for the park's design development and created final construction plans, which also encompassed the redevelopment of downtown streets. Construction commenced in 2021 and was complete in 2022.
Following its completion, the park was renamed Lions Volunteer Park and now features a large multi-level inclusive playground and a ninja warrior course. Various seating and viewing opportunities are available throughout the park, alongside a court complex. The skate park was relocated and a loop trail system was established. Also, the park boasts a spacious open lawn intended for community events and celebrations and expanded parking capacity. The newly constructed streets have enhanced safety, accessibility, and connectivity, including trail connections to Lions Volunteer Park and the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.
At the heart of the park lies a versatile community building, offering an indoor meeting room, a food service area, staff rooms, internal and external restrooms, and an attached open-air picnic shelter. The main building seamlessly integrates with the outdoor park space through various seating areas and gathering spots, featuring plaza spaces, a fire pit, and opportunities for informal stages during community events. Another notable aspect of the construction project is the incorporation of a water reuse system designed by WSB. This system harnesses captured stormwater to irrigate the park, street boulevards, and adjacent residential housing developments.