Our Process

All communities have a unique history that shapes present day life within their borders. Denham Springs is not a blank canvas, but an active, vibrant community fully-engaged in directing the course of their city and their futures. This project strives to decrease flood risk while improving quality of life for residents affected by the 2016 floods by using a participatory planning framework. The design and policy recommendations in this report are based on the combined knowledge of Amite River Basin hydrology and how local residents define their wellbeing. Participatory planning processes are unique in that they allow the community to determine process goals and desired outcomes. Eknoweling the role socio-cultural histories and values play in shaping ideas of wellbeing, Denham Springs residents were surveyed to identify:

• Important elements of wellbeing

• Community needs

• Preferred neighborhood park amenities

To form the design and policy recommendations, the research team used several different data sources. Design interns toured the city to analyze existing neighborhood and environmental conditions. City officials, employees, and residents participated in interviews and focus groups, reviewed design ideas, and answered survey questions at local public meetings and other community events, such as Fall Fest and Pelican State Credit Union’s Annual Kid’s Bike Race. Local professionals, including architects, landscape architects, planners, and civil engineers, also participated in design workshops to create innovative and culturally sensitive design solutions to the challenges raised by residents in community engagement activities. The research team also interviewed local and national experts and studied best practices to understand how to equitably transform repetitive flood loss properties into community parks and open space. While COVID-19 prevented the formation of a traditional in-person steering committee, city employees vetted designs and verified the accuracy of conclusions drawn from community engagement responses.

Denham Springs residents writing on the chalk wall during the Denham Springs Fall Fest Open House, October 2019.

Bike/Ped Master Plan Public Meeting March 2019

Residents completed mapping exercises with LSU students to show where they would locate different amenities.

LSU landscape architecture students allow residents to design their ideal streetscape with cardboard models at the first public meeting for the city’s bicycle master planning process.

Scenario Building Workshop July 2019

The scenario building workshop worked through the cascading consequences of different stormwater management strategies.

Speed Design Lunch N’ Learn July 2019

Local professionals suggest innovative design solutions for stormwater management in Denham Springs.

Professional designers drafted ideas to address flooding along Long Slash Branch.

Denham Springs Fall Fest Open House October 2019

Residents decorated City Hall with all the reasons why they love their community, such as family, friends, Fall Fest, and funnel cakes!

After decorating City Hall and reviewing options, residents identified the outdoor amenities they want in their community.