Parks and Recreational Projects

Paramount's Great America, Santa Clara

The Earth Systems companies personnel supplied the geotechnical services during the grading operations and foundation emplacements for the 65-acre theme amusement park located in Santa Clara. Upon completion of the grading operations, we supplied the geotechnical expertise to develop the foundation designs for the various structures and rides within the theme park. We also developed the criteria for foundations and observed their installation for three theaters, including an IMAX Theater. The most recent ride for which we provided services is the Invertigo Coaster.

Los Robles Golf Course, 299 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks

Earth Systems Southern California conducted a geotechnical engineering investigation for the improvements to the Los Robles Golf Course.  The improvements include the demolition of the existing clubhouse; the construction of a new clubhouse and pro shop, a restroom/snack bar structure, two lakes, and a pump station; modifications to existing parking areas and construction of new parking and driveway areas; and slope stabilization to a drainage area.  The investigation entailed site reconnaissance, subsurface exploration, laboratory testing of soil samples, engineering analyses, and development of geotechnical recommendations to be used in the design of the structures and pavement areas.  Earth Systems Southern California performed observation during grading and compaction testing of soils.

Barney Schwartz Park, Paso Robles

The Barney Schwartz Park has baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, improvements along Union Road, parking lots, a playground, a maintenance building, restrooms, picnic shelters, a water storage/irrigation pond, and several concession/announcer booths.  Our soils engineering report addressed grading criteria for ball fields, building areas, hard courts, and parking lots; foundation design criteria for buildings, shelters, and light standards; criteria for retaining wall design and backfill; and recommendations for pavement.  As on-site effluent disposal is planned; a percolation test and a system design were provided.  We provided grading observation and materials inspection/testing services during construction.

Bob Jones Pathway Phase I, Avila Valley, San Luis Obispo County

The first phase of the Bob Jones Pathway, approximately 1 mile in length and 8 feet wide, begins at Ontario Road and terminates at San Luis Bay Drive.  Based on site reconnaissance and field and laboratory investigation, our personnel provided geotechnical recommendations for site preparation, grading, foundations, abutment walls, asphalt pavement, and site drainage.  During construction, our personnel provided compaction testing of bikeway subgrade and base.

San Luis Creek Walk, San Luis Creek at the Children’s Museum, San Luis Obispo

The San Luis Creek walk is part of the Mission Plaza expansion in downtown San Luis Obispo.  The Creek Walk is located along a portion of San Luis Obispo Creek near the corner of Higuera and Nipomo Streets, and near the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum.  The improvements include a pedestrian bridge that spans the creek, and walkways and stairways supported by small retaining walls.  Our personnel performed a soils engineering investigation which entailed site reconnaissance, field exploration, laboratory testing of soil samples and geotechnical analysis of data.  We provided geotechnical recommendations for site preparation and grading, foundations, retaining walls, flatwork, and site drainage.  During construction, our personnel provided observation of caisson drilling and construction, and special inspection of concrete placement.

Dinosaur Caves Park, Shell Beach 

This park, as proposed by City of Pismo Beach, will consist of 11-acres at the corner of Price Street and Cliff Avenue in Shell Beach.  The park is expected to include walking and bike trails, benches and picnic tables, a playground, a restroom, and an asphalt concrete parking lot.  In the future, an amphitheater, botanical gardens and a visitor center may be included.  In our geologic report for this project, we evaluated the geologic structure, stratigraphy and geomorphology (landforms) which would influence bluff retreat and bluff stability, recommending a bluff top building setback for a 100-year design life.  Our study included review of geologic maps, photographs, and reports pertinent to the area; geologic reconnaissance and mapping of features observable at the ground surface and analysis of the accumulated data in accordance with the City’s Bluff Hazard Erosion and Bluff Retreat Criteria Standards.

Monarch Dunes at the Woodlands, Nipomo 

This development will consist of several phases of residential development based around three golf courses, neighborhood and public parks, and open space.  Cuts and fills will generally be 3 to 10 feet, with 30 feet maximum in one area where some retaining walls are anticipated.  Permanent water feature ponds and retention basins may also be included.  Our soils engineering investigation included a general site reconnaissance, field exploration, laboratory testing, and geotechnical analysis of the data and provided geotechnical recommendations for site preparation, grading, utility trenches, retaining walls, pavement sections, site drainage and finish improvements.

Pelona Vista Park, Palmdale