Project Summary

Student safety is the overriding factor for the City’s decision to make transformational changes to the Gossler Park and the Middle School at Parkside site for the students and teachers that call these facilities home. Pedestrian separation from vehicular movements, as well as creating a fresh new hardscape and landscape will be realized due to the City’s diligent efforts in acquiring grant funds. Recognizing the impact that schools have on the development of students, and thus adults, we believe these schools should not be viewed simply as a place of education but as a primary and integral piece of the community, as well as a common meeting ground for the neighborhood and area. 

As part of this project, Hoyle Tanner coordinated with one of the school’s 2nd grade classes to understand how the students view the school campus and the improvements they would like made to accommodate their needs further. This exercise also allowed our team members to share some of the design elements and teach the students of civil design and feature layout. In addition, the Hoyle Tanner team also coordinated with the adjacent middle school’s 7th grade science classes to discuss the design of the shared recreational space and how the construction will transpire during their summer vacation in preparation for use during the following school year.   

As part of this project, Hoyle Tanner provided civil engineering design services for the reconstruction of the shared parking and recreation areas for the schools. The design was expedited to ensure the project was out to bid before summer vacation, allowing construction to take place when school was not in session. The site improvements included a new expanded parking lot with reconfigured sidewalks and ADA access, a new basketball court and soccer pitch, modifications to the closed drainage system, updated landscaping, and a new monument to highlight the history of the soldier the school honors. Hoyle Tanner also prepared construction cost estimates and assisted the City with the bidding process.