LAN was recognized at the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2026 Outstanding Projects and Leaders (OPAL) Gala for its work on the Exploration Green Detention Facility in Houston, Texas. The project received a national Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Honor Award, recognizing exceptional engineering achievements that advance the profession and benefit communities.
The award was presented during ASCE’s annual OPAL Gala on October 15, 2026, in Reston, Virginia. Exploration Green was one of 12 projects nationwide selected for the prestigious recognition.
Developed by the Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA), Exploration Green transformed a former 178-acre golf course into a multifunctional stormwater detention facility and public nature park. LAN served as the project's lead design engineer, helping CLCWA develop a solution that addressed regional flooding challenges while providing environmental and recreational benefits to the surrounding community.
“Exploration Green demonstrates what can be achieved when we look beyond a single infrastructure need and consider how a project can benefit the entire community,” said Kelly Shipley, PE, LAN practice leader. “Working with CLCWA, we were able to develop a solution that not only provides critical flood protection but also restores natural habitat and creates recreational opportunities for residents. To see this project recognized nationally is a testament to the vision and collaboration that made it possible.”
The $47 million project features five interconnected detention ponds capable of storing approximately 500 million gallons of stormwater, providing flood protection for more than 2,000 homes. Its effectiveness was demonstrated during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when the partially completed facility helped protect more than 150 homes from flooding. Beyond flood mitigation, Exploration Green incorporates restored native habitats, wetlands, walking and biking trails, and recreational spaces.
Established in 1960, ASCE’s OCEA awards program recognizes civil engineering projects that demonstrate superior engineering skills and make significant contributions to society. Exploration Green's national recognition highlights the value of collaborative, community-focused infrastructure solutions that address complex challenges while delivering lasting benefits.
