This project was the second phase of parks implementation outlined in the District's Parks Master Plan, which was completed by EHRA in 2007. Utilizing the site of a recently demolished former wastewater treatment plant provided an opportunity to create a passive park space for District residents.
EHRA planners, hydrologists and landscape architects worked together to propose an alternative use for the space, re-developing the basin into an amenity pond. EHRA carefully selected native plant materials for both their ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the basin as well as providing filtration for improved storm water quality.
Identified as a top priority during the development of the District’s Parks Master Plan, this portion of trail was the first phase of over two miles of planned trails to provide connectivity and recreation for District residents.
The facility features an activated sludge process system. Additionally, the facility is equipped with an emergency standby diesel generator.
EHRA performed preliminary drainage area delineations for nine creek crossings and calculated approximate 100-year flows for each culvert crossing. Culvert structures were sized for each of the six crossings, ranging from 48” round pipe culverts up to dual 5’x5’ box culverts.
Meridiana is an upscale master planned community in Brazoria County comprised of over 3,000 acres. The socially active community is designed to highlight the natural landscape of the area, and includes incredible landscaping, elegantly maintained creeks, bayous and parks connected by bridges and miles of winding pathways, developed to encourage residents to explore the outdoors.
“EHRA Engineering is excited to be a part of this project,” said Jared Bowlin, Senior Vice President and Practice Area Leader of Land Services for EHRA. “We were involved in providing a unique blend of vision and creativity to Meridiana, a community that values active lifestyles and education, with learning opportunities throughout the community.”
The Texas Association of Builders awarded Meridiana Best Community of the Year at the 2017 Star Awards. The development was also awarded the Best Community of the Year in the PRISM Awards, sponsored by the Greater Houston Builders Association.
EHRA provided land planning, surveying, and engineering design for excavation, paving and grading, water mains, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, detention basins and amenity features and street paving for this 3,200-acre development which includes 5,500 single-family residential lots, commercial, schools and park development.
The master planned community includes remapping the Chocolate Bayou watershed to remove large portions of the development from the 100-year flood plain and the design of a complex drainage system consisting of multiple detention facilities to be utilized as amenity features. EHRA was also responsible for the design of several bridges including a crossing both over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and under CenterPoint Energy transmission lines, as well as multiple crossings over drainage facilities. The project required design and construction of two wastewater treatment plant facilities and two water plants capable of serving the development’s need.