Bentonville – CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. received this year’s top award for engineering excellence, the Grand Conceptor, and the award for Water Resources – Small Division, for the Mercy Trailhead Water Quality Demonstration Improvements in Rogers, Arkansas. The award was presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas.
The Mercy Trailhead Water Quality Demonstration Improvements began as an initiative from the Illinois River Watershed Partnership. The initial task was to create a water quality demonstration and educational program for the Illinois River watershed that would meet the goals of public outreach, education, and improved water quality. Mercy Trailhead was completed in May of 2013, as part of the 36 mile Razorback Regional Greenway Trail. The project has been a goal of regional planners, cities, and residents of Northwest Arkansas for more than two decades. The trail extends from Bella Vista, AR to Fayetteville, AR and links dozens of popular community destinations. Planning the water quality improvements for the Mercy trailhead location made sense, due to the fact that it would be centrally located for Rogers and Bentonville residents to visit, it has a direct connection to the Illinois River Watershed, and anyone visiting the trail for this area would be able to appreciate and learn from the project.
Members of the team include:
CEI – Nathan Streett, RLA, Tom Oppenheim, PE, Jenny Smith, PLA, Jacob Shy, Derek Hileman, Daniel Marley, Mike Clotfelter, PE, and Victoria Reiter
Illinois River Watershed Partnership – Deila Haak, Executive Director
City of Rogers, AR – Steve Glass, PE, Lance Jobe, PE, Barney Hayes, Parks and Recreation Director and Andrea Brinton, Assistant Director
