Confluence - Landscape Architecture

Katie and Emily were selected to participate in the City of Sioux Falls - Municipal Government Downtown Storm Drain Art Project and spent the weekend painting their mural just down the street from the Sioux Falls office.

Inspired by spotting a goldfish in the Big Sioux River below the Arc of Dreams, their design highlights the beauty of the natural world and reminds us that storm drains lead directly to the river.

We’re proud to see their creativity making an impact in downtown Sioux Falls and helping share an important message about protecting the places we all share.

One of our favorite Confluence Summit traditions is the Marketplace Auction, a silent auction where staff donate items based on their own creative pursuits, and coworkers bid on them to raise money for a local cause.

The auction always reflects the incredible creativity of our team, with items ranging from homegrown fruits and vegetables, homemade salsa and marinara, farm-fresh eggs, knitted and crocheted goods, 3D-printed items, drawings, pottery, to fun, unforgettable contributions like a quartet kazoo performance or a custom Guess Who? board game featuring Confluence staff.

This year, that tradition helped us raise $1,425, which we were proud to present to the Banneker School Foundation Historic Site Parkville, MO.

The Banneker School Foundation is restoring the historic Banneker School in Parkville and preserving an important part of local history. They’ve already completed significant interior renovations and are continuing to raise funds for the exterior restoration work now underway.

We’re honored to support a mission that preserves history, builds community, and creates opportunities for learning and connection.

They’re also hosting their Jazz & Folk Festival this evening, which supports the restoration project: https://bannekerschoolparkvillemo.org/events/second-annual-jazz-and-folk-festival/

Our team was out on site Tuesday walking the Maryville Alleyway Transformation project and checking in on construction progress. What was once a gray, vehicle-focused alley is now entering its final green stage of transformation 🌿

There’s still work to do, but it’s exciting to see everything coming together and envision the impact this space will have for the community!

City of Maryville, Missouri Mega KC Lightworks Snyder Associates

One month from today, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens in Medora, North Dakota.

We’re proud to have been part of a project so deeply connected to the Badlands landscape that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy. As Landscape Architect of Record, Confluence worked with the project team, Snøhetta, JLG Architects, and JE Dunn Construction Company to help create a place rooted in restoration, stewardship, and the beauty of the land itself.

Monday night was a beautiful evening to celebrate the opening of Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, MO! 🎶✨

Huge thanks to Generator Studio and the incredible team of subconsultants for helping take this project all the way to the finish line. We’re proud to see this new venue officially open this week and welcome guests for its first full concert.

Morton Amphitheater features:
• ~16,000 capacity
• 12,000 covered seats under a canopy + lawn space
• Designed for acoustics, sightlines, and modern amenities

Can’t wait to see the community enjoying live music here all summer long!

The sun is out, and summer is finally here! ☀️

City of Derby residents now have a refreshed High Park to enjoy and cool down all season long. The updated space features a new shelter, restrooms, pickleball courts, splash pad, and playground area. Something for everyone in the community.

We loved celebrating the reopening on Friday and seeing so many smiling faces enjoying the new amenities. Moments like these are what make projects like this so rewarding.

Thank you to the Derby, Kansas City Hall and its residents for making this such a fun and meaningful experience. We’re proud to be part of a space that brings people together!

Something big is rising at Redwood Park 👀

It’s rare for a concept to be fully realized in built form, but this monumental red Kraken is coming to life in City of Apple Valley, MN. What began as an ambitious vision is now taking shape as a bold, imaginative, and inclusive Playground experience.

In partnership with Landscape Structures Inc./Flagship Recreation and the City of Apple Valley, Confluence is helping redefine what a playground can be, pushing beyond the expected to create something truly one-of-a-kind for the community.

From early renderings to construction in progress, it’s exciting to see this vision become reality. Stay tuned as the Kraken emerges.

The countdown is on for Papillion City Park! 🌳

With just weeks to go, the site is full of energy as the final details come together. Last week, our team joined the construction team on site to review progress and help guide the finishing touches that will shape the park for years to come.

From playground safety features to natural stone play elements and log stepping features, every detail is being thoughtfully considered. Crews are also installing plantings, laying brick paving, and completing plaza lighting that will bring the park to life day and night.

What started more than two years ago as a vision is now becoming a vibrant community space for families, children, and neighbors to gather.

We can’t wait to share it with the Papillion community. Opening day is almost here!