Iowa Public Works Projects Earn Project of the Year
Three Iowa public works projects were recognized at this year’s American Public Works Association Iowa Chapter Fall Conference as Projects of the Year. The City of Johnston’s Green Meadows West Channel Stabilization project received Project of the Year in the Environmental category for projects costing less than $500,000, the City of Coralville’s Clear Creek Stream Bank Mitigation project received Project of the Year in the Environmental category for projects costing greater than $2,500,000, and the City of Windsor Heights’ Colby Park Improvements project received Project of the Year in the Structures category for projects costing greater than $2,500,000.
Green Meadows West Channel Stabilization, City of Johnston, Iowa
The Green Meadows West Channel Stabilization project was launched to address severe erosion and downcutting along a 550-foot stretch of stream channel in the Green Meadows West subdivision. The erosion had exposed a sanitary sewer manhole, placing it at imminent risk of failure. The channel ran directly through backyards, making tree preservation and minimal disruption critical concerns for residents. The City recognized the urgency of protecting infrastructure while balancing environmental sensitivity and community needs.
To solve these challenges, Bolton & Menk designed a stabilization plan that incorporated multiple slope-protection techniques, including stone toe, step pool structures, fabric encapsulated soil lifts, modular block retaining walls, and reconstructed slopes. RW Excavating executed the project with careful attention to tree preservation and construction access. The team also implemented sustainable practices such as native seeding, natural fiber erosion control mats, and strategic slope grading to ensure long-term stability. Community engagement was central to the project, with three neighborhood meetings held to gather input and build support.
The completed project successfully protected the sanitary sewer system and halted further erosion, while enhancing the environmental health of the area. Native vegetation and slope stabilization measures promote biodiversity and water quality in Beaver Creek. The project also preserved mature trees and landscaping features, maintaining the neighborhood’s natural character. Residents now benefit from a safer, more resilient channel that doubles as a scenic amenity, reflecting a thoughtful balance between infrastructure protection, ecological stewardship, and community collaboration.
Clear Creek Stream Mitigation Bank, City of Coralville, Iowa
Clear Creek in Coralville, Iowa had long suffered from channelization and erosion, threatening ecological health and stability. Faced with regulatory pressures and environmental degradation, the City of Coralville sought a solution that would restore the stream corridor and support long-term sustainability.
To address this, the city partnered with Bolton & Menk and Impact7G to establish the Clear Creek Stream Mitigation Bank. The project realigned and remeandered 2 miles of stream, restored riparian buffers, and incorporated features such as meander scars, toe wood, and root wads to stabilize banks and enhance habitat. Despite weather delays and sensitive archaeological constraints, the team adapted through phased construction, sustainable practices, and extensive stakeholder engagement. The stream remained open throughout construction, and native vegetation was established with more than 1,000 trees planted.
Completed in May 2025, the project revitalized Clear Creek’s ecological function and created a general-use mitigation bank projected to generate $10.5 million in credit sales over 15 years. It now serves as a model for collaborative and resilient urban restoration, balancing environmental, economic, and community goals.
Colby Park Improvements, City of Windsor Heights, Iowa
Colby Park, centrally located in the Des Moines metro area, is easily accessible by trail, bus, or canoe. As the future Site 57 of the Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON) regional water trails network, the park has been transformed from a tired neighborhood park to a regional destination welcoming visitors of all ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Windsor Heights Colby Park Improvements project was launched to transform the park into a more inclusive and engaging community gathering space for all kinds of events, both planned and spontaneous.
Guided by a philosophy of inclusivity, accessibility, and community belonging, the Colby Park project integrated placemaking elements and public art reflecting Windsor Heights’ urban forest identity. The design features an accessible playground and splashpad for children of all abilities, with shaded seating that allows guardians to supervise kids while enjoying community events. Additionally, a pedestrian-focused food truck plaza—enhanced with colored concrete, lush plantings, catenary lighting, and custom seating—creates a vibrant, vehicle-free space for culinary and social experiences.
The new Colby Park is an inclusive and engaging community gathering space with an inclusive and iconic playground, splash pad, and a pedestrian-centric food truck plaza to complement the existing community events center. The park is well-positioned to serve the Windsor Heights community and the surrounding Des Moines metro for many years to come.
Discover how Bolton & Menk’s award-winning Iowa public works projects reflect the values that earned them a Top Workplace honor in 2025.