Our team prepared the site design for a new center to interpret the history and culture of Wakulla Springs State Park. We aimed to improve visitor education, access, and sustainability for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, with George & Associates sponsoring the work. Our team designed a large site to accommodate park meetings and reformed the nearby parking lot to improve traffic flow. We also designed a storm water pond to manage runoff and prepared geotechnical recommendations for the structural design.
We used survey data, soil reports, permit guidelines, and cultural studies to guide the layout. Our design software included Civil 3D for site work and Bentley Open Roads for storm water and parking lot design. The team coordinated with state and local agencies to ensure compliance with the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Environmental Resource Permit, Wakulla County codes, the Florida Building Code, and other environmental protection standards.
We managed several challenges throughout the project. The building area constraints affected permit applications, and we had to develop the site while protecting the park’s ecological health, including a large spring and cultural resources. The team worked through software issues, coordinated permit timelines with multiple agencies, and maintained communication with stakeholders to ensure the design met park needs and requests.
The final design provided a functional, accessible, and sustainable plan that supports visitor interpretation while preserving the natural and historic aspects of Wakulla Springs State Park.