Truesdale Vista Point, Elk River/Hiksari’ Trailhead Infrastructure Design, Engineering, Landscape Design, Geotechnical Engineering, and Surveying

The City of Eureka retained LACO to design the Truesdale Vista Point development, which will serve as a trailhead and access point for the Hiksari’ Trail leading south toward Elk River, and future waterfront trail leading north of the site in Humboldt County, CA. We provided the following services:

  • Site layout design with the City project manager
  • Civil and structural engineering
  • Landscape design
  • Geotechnical evaluation
  • Survey base mapping and underground utilities

Our team designed this project to set an example for Low Impact Development (LID) in the Humboldt Bay region highlighting sound ecological design principles including: 

  • Native landscaping
  • A rain garden runoff infiltration basin
  • Permeable paving
  • Night-sky friendly lighting

Interpretive signs and an information kiosk describe the LID features, as well as the local bayfront ecosystem and Native American cultural uses of the site. LACO provided color renderings of the site design, as well as the landscape plan using native plants appropriate for the coastal site. The project engineer also assisted the City with utility mapping and planning in preparation for Pacific Gas & Electric’s  future undergrounding project planned for 2013. 

In addition to LID features, project components included:

  • Bay overlook area and gathering point
  • Kiosk with habitat and historical context informational signage 
  • Parking lot with accessible parking spaces
  • Loop trail with interpretive signage
  • Accessible restroom building with natural day-lighting
  • Benches, picnic tables, and trash/recycling receptacles
  • Accessible drinking fountain and pet drinking station
  • Bike racks

Our multidisciplinary team met the City’s tight schedule for project approval by collaborating with City Staff.  Conceptual design alternatives were developed early in the process and submitted with construction cost estimates. LACO helped the City choose an alternative that met the City’s budget, timeline, and vision while also complying with the strict requirements of the Coastal Conservancy, which is funding the development, and the California Coastal Commission in its regulatory oversight role. An innovative site plan achieved the public access benefits of the trailhead while providing the opportunity to educate visitors about the ecology and history of the region, habitat restoration, and the value of sustainable design principles. Construction was completed in early 2013, and the trail serves as a valuable and enjoyable recreation area for our community.

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