Colliers Engineering & Design is proud to partner with municipal clients throughout the nation, creating and developing the built environment for communities big and small. In November, Colliers Engineering & Design’s municipal engineers and technical professionals won three project awards (two first place and one second!) from the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers (NJSME)! Joining the local leaders of New Jersey’s townships and cities for the 2024 New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City, our professionals were recognized and received their awards at the annual luncheon during the conference. These three winning projects showed strength following environmental impacts, transforming spaces and shining a light on a new way to manage assets.

Sea Watch Recreational Building in Manasquan

This project, led by Senior Project Manager Joseph Raftery, PE, CME, placed first in NJSME’s Municipal Construction Management of Parks & Recreation Projects with an in-house engineer.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy’s devastation, Manasquan Borough initiated a major revitalization project when it decided to rebuild the Sea Watch Recreation Building. By selecting our team for this critical task, the borough aimed not only to restore what was lost but to set a new standard for coastal resilience.

The Sea Watch Recreation Building renovation goes beyond mere reconstruction, offering enhanced amenities for visitors. The modernized facility includes a public dining area, take-out concessions, store, and an expansive 1,500 sq. ft. deck space, significantly improving the beachfront experience. Accessibility and eco-friendly transportation are also key features, with the project incorporating a pedestrian plaza, and a new bicycle lot accommodating over 100 bikes.

City of Rahway Pavement Management System

Led by GIS Department Manager Julia Wolanski, PSM, GISP, and GIS Discipline Leader Sue Zitzman, GISP, the Rahway Pavement Management System project won first place for Project/Construction Management of Infrastructure Project.

The Rahway Pavement Management System (PMS), developed by our GIS professionals in collaboration with Advanced Infrastructure Design, Inc. (AID), represents a significant advancement in roadway maintenance and management for the City of Rahway, which owns and operates approximately 60 miles of roadway. This project was initiated to create an effective PMS that could determine the best strategies for maintaining pavements in serviceable condition, ultimately extending their service life.

This project stands out for its innovative use of technology and data-driven approach, enabling Rahway to proactively manage its roadways, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance public safety. The PMS not only meets but exceeds the city’s planning goals, providing a long-term solution for maintaining the road network efficiently and sustainably. The successful implementation of this system has a direct impact on the economic growth by promoting sustainable infrastructure and improving public safety.

Sea Isle’s City Dog Park

Senior Technical Manager Chris Eaton, PE, led Sea Isle City’s new dog park to second place in NJSME’s Design of Parks & Recreation Project.

The Sea Isle City Dog Park project revitalized an underutilized gravel lot previously home to a DOW Chemical facility and transformed it from a community eyesore into a premier recreational area for the community and their four-legged friends. This project not only strengthened the area but also set a new standard for municipal park design, exceeding community expectations and providing a valuable asset to Sea Isle City.

Designed by our team in collaboration with Sea Isle City and Cape May County, this project employed originality and innovation to keep this park, completed between October 2023 and May 2024, under budget at $925,286.80, despite an initial estimate of $1,099,750. Adherence to the Cape May County Open Space Committee’s Placemaking Guide was paramount in meeting all technological demands, ensuring the park’s quality and functionality.