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Greenbriar State Park, Washington County, Maryland

A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc. (AMT) provided engineering design services for improvements to the Greenbriar State Park including providing a larger beach by expanding lakeward and upland, thus reducing the slope of the beach and allowing more recreational area; expanding the picnic areas and arranging them along existing and new pedestrian pathways/trails; and managing stormwater run off through a series of dips and water bars along proposed paths, infiltration, and open channels.

Trails and Pedestrian Pathways: Specifically regarding the pedestrian trails and pathways, AMT provided plans and specifications for multiple paths having a width of eight feet. The largest path extended from the park's southernmost comfort station approximately 500 feet to the main bath house with an alignment superimposed on the utility ROW to avoid significant trees. Two trail paths extended from the south parking lot to the park's beach and comfort station, respectively. Three pathways extended from the central parking lot to the existing service road, and an additional three pathways extended from the northern parking lot to the existing service road. Due to the park's serious run off problem, AMT provided details to illustrate how water would drain from paths avoiding picnic pads, and into adjacent forested areas through use of raised dips and water bars.

Stormwater Management: Performed stormwater run-off analysis using historical evidence and quantitative analysis. Evaluated the carrying capacity of the existing streams and channels and determined flood flows for the 2- and 10- year storm events. Recommended solutions to correct unmanaged run-off included curbing on parking lots, inlets, open channels, infiltration, regrading/benching, and culverts.

Picnic Pads: Provided complete plans and specifications for the construction of a reconfigured and expanded picnic facility to accommodate 250-300 tables.

Beach Reconstruction: AMT provided plans and specifications for the reconstruction of the beach including grading plans, drainage structures, and perimeter drains. Natural seeps were left in place and used as demonstration areas to educate the public. Also designed foot bridges for the public to cross over protected areas.

Landscape Design: AMT prepared a landscaping plan for the main Beach House including pavers, benches, and planters, as well as terracing to make the areas surrounding the Beach House more attractive and to slow down run-off during storm events.

Plaza Development: Design of new plaza and ADA access ramps to bath houses.

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