Bogue Falaya Park Shoreline Protection
Client:
City of Covington
End Date:
2019
Services:
Master Planning
Design
Permitting
Construction Administration
Resident Inspection
Master Plan
Bogue Falaya Park was currently underutilized as it related to community enhancement, spatial utilization, water management, and was in need of shoreline protection to prevent further erosion. If the park continued to experience poor water quality and erosion, habitat loss would escalate making reversal more difficult.
The park, approximately 10 acres, hosts numerous events throughout the year such as the Monster Mash Halloween Fundraiser, Swing in the Pines with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Youth Service Bureau’s Chef Soiree, and Fourth of July Celebration “Sparks in the Park” to name a few. The park offers a pavilion with bathrooms, playground equipment, and abundant open space with old growth pines, cypresses, and oaks providing ample shade.
In 2016, DE provided a framework for improvements to Bogue Falaya Park assuring it positively interacts with the community and the environment through education, engagement, and habitat restoration; functions as a community park that emphasizes green development and water management; is environmentally and economically sustainable; and provides features that attract more users and events to fully utilize the park.
DE developed a Master Plan that included the following major park enhancements: Park Ranger Cabin; Boardwalk, Bulkhead, and Paddler’s Launch; Concert Area; and ADA Compliant Walkways, Parking, and Play Areas.
Boardwalk, Bulkhead, and Paddler’s Launch
Located on an outer bend in the Bogue Falaya River, the northeastern shoreline of the Bogue Falaya Park continued to erode away after previous shoreline protection efforts had failed to keep the bank stabilized. To solve this problem, the City of Covington selected Digital Engineering (DE) in 2017 to provide design, permitting, bidding, construction administration and resident inspection services for a 200 foot long sheet pile bulkhead along with an ADA compliant paddlers launch. Additionally, this project consists of a new 150 foot long concrete driveway to the paddlers launch and a new 180 foot long concrete walkway along the river.
Resilient ADA Accessible Playground, Path, and Gazebo Enhancements
In 2019, DE was selected for this phase of implementation based on the Plan includes the following: a new ADA accessible playground area that will build upon the already quite popular existing playground by allowing for passive activities that serve all age groups and abilities. Shaded seating areas will allow parents and children both a place to rest and relax within the immediate proximity of the playground. A covered gazebo will provide ample shade and shelter more so than the other proposed seating areas surrounding the playgrounds. Throughout the park, pedestrian walking trails will be designed that will better define the circulation within the park and between its various site elements.
PROJECT RELATED ARTICLES
Covington opens bulkhead and paddler’s launch at Bogue Falaya Park
City of Covington breaks ground on bulkhead and paddler’s launch at Bogue Falaya Park