Confluence - Landscape Architecture

05/28/2026

Big things are happening in Milwaukee next week! 🎙️

Jon Jacobson is teaming up with Sam Plaza from Wright Water Engineers, Inc. to speak at the National Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Conference on June 2nd. They’ll be telling the story of the Sioux Falls Downtown Greenway, a project 20 years in the making.

From historic low-head dams to new amphitheaters and community plazas, this project shows how we can protect our cities from flooding while creating beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy. We are so proud to have been a part of this Sioux Falls transformation since 2006.

05/27/2026

What a perfect day to celebrate! ☀️

Yesterday, we joined Des Moines Parks and Recreation and hundreds of excited families for the ribbon-cutting of the new Gray's Lake Playground and Sprayground. Seeing kids immediately jump into the splash pad and explore every corner of the playground was the best reward we could ask for!

Confluence was proud to design this space as part of our work on the Gray's Lake Park Master Plan. We wanted to create something special, a place where grandparents and toddlers, teenagers and young families could all find something to love. From the splash pad's water features to the natural rock climbing areas and intergenerational play spaces, every element was designed with Des Moines families in mind.

Thank you to Des Moines Parks and Recreation, the generous donors who made this possible, and everyone who came out to celebrate. Here's to many summers of memories at Gray's Lake! 🌊🌳

05/26/2026

Ribbon-cutting day at Gray’s Lake Park.

Des Moines Parks and Recreation is celebrating today at 12:00 PM with the grand opening of the new Playground, all-ages sprayground, and enhanced dock facilities.

Confluence is proud to have worked on this project, creating welcoming, accessible spaces for the community to gather, play, and cool off this summer.

WHO 13 story here: https://who13.com/news/metro-news/des-moines-to-celebrate-new-additions-at-grays-lake-park/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSCfFpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiVVNjNVc5Z1ZicEg2eE05c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr8Ix1beJJnBAhHVA_jF0oyONLOuuzKWp49wOdJ9m-GblId2x481VEX7ND56_aem_5iLJn9Czaw2pcumrSBSRUA

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Parks and Recreation will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new improvements at Gray’s Lake Park on Tuesday. At noon on Tuesday, city officials and Gray& #…

05/19/2026

Our Des Moines office Open House on May 5th was absolutely fantastic! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to celebrate with us. It was so great to catch up, share some laughs, and enjoy good food and even better company.

We're grateful for this amazing community and the relationships we've built over the years. You all made it a day to remember! 🧡

Check out some of our favorite moments from the event in the photos below. Already counting down to next year's celebration! 🎉

05/18/2026

We’re excited to share that Jenn Becker will be a panelist in today's American Society of Landscape Architects Groundwork conversation:

Artificial Intelligence: Professional Responsibility in an Era of Rapid Change (hosted by ASLA President Bradley McCauley).

AI is already showing up in landscape architecture practice, from analysis and visualization to how work is pursued and delivered. This session isn’t a technical training, it’s a practical, peer-driven conversation about using AI clearly, responsibly, and in context.

Learn more / register: https://www.asla.org/awards-events-main-landing/conferences-events/groundwork-2-ai

If you’re planning to attend, what questions do you hope the panel tackles?

How should landscape architects use AI? Explore real-world use, risks, and environmental impacts in this practical ASLA discussion.

05/18/2026

Spring is here and things are really starting to take shape at Marty Park in Overland Park Parks and Recreation!

We can’t wait for the community to enjoy everything this space will offer, including a new Playground, misting fountain, shade structure, picnic pavilion, terraced seating area, and a fun kids pump track.

It’s exciting to see this project come to life. More updates coming soon!

Hufft

05/15/2026

50 days until the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens in Medora!

As Landscape Architect of Record, we have been honored to help shape an experience where the landscape and the story of the place are one and the same. From boardwalk sequences to site-wide restoration, this project is deeply rooted in the North Dakota Badlands.

This historic project was made possible through the immense strength and collaboration of a truly world-class team. Our thanks to Snøhetta, JLG Architects, and JE Dunn Construction for being such exceptional partners throughout this journey.

05/14/2026

We have loved collaborating with the Wheeling Park District on this next chapter for the Aquatic Center. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to work on a destination that will serve the Wheeling community for decades. From the new pools to the expansive gathering spaces, we can already picture the laughter, the family meetups, and the traditions that will start here for years to come. 🌊☀️

05/14/2026

Team Confluence had a blast out at the golf course this Monday! 🏌️‍♂️

Matt Carlile, Roger Silver, and Jim Host joined James Rodemeyer of Bishop Engineering for the Good Fellowship tournament. It’s always rewarding to spend the day with the Des Moines area's talented network of contractors and design professionals.

Thanks to Good Fellowship for hosting another excellent event and bringing our local industry partners together for a day of giving back!

05/12/2026

We had a great time volunteering at the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum last Friday! 🌿

Our team rolled up their sleeves to clean up an overgrown plant bed near the woodland wedding lawn and planted new shrubs and perennials to help bring the space back to life. It’s always rewarding to give back to a place that brings so much beauty to our community.