Indiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, Indiana

Creek Restoration
During the 1930s, a natural creek meandering through the Dunes was encased in a large diameter pipe. A 95,000 SF concrete parking lot was constructed over this area.

The stream was returned to its natural condition and native plants were planted to stabilize the stream channel and floodway. The result was an enhanced habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, and a reduction in loadings of the bacteria E. coli to Lake Michigan, helping to protect swimmers at the beaches and near the state park.

Campground
The play areas were designed to provide a wide variety of play experiences. One utilizes a structure with components for climbing and a slide. The second play area has independent components including swings, teeter-totter and track ride. They are bounded by heavy “timbers” made from recycled auto interiors, and surfaced with wood fi ber. A sidewalk bounds one side of the play area for accessibility and benches are provided for parents and caretakers. Since being reopened, the playgrounds have been extremely popular and well-received by campground visitors.

Entrance Road Reconstruction
The Department of Natural Resources wanted to update and modernize the configuration of their entry drive and the western parking lot.

The new road design had to maintain the view corridor looking at Lake Michigan upon entry and relocate the entry booths farther into the park. A modern roundabout was the solution to connecting the main entry, providing a semi-truck turn around and connecting the roads from the entry booths to the lakeshore and campground.

Click here for more information