Fosston City Improvements
Client: City of Fosston
Location: Fosston, Minnesota
Completed: 2014 through present
Service: Engineering, Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Environmental
“It became clear pretty quickly that it would be an excellent relationship.”
Project
The city of Fosston prides itself on being a progressive community dedicated to continuous improvement for residents and visitors alike. Each year, they undertake new projects to enhance and safeguard the community. Over time, Karvakko has become a vital part of their team.
Solution
The long list of projects started in 2014 with Karvakko’s winning bid to create a long-term master plan for the Veterans Community Park. Services included landscape architecture inventory and analysis, concept design, public engagement, and the final master plan.
Completion of that project led the city to bring Karvakko its other city improvement projects, including:
- A hockey rink and warming house in 2016 for which Karvakko provided full design, bidding, and construction administration services. They also helped the city secure grant funding.
- Design and construction management for multiple bike trail segments over a several-year period.
- ADA and walkway improvements to the public library
- Preliminary engineering and grant assistance for an expansion to the industrial park
- Design, bidding and construction administration for new outdoor pickleball court facility
- Conceptual design for boardwalk improvements
- Concept and layout designs for various parks, school parking lots, and misc. public amenities
- City street and utility projects:
- TH-2 revitalization for which Karvakko provided a two-year pedestrian safety analysis and recommended long-term improvements and a proposal to convert the highway from four lanes to three, along with additional safety measures.
- Karvakko managed construction administration for a $1.2 million street project on Johnson Ave.
- Rehabilitation of two cul-de-sacs in Omland Court for which Karvakko provided full engineering, bidding, and construction services.
Results
Karvakko has become a voice for the city when dealing with all parties involved in the city’s improvement projects. Cassie Heide, Fosston city administrator says, “Karvakko is honest, a good team player, very responsive, and there whenever I need them.” Their business practices free Cassie up to stay focused on her administrative role.
Some results of their decade-long relationship include:
- The fully revitalized Veterans Park stands along Highway 2 and creates a sense of pride for the city.
- The rink and warming house now attract hundreds of visitors each year, even drawing teams from neighboring cities.
- Improved bike trails provide the community with enhanced recreational opportunities and connections to various amenities.
- A TH-2 safety proposal was accepted and final design plans for reconstruction are forthcoming that will improve pedestrian and student safety near the school, improve parking and access to local businesses, and enhance the overall curb appeal for visitors along Highway 2.
- Karvakko’s oversight ensured the Johnson Ave revitalization stayed on track and met quality standards.
- Rehabilitation of two Omland Court cul-de-sacs brought much needed improvements to the neighborhood.
