West Fargo, ND – Rendezvous Park Development

Challenge

The south side of the City of West Fargo had a need for a regional park. Though Elmwood Park was semi-accessible to residents, Interstate 94 was a substantial barrier that made cause for an additional park with amenities.

In addition, storm water improvements were needed in this new area to allow effective development and growth. With the Horace Diversion to the west of this area’s watershed, storm lift stations were the best option to drain the area and control storm water elevations in the regional retention ponds.

Solution

Moore Engineering worked diligently with the park district to plan and develop the 80-acre city park that accommodated a broad range of interests in the new thriving part of the city. Due to the dynamic infrastructure of the area including public utilities and storm water, constant coordination was executed with the city. The park is for all ages and promotes both relaxing and exercising. The park includes baseball diamonds, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, two disc golf courses, a skate park, batting cages, and soccer field. For the winter sports enthusiasts, there are groomed cross country skiing trails, an ice skating and hockey rink and a warming house/activity center. There are also playgrounds, shelters and restrooms with nearby parking for public use or for rental. The park district also has a large storage facility onsite for maintenance equipment. Even with numerous facilities and amenities, there is still plenty of green, open space for the public to enjoy.

The regional retention pond, which is needed for storm water runoff control for the park along with the adjacent residential development and school district, is lined with native plants. The pond also features a man-made, natural looking waterfall for visual enjoyment and natural aeration, weed and algae control. This amenity is a photogenic backdrop for weddings and other popular events.

Outcome

Moore planned meetings to involve the design team, park district, developer, and a committee of homeowners in the neighborhood. Working to apply everyone’s inputs within the design, this regional, handicap-accessible park combined the interests of the community and the Rendezvous neighborhood, while addressing the needs of the city.

Moore Engineering coordinated with the school district to implement shared use of the property and amenities with the neighboring Aurora Elementary School. Multi-use paths provide walkability to the areas of the park as well as easy, short and safe access to the school. Rendezvous Park is truly an efficient use of land to address the needs and wishes of all involved.