Oak Park Community
Bioretention System to Protect Stormwater Pathways
Commercial Project | Pleasant Hill, California
Oak Park by Davidon Homes is a community of 34 single-family homes nestled in one of the most sought-after suburban neighborhoods in Pleasant Hill, California. Poets Corner is known for its tree-lined streets, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient access to the Pleasant Hill BART station, I-680, and Highway 24. The residential development was part of a broader vision involving civic improvements, such as a new, state-of-the-art library, a park and pedestrian trail, and the creation of a new floodplain system with water detention basins.
With tight working conditions and close proximity to Grayson Creek, the Oak Park project required precision, innovative materials, and a robust, specialized approach to stormwater management. CalWalls constructed 9,000 square feet of retaining walls to establish bioretention swales (bioswales), as well as structural infrastructure for the new streets and sidewalks and decorative pilasters.
Bioswales and retention systems have become integral in modern subdivisions, where stormwater must be captured and filtered before entering the Bay Area’s storm system. What appears to be a knee-high wall actually extends deep underground. While about 75 percent of these 8-foot-tall walls are no longer visible, they were engineered to support a substantial load of natural bio-filtration materials designed to filter stormwater to protect the environment. The site’s tight working conditions also demanded meticulous installation.
To maximize strength and efficiency, we utilized the innovative GS2 masonry block system, mounted on helical barrels to stabilize sand and gravel soils and ensure long-term structural integrity. The project also involved decorative concrete masonry unit (CMU) columns veneered with architectural stucco stone to complement the distinctive exteriors of the homes.
Despite complex site conditions, CalWalls delivered an advanced wall system with precision, attention to detail, and the highest quality. The project serves as a testament to our decades of expertise in crafting retaining walls that fuse beauty with practicality, ensuring the new Oak Park community will thrive on stable ground for decades to come.
Services
- Retaining Wall Construction
- Bioswale Construction
- Pilaster Construction
- Masonry Veneering
- Pre-construction Consultation Site Analysis
- Alternative Wall System Analysis
- Site Specific Value Engineering
- Excavation of Spoils and Off-Hauling
- Weekly Project Reviews with Client
Products
- GS2 Block
- Helical Barrels
- Decorative Veneer and Capstones
- Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Block
Equipment
- Yanmar SV-100 Crawler Excavator
- Bobcat Forklift Versahandler
- Bobcat E80 Compact Excavator
- Dangle Drill
Dig a Little Deeper
Explore additional project photos to view the exceptional craftsmanship that defines our work, inspire your own retaining wall project, and envision the possibilities for your outdoor space.
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