Buchart Horn’s experts Ben Mikesell, PLA, PE, and Sherry Wolfe, PE, joined forces with the York County Economic Alliance to empower and educate Civil Engineering students from York College of Pennsylvania. The occasion centered around a presentation and tour of the transformative Codorus Greenway project, a pivotal initiative in York’s urban revitalization efforts.
Accompanied by BH interns Olivia Goebel (Electrical) and Jimmy Zagurskie (Civil), the students immersed themselves in the complexities of “Open Channel” hydrology. The site proved an ideal place for the students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios. The Codorus Creek, weaving approximately 7.5 miles through York, holds deep historical and developmental significance for the city. However, past encroachments, contamination, and flood challenges led to the installation of levees, unintentionally isolating the community from this natural asset.
Buchart Horn is dedicated to reversing this trend by leading efforts to reconnect York with its waterways. Our comprehensive approach includes surveying, environmental analysis, master planning, public outreach, and schematic design services aimed at enhancing the creek’s aesthetic and functional value. Key components of our design strategy encompass creating urban plazas, enhancing neighborhood connections, and introducing a compound cross-section featuring a low-flow channel, landscaped overbanks, and linear park features.
Central to our efforts is a rigorous hydraulic modeling study conducted in collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders, ensuring our designs are not only resilient but also community centric. By actively engaging with residents and securing support from governmental bodies, we’re paving the way for sustainable, flood-resistant infrastructure.
Promoting STEM Education and Industry Involvement
Enthusiastic STEM advocates like Mikesell and Wolfe understand the importance of exposing students to real-world applications of STEM disciplines. “These events provide wonderful opportunities for students to gain insight and mentoring as they consider STEM careers,” Mikesell emphasized. “It’s crucial for students to see firsthand how STEM principles apply to projects like the Codorus Greenway. Industry involvement in local communities can inspire young people and cultivate a strong STEM workforce, essential for economic growth and innovation. It’s a commitment we all should embrace!”
Buchart Horn is proud to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers.