CASE HISTORY

Environmental Walkway - Parker Meadow Conservation Area

Sumco Eco-Contracting Installs ADA Access to Welcome More Nature Lovers to Parker Meadow Conservation Area in Lexington, Mass.

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by Julie Seguin &  Keith Dolan

The Project:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design promote equality and accessibility for individuals with unique mobility needs.  The town of Lexington, MA did not hesitate to approve a request for modifications to the Parker Meadow Conservation Area trail by a resident who emphasized the fact that their child with restricted mobility was not able to fully enjoy the trail. 

Much of the conservation area is wetlands, and concern for disturbance to the ecology was a priority in the design/development of the boardwalk foundation by The Lexington Conservation Department, Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture, Inc. and CHILDS Engineering.  A helical pile foundation design was developed, and Sumco Eco Contracting, LLC was awarded the contract for the installation of this boardwalk and footbridge construction.

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The Situation:
- Specializing in low-to-no environmental impact construction, SumCo Eco-Contracting was able to install CHANCE helical piles in winter, building new walkways and bringing increased access to nature. 

SumCo reached out to Earth Anchoring Suppliers, LLC for collaboration in identifying material needs, as well as consulting with Earth Anchoring Suppliers’ in-house engineering for assistance with the design and fabrication of a custom pile [top] termination.

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The Solution:
- The Parker Meadow Conservation Area project includes 315 feet of new ADA-compliant walkways, three new foot bridges, regrading of stone dust trails, and upgrades to parking on site.  Sumco used temporary
bridges, matting and low ground pressure equipment successfully to install the walkways and bridges. Their approach, use the smallest “footprint” possible, while always taking care to reestablish the natural
species of plants to wetland areas. 

Due to unforeseen delays caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, Sumco and Earth Anchoring Suppliers navigated construction protocol changes, material sourcing, and installation without falter and were able to construct a solution bringing it into ADA compliance.    

The Parker Meadow Conservation Area Project brings increased accessibility for the community to enjoy the beauty that Lexington, MA has to offer.  

CHANCE Materials Used:

• CHANCE® RS2875.203 round shaft helical piles (8”/10” helices), 7ft. Lead Sections and Extensions
• Custom 10” saddle bracket

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