Innovative Design at Lake Lenexa

As new dams get built closer to the public in existing neighborhoods and towns, the Public, through public participation workshops and events are asking for more amenities in the form of parks, recreational facilities, and education seminars be implemented to increase voter satisfaction. The public is also asking for more aesthetic designs if they can be proven cost-effective at providing an appealing element to new dams. Lake Lenexa was designed and built around the idea of providing for basic dam functions such as flood control, enhanced water quality, recreation but also to provide an inviting community focal point for the residents to visit and enjoy; truly interact with the dam. The residential setting became the impetus for a bigger vision emphasizing bold architecture and aesthetics. Innovative design techniques were implemented to capture the architectural elements of the dam. Extensive architectural elements were incorporated into the dam design including MSE retaining walls, Use of CKD (Cement Kiln Dust), cantilevered spillway bridge, trellis, and a wide variety of landscape architecture. Water quality enhancements were achieved through the use of wetland treatment cells on the upstream tributaries of the reservoir. In addition, several stream restoration projects were completed for the area. The overall project includes the development of three wetlands; trails; recreational and park amenities; and a future amphitheater. Three miles of trails connect the lake to surrounding neighborhoods. The architecturally unique dam and "one of a kind" spillway were designed to symbolize the water cycle as water moves from nature into the urban environment and the back to nature. A pedestrian bridge that spans the spillway offers visitors a good view of cascading pools and a fountain.