As part of their Senior Design Capstone course, Civil & Environmental Engineering students will evaluate opportunities to make improvements to Oxley Creek in Granger, Iowa and develop designs and plans for the City of Granger.

The City of Granger seeks to transform Oxley Creek into a resilient community asset by improving its ecological function while enhancing opportunities for recreation and public enjoyment. The creek experiences erosion, sedimentation, and floodplain challenges that affect water quality, long-term channel stability, and adjacent land uses. 

Students will evaluate the hydrology, floodplain conditions, and existing characteristics of Oxley Creek to develop conceptual engineering recommendations that improve creek function and reduce long-term maintenance concerns. The project will explore opportunities for creek stabilization, erosion and sediment control, water quality improvements, and flood resilience while balancing ecological restoration with recreational access and community amenities.

The design team will:

• Assess the existing conditions of Oxley Creek.
• Develop conceptual strategies to improve water quality, reduce sediment transport, and stabilize the creek corridor.
• Explore opportunities to integrate the creek into parks, trails, and other public open spaces.
• Consider environmental, engineering, and recreational objectives when developing design alternatives.
• Prepare engineering recommendations that promote long-term resilience, sustainability, and community use.

Project deliverables may include:

• Existing conditions assessment of the Oxley Creek corridor.
• Hydrologic and floodplain analysis.
• Stream stabilization and erosion control recommendations.
• Green infrastructure and nature-based stormwater management opportunities.
• Conceptual designs integrating the creek with Granger parks and trails.
• Planning-level implementation priorities and cost considerations.
• Final report with conceptual plans, maps, and recommendations.