"Adding additional aspects can easily be overlooked, but that wow factor of projects where you can say, 'wow, yeah that’s Hastings,' it's designed by the community and ties back to the character and uniqueness of the community."
- Sam Kessel, Principal Landscape Architect
The City of Hastings wanted to revitalize and reconnect their downtown to the Mississippi River while leveraging the nearby regional trail connection. Bolton & Menk collaborated with the city to develop a three-phase Downtown Riverfront Renaissance project. Phases one and three focused primarily on the downtown infrastructure, while phase two focused on Levee Park, a prominent park straddling the Mississippi River, Mississippi River Regional Trail, and downtown business district.
Collaboration with city staff, stakeholder groups, and the public aided in the development of a park master plan. The master plan included enhancements to the regional trail and construction of an amphitheater, musical playground, ice skating rink, branding and signage, and a veteran's memorial. Bolton & Menk provided final design services, including construction document development and construction administration.
The completion of this riverfront improvement project succeeded in connecting downtown Hastings to Levee Park and the regional trail, enhancing the user experience of each amenity, and creating a regional destination that users will want to visit time and again.
The urban park includes seating, public art, water features, gathering spaces, and significant open lawn
The community park is adjacent to existing neighborhoods and is an amenity used by both
Through the facilitation of a successful master plan, affordable housing and open space was integrated
The courtyard is highlighted by an infinity-edge reflecting pool surrounded by hardscape and planting. The
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