Outdoor Parks & Pavilions | | |
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| | Rendering courtesy of Confluence & Co-Op Architecture | | Jacobson Plaza at The Falls | | |
Here in the upper Midwest, most public community spaces are geared toward summer months when temperatures allow us to enjoy the great outdoors. But the new Jacobson Plaza at The Falls turns that concept on its head. This unique 365-day community space in Sioux Falls embraces all four of South Dakota’s seasons, providing a place to gather, recreate, and connect outdoors year-round.
Located along the upper falls area of the rapidly evolving Steel District, the site features a 530-foot ice ribbon, warming house, restaurant with a commercial kitchen, open-air shelter, the region’s largest playground, Pawsible Dog Park, T. Denny Sanford Splash Pad and trail connections. In short, it’s a one-stop shop for all-things family fun.
The restaurant, The Lodge Bar and Grill, opened this Spring and provides both a warming house, as well as a full menu and bar selection. The building is strategically placed at the heart of the Plaza between the ice ribbon, dog park and playgrounds.
West Plains Engineering provided the MEP design for the building itself, as well as the extensive electrical design for the various site amenities that surround it. We also assisted in implementing perhaps the most unique feature - the lighting for the ice ribbon - which involves suspended string lights, as well as color-changing flood lights to create a memorable nighttime skating experience.
The $10 million project is expected to finish construction later this year.
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Nate Reynhout is an Electrical Designer in our Sioux Falls office who led the electrical scope on this project.
Email Nate
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Snowflakes to Sunbeams
MEP Solutions for the Great Outdoors
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Outdoor parks and pavilions are fantastic gathering spots—whether it’s for a summer concert, a fall farmers market, or even a winter holiday event. But in regions with four distinct seasons—where temperatures can swing from sub-zero winters to sweltering summers — MEP design becomes a critical factor in ensuring year-round functionality, safety, and comfort.
Mechanical Systems: Keeping It Comfortable
Mechanical systems come into play in park restrooms, concession areas and pavilions that are usually open or semi-enclosed. In these spaces, traditional HVAC systems may not be practical. But that doesn’t mean comfort isn’t a priority.
- Radiant Heating: In colder months, in-slab or overhead radiant heaters can provide localized warmth without the need for a complete enclosure. These systems are energy-efficient and work for areas with high air turnover by warming the surfaces, objects, and people within the space.
- Infrared Heaters: These can be mounted on beams or ceilings and are ideal for spot heating. Options exist that include wind-resistant features and variable output controls.
- Natural Ventilation: Strategic placement of louvers, roof vents, and open sides promotes cross-ventilation in summer, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.
- Ceiling Fans: High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans help circulate air, enhancing comfort during warmer months and aiding in heat distribution during winter.
If a pavilion is near a building, the design team can tie into an existing mechanical system but it may be wise to isolate it with a heat exchanger.
Electrical Systems: Powering Up the Park
Whether lighting a pathway or powering a stage, outdoor electrical systems need to be tough, smart, and flexible.
- Weatherproof Fixtures: All lighting and outlets should be rated for outdoor use (e.g., IP65 or higher) to prevent moisture ingress.
- Adaptive Lighting: LED fixtures with motion sensors and dimming capabilities improve energy efficiency and user experience. Consider color temperature adjustments to match seasonal ambiance.
- Power Access: Provide ample GFCI-protected outlets for events, catering, and maintenance. Underground conduits with frost protection are essential in cold climates.
- Emergency Systems: Backup power or solar integration can support critical lighting and safety systems during outages.
Plumbing Systems: Seasonal Use and Freeze Protection
Plumbing in outdoor pavilions must be designed to handle freezing temperatures.
- Frost-Proof Fixtures: Use freeze-resistant hose bibs and drinking fountains. Shut-off valves should be in heated enclosures or below frost depth.
- Greywater Reuse: If the park includes restrooms or sinks, consider a greywater system for irrigation—just make sure it’s designed to shut down or bypass in freezing temps.
- Seasonal Shutoff: In colder climates, water lines may need to be shut off, drained, and blown out during winter months unless heated enclosures are provided.
Controls and Integration
Even outdoor spaces can benefit from smart tech.
- Seasonal Programming: Automate lighting, heating, and water systems based on seasonal schedules or occupancy sensors.
- Remote Monitoring: Facility managers can monitor system performance and receive alerts for maintenance issues, reducing downtime and improving safety.
Sustainability and Resilience
Designing for four seasons also means planning for long-term sustainability.
- Solar Panels: Roof-mounted PV systems can offset energy use and power lighting or fans.
- Durable Materials: Use corrosion-resistant materials and finishes to withstand snow, ice, and UV exposure.
- Storm Resilience: Structural MEP components should be designed to handle snow loads, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Outdoor pavilions in four-season climates demand thoughtful MEP design that balances comfort, durability, and efficiency. With the right MEP strategies, you can create a space that’s just as inviting in January as it is in July.
| | Article authored collaboratively by WPE engineers and staff. | | Pinicon Ridge Park Wapsi Bluffs Shelter | | |
The Linn County Conservation District in eastern Iowa manages over 9,000 acres of land, including 30 parks, trails and nature areas. Among these is the popular Pinicon Ridge Park, which covers more than 1,000 acres along the Wapsipinicon River. A master plan for the park had previously identified the addition of a high-end shelter and event space at a break along the riverbank to take advantage of the natural scenic beauty.
In 2019, WPE teamed with Design Dynamics, Inc. out of Cedar Rapids for the new 9,500 square foot Wapsi Bluff Shelter. The pavilion was designed with events in mind, featuring a 250-person seated shelter, as well as a 2,100 square foot elevated deck overlooking the river. The facility also offers ample counter space and electrical outlets to accommodate catering, decorations, and entertainment, as well as restrooms, storage and lighted public parking.
The facility was completed in 2020, but future plans are in place to add a playground and recreation trail connection to nearby Central City.
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Mike Hessman, P.E. is a Professional Mechanical Engineer with more than 37 years of experience in his field. He was the Lead Mechanical Engineer on this project.
Email Mike
| | | Rendering courtesy of Co-Op Architecture | | Levitt at the Falls Building Expansion | | |
Levitt at the Falls has been a centerpiece of the Sioux Falls summer music scene since 2019. Over the past 6 seasons, the outdoor concert venue has grown to welcome upward of 100,000 people each year. And with increased demand, quickly came the need for more space.
In 2024, we teamed up with Co-Op Architecture to design a 7,660 square foot building addition to the current band shell. On the west side, the expansion will create Levitt staff offices, and sound and lighting equipment storage and operations space – leaving the stage itself entirely free for the performers. On the east side, the project will add more ground-level storage, as well as room for an expanded dressing room, additional restroom, and backstage ramp. Finally, a larger green room is being added to the southeast corner.
The MEP systems throughout include zoned HVAC with individual temperature control and building automation systems for efficient operation. A fire sprinkler system was added, and the electrical system will include new feeders, LED lighting with dimming controls, and automatic lighting control where required. To create maximum flexibility, rough-ins are being provided for owner-provided audio/visual equipment.
Construction is slated to begin this Fall after the summer concert season with an anticipated completion of Spring 2026.
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Dalton Buck is a Mechanical Designer in our Sioux Falls office who has been heavily involved in the design and coordination of this project.
Email Dalton
| | | Check out some of our projects featured on social media and the news! | | |
Missouri River Energy Services
Sioux Falls, SD
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Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex
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Scheels IcePlex
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Rau Passes PE Exam
Join us in congratulating Jessica Rau on passing her PE exam! Jessica is a Mechanical Designer in our Rapid City office, and is now one step closer to officially owning the title of Engineer.
Jessica has been with WPE for 2 years, and will now work toward fulfilling the 4-year experience requirement to finish her licensure and earn her stamp. Outstanding work, Jessica!
| | | | Our onboarding schedule has been overflowing these past few months, as we welcomed 3 new full-time team members and 3 summer interns. | | |
Lance Johnsen
Electrical Designer
Casper
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Connor Person
CAD Technician
Sioux Falls
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Noah Weigel
Mechanical Designer
Cedar Rapids
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Tate Dille
Electrical Intern
Power Division
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Shane Stone
Mechanical Intern
Sioux Falls
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Sam Weidner
Electrical Intern
Sioux Falls
| | Happy Anniversary Connor! | | |
A decade already!? My how time flies.
Connor Swiontek joined us as a new grad out of North Dakota State University in 2015 and found himself surrounded by our largely Jackrabbit crew in Sioux Falls. He's since earned his PE, supported more than 300 projects, and been on both the winning and losing end of his fair share of NDSU vs. SDSU bets.
Congratulations on 10 years Connor! Here's to many, many more!
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| | This publication is partially generated using AI but edited and verified by human experts. | | Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD | Casper, WY | Cedar Rapids, IA | | | | |
