Vigilante Stadium Improvements

RPA completed design and construction oversight of a significant renovation to the Vigilante Stadium football field and running track facility at Helena Middle School in Helena, Montana. Improvements include a new 10-lane all-weather running track to replace the aging and deteriorating surface, ADA accessible sidewalks and wheelchair seating area, site fencing, cast-in-place decorative concrete retaining walls and replacement of the field lighting and control system. The new facility significantly improved the venue and experience for not only athletes and competitors, but also for event spectators.

RPA provided the civil/site design for a new Montana National Guard Readiness Center in Malta.  Built on an undeveloped parcel on the east side of Malta, new buildings associated with the project included a new 33,000 square foot Readiness Center Building and a new 9,000 square foot General Purpose Training Bay.  Included with the facility are a multitude of traditional spaces associated with training of soldiers and the daily operations of the unit.

The Montana Air National Guard (MANG), in partnership with the United States Department of Defense – National Guard Bureau (NGB), authorized design and construction of a 5.8-acre concrete apron expansion and supporting facilities to accommodate the mission of the MANG facility in Great Falls, Montana. The project more than doubled the military aircraft parking capacity of the facility, enabling the Guard to strengthen its ability to train and prepare the men and women of the Montana Air National Guard to respond to emergencies and provide support during war and in times of crisis.

The new 5.8-acre concrete apron expansion added four fully-compliant parking positions for the C-130J aircraft, as well as additional connecting taxilanes to the Great Falls International Airport (GFIA) airfield to allow any of the parked C-130’s to access the GFIA airfield without having to move another parked C-130. Other improvements included a new surface runoff collection system and lined evaporation pond to properly manage the runoff of glycol-based fluid from aircraft deicing operations, new stormwater piping and manholes, new airfield lighting and apron security lighting, and modifications to aircraft tiedown locations in the existing apron to accommodate the recent mission change from C-130H aircraft to the larger C-130J aircraft.

RPA provided professional civil engineering and land surveying services for this project. Specific services provided included: comprehensive 7-acre topographical site survey, apron and taxiway design, utility design and full-time construction observation and administration.

In addition to designing and phasing the improvements to minimize impacts to both Montana Air National Guard and Great Falls International Airport (GFIA) operations, the inclusion of multiple significant regulatory agencies and stakeholders greatly increased the complexity of this project. Not only was the design required to meet strict National Guard and United States Air Force requirements, it also was required to fully comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design and construction standards and requirements of the GFIA, due to MANG’s adjacency to, and utilization of, GFIA’s runways and taxiways. The design team held numerous meetings with all of the above agencies/stakeholders, to ensure both design and construction were in full compliance with all requirements. In total, more than 20 Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC’s), United States Air Force Engineering Technical Letters (ETL’s) and FAA Advisory Circulars were incorporated as required design standards for the project.

This project consisted of developing a new public park in Lakeside, Montana. The existing project site contained a hotel, small business office, parking areas and a residence. The project consisted of demolishing the existing improvements and developing the site into a new community park, aptly called Volunteer Park.

RPA provided civil engineering services to design improvements to Adams Street, a 37-stall
asphalt parking lot, storm drainage, water and sewer improvements and ADA compliant
bicycle/pedestrian paths through the park. RPA prepared civil technical specifications and
construction drawings. During construction, RPA provided construction administration and
observation for the project.

Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) also provided civil engineering for the expansion of Volunteer Park in Lakeside, Montana. RPA provided civil engineering for new sidewalk, curb and gutter, drainage and grading. RPA worked with the Montana Department of Transportation to work within their Right-of-Way. The project expanded the Volunteer Park and provided additional green space and pedestrian walkways throughout the park.

KEY PROJECT ELEMENTS:

• Community Park on Flathead Lake
• Boat Docks
• Swimming Area
• Lakeshore Improvements
• Asphalt Parking Lot
• Storm Drainage Improvements
• MDT Encroachment Permits
• Construction Administration & Observation

Master plan to assess site and user needs, evaluate development alternatives, and identify a recommended alternative for improvements to site amenities and infrastructure at this recreation area located on the southwestern shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Broadwater County, Montana. The planning effort involved review of related management agreements, evaluation of site facilities and usage characteristics including a feature inventory and an overview of visitation and economic impact, and analysis of the physical environment. After defining needs and objectives for the site, a range of alternatives was evaluated, including phasing, airport considerations, and various entry configurations. Through public, stakeholder, and steering committee input, a final conceptual site layout was developed to address primary access roadways, bay improvements, event and day use sites, overnight RV and tent camping accommodations, utilities, parking areas, trails, ADA accommodations, and amenities such as a visitor center and camper services. Schematic design drawings, cost estimates, potential funding opportunities, and management and policy considerations were also outlined in the plan to assist with future implementation. The planning process was guided by representatives from the Broadwater County Commission and Planning Department, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Broadwater County Trust Board and Airport Board, and the Citizens Action Group for the Silos Recreation Area.