Winter 2010 A&E Profiles: Olsson Associates Inc.

Location: 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave.

General contractor: To be determined

Estimated cost: $1.9 million

The city of Springfield selected Olsson Associates Inc., Patti Banks Associates LLC and Missouri State University to collaborate on improvements at the historic Sequiota Park. Galloway Creek was straightened and lined with retaining walls in the 1950s, but the channel eroded down to bedrock, undermining several walls. The vertical walls also present a hazard to park users. MSU is collecting geomorphic information, and Olsson is designing natural channel improvements. The restoration design will preserve and showcase bedrock outcroppings on the channel bottom. Olsson also will work to improve the pond's water quality by improving its depth and reducing nearby geese nesting. Completion is slated for this year.