Promoting inclusivity at Cubby Park

Cubby Park in West Branch, Iowa, opened to the public in fall 2019. Fehr Graham engineers and landscape architects designed the park so the sports fields, half a mile of walking trails, playground, pavilion with concession stand and restrooms, and other features are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant.

Dugouts, playing fields and bleachers have all been designed to accommodate those who need more accessibility, so everyone is included. The playground has engineered wood fiber to allow mobility for wheelchairs and force absorption in case of falls from the equipment.
The Fehr Graham team overcame challenges with the site grading. There was a 30-foot elevation difference across the park, making the land initially too steep for the playing fields and a challenge for accessibility. We designed the fields into tiers to keep them level and accessible while also working to preserve the wetlands and streams and minimizing expenses from moving earth.

Below ground, there were two gas pipelines in a 70-foot-wide easement bisecting the park from the northeast to southwest. Fehr Graham engineers worked with the two pipeline company owners to safely cross the easement with the necessary infrastructure. The park provides amenities for community members and visitors.

AT A GLANCE
» Developed final designs.
» Provided construction administration.
» Created American Disabilities Act-compliant civil engineering.
» Provided landscape architecture.