Source: Yacoub Najjar, 785-532-5863, ea4146@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

K-STATE'S CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS HELPS SPRUCE UP WAMEGO'S RIVERFRONT PARK

MANHATTAN -- For the third year in a row, students from Kansas State University's chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers helped spruce up Riverfront Park near the Kaw River Bridge in Wamego.

Students dedicated numerous Saturdays throughout the spring semester to improving various aspects of the park. This year's efforts included rebuilding a retaining wall by replacing rotting railroad ties with special concrete blocks and constructing a stone stairway to connect an upper-level sidewalk with a boat ramp parking area.

Past chapter projects have included the construction of an upper-level concrete sidewalk and installation of three flagpoles in the park facility.

In addition to the actual construction, members of the chapter also designed this year's project, met with city and state officials for approval and arranged for the necessary materials and equipment.

According to Steven Hammerschmidt, a graduate student in civil engineering, Hays, and past president of the chapter, the chapter's involvement with the park is a great opportunity and learning experience for students.

"It's been a great partnership with the city," Hammerschmidt said. "We work with the city and the Kansas Department of Transportation and learn how the process works."

In addition to Hammerschmidt, members of the K-State chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers that participated in the project, all civil engineering majors, include:

Levi Ewing, senior, Hutchinson; Chad Banka, May 2010 bachelor's graduate in civil engineering, Overland Park, project organizer and current president of the chapter; Gus Wuertz, senior, Richmond; and Tom Greer, senior, project organizer, and Josh Sommerfeld, senior, both from Shawnee.