Ravina Park, Bowman Creek Bank Stabilization

Following multiple spring flooding events, the banks of Bowman Creek were significantly damaged by erosion. Running through Ravina Park, a one square-block neighborhood of greenspace, Bowman Creek is located on the south side of South Bend, Indiana. The City of South Bend Board of Public Works commissioned JPR to assist in the design and stabilization of the eroded banks of Bowman Creek, as well as updates to Ravina Park.

JPR staff worked with the Army Corps of Engineers and DNR to successfully remove an outdated and damaged culvert and pedestrian bridge. They also installed over 200-linear feet of toe-wood logs and approximately 80-linear feet of A-Jacks armament to reestablish and stabilize both banks of Bowman Creek. In addition, JPR was challenged with the task of replacing the bridge that spanned the creek.

Due to the project budget and agency regulations within the waterway limiting possible bridge options, the JPR team designed an ADA accessible walkway through the park, as well as seating overlooks for park users to enjoy. They also updated and added pedestrian sidewalks at street level, surrounding the single-block park.