Valley Water is proud to announce that the Silicon Valley Chapter American Public Works Association (APWA) has awarded the McKelvey Park Flood Detention Project as its Project of the Year. In addition, the Northern California Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has awarded the project its Project Excellence Award.
The McKelvey Park Flood Detention Project was built primarily for flood protection, with a unique feature for the community. The project includes a first of its kind ballpark and detention basin that could contain floodwaters when Permanente Creek overflows, helping to provide flood protection for Mountain View and Los Altos. Along with the upgraded baseball park, the project also included construction of a new mini park with playgrounds, a new community building and a walking path for the community to enjoy.
The completed McKelvey Park Flood Detention Project is part of the Permanente Creek Flood Protection Project. Creek channel improvements were completed in 2018 and included channel widening and deepening, a new reinforced concrete structure to allow increased water flow, and a separation wall adding protection from waters reaching beyond the creek's maintenance ramp. Construction of a detention basin at Rancho San Antonio County Park is anticipated to be done by 2021, marking the completion of the final portion of the greater project.
“It is great to see this innovative project get recognized,” said Valley Water District 7 Director, Gary Kremen. “We appreciate our outstanding working relationships with the Mountain View residents, City of Mountain View, contractors, consultants, and the community’s support on this critical flood protection project.”
APWA recognized the McKelvey Park Flood Detention Basin Project as a public works project that demonstrates excellence in its planning, design and construction, and coordinated effort between various stakeholders. NECA highlighted the project for its excellence in electrical work and technology installations.
The Permanente Creek Flood Protection Project will provide flood protection for at least 2,200 homes and businesses in Mountain View and Los Altos, saving residents thousands of dollars on flood insurance each year. Rancho San Antonio Park visitors will enjoy improved trails and more space for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, in addition to a bigger parking area with designated equestrian spaces. Also planned is the removal of non-native species, allowing for the planting of native trees, fostering an enhanced space for these plantings and nearby animals to thrive.
This project is part of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. Funds for the Permanente Creek Flood Protection Project come from Measure B, the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection special parcel tax that was approved by Santa Clara County voters in 2012. The renewal of that parcel tax, Measure S was overwhelming approved by voters again on Nov. 3, 2020.