City Park Golf Course & 39th Avenue Stormwater Design

2021 Great Places in Colorado

2020 Best Project Award - Water/Environment
The Matrix team was the lead consultant for the preliminary design of the 39th Avenue Greenway and City Park Golf Course reconstruction. Our team was responsible for the preliminary design of the infrastructure and drainage components of the two projects, as well as for creating the technical requirements around the drainage infrastructure for the Design-Build procurement. The challenge was to create a flood control project in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver. Our team was also challenged to create a resilient and context-sensitive system that would intercept and convey the major storm event to the South Platte River. Through analysis of the overland flow of the major storm event, it was determined that the most effective and efficient method of intercepting and conveying the water was via an open channel. Designing a greenway channel in a mixed light-industrial/residential neighborhood proved to be a challenge in balancing the needs of the community and reliability of the new regional drainage system. With the cooperation of all agencies, the team developed a regional stormwater solution that is an asset to the community for generations; becoming an important place for the community to gather, recreate, learn, and experience.
The project included creating a major storm conveyance that is an asset for an underserved community. As part of the design our team used the channel to create a linear greenway open space for the neighborhood. Our design included regional mobility that connects the 40th / Colorado and 38th/Blake light rail stations to the Cole and Clayton neighborhoods. The design included many amenity improvements such as recreational elements, nature-play, and interpretive areas. The team also planned outdoor classroom facilities for use by nearby Bruce Randolph School as well as trail connections and athletic field upgrades for the school.