Garrison Springs Community Forest

Garrison Springs Community Forest is a one-of-a-kind nature destination that preserves the scenic beauty, native ecosystems, and geologic features of the Ozarks while providing new opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education. After acquiring the property through grants from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service, the City of Ozark selected Cochran to provide the engineering and surveying services needed to develop key infrastructure that would make the park safely accessible to the public while protecting its valuable natural resources.

Cochran designed a comprehensive network of park improvements centered around more than 3,300 linear feet of 10-foot-wide concrete shared-use trail that winds through the forest and connects visitors to the property’s most significant natural features. Supporting improvements included retaining walls, ADA-compliant sidewalks, stormwater management facilities, and new fencing, all carefully integrated into the landscape to preserve the character of the site while enhancing accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities. Cochran also provided topographic surveying, construction administration, materials testing, and inspection to ensure the improvements were built to the highest quality standards.

A key component of the project was replacing a deteriorated bridge crossing Garrison Springs Branch with a new 4-foot by 8-foot reinforced concrete box culvert that safely accommodates both vehicles and pedestrians. Because the stream is continuously fed by natural springs and ultimately flows into the Finley River, erosion and sediment control were critical throughout design and construction. To complement the park’s natural setting, the culvert was designed with the option for decorative stamped concrete wingwalls and surfaces, blending durable infrastructure with an attractive architectural finish.

To further enhance the visitor experience, Cochran designed a 12-foot by 16-foot scenic overlook platform extending above Garrison Springs Branch. Constructed with low-maintenance composite decking and an unobtrusive railing system, the platform provides visitors with an immersive view of the spring-fed stream and surrounding forest while minimizing visual impacts on the landscape.