The City of Park Ridge needed to replace a deteriorating reservoir, but there was little available open space to build new public works facilities. After selecting a site in one of the city’s parks, CMT was brought on board to design the new reservoir and pump station. Due to grant restrictions, most of the park’s land could not be used for non-recreational purposes. CMT responded with a unique L-shaped design that was able to tuck a 10MG reservoir in a constricted site that abutted the park’s tennis courts on two sides and park maintenance facilities on another. Once completed, new volleyball courts were constructed on top.

In addition to the challenging design elements, the project featured extensive coordination with the public who wanted to make sure that the facilities would not disturb the existing aesthetics of the park and surrounding neighborhood. Also included in the project were the design and construction of a supply and transmission main, and a new park maintenance garage. The project was constructed on an accelerated schedule so that the former facilities could be demolished sooner to accommodate economic development plans.

The Park Ridge Reservoir and Pump Station was awarded the 2006 American Public Works Association Environmental Project of the Year by the Suburban Branch of the Chicago Metro Chapter.