Monthly InsidAR - April 2026
2026 Engineers, Architects & Surveyors Legislative Day
Andrew had the honor of attending the 2026 Engineers, Architects & Surveyors Legislative Day, jointly hosted by ACEC/Michigan, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Heritage Hall in the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. This annual in-person event brings together professionals from across the engineering, architecture, and surveying communities to advocate for critical infrastructure priorities and industry-focused policies.
The day provides a valuable opportunity for members to meet directly with state legislators, discuss key issues, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the state’s infrastructure needs. Topics of focus included transportation funding, policies impacting the engineering business environment, and important regulatory updates affecting the profession.
The event is organized by the Architects-Engineers-Surveyors Legislative Committee (AESLC), which includes ACEC/Michigan, AIA Michigan, MSPE, and MSPS, working collaboratively to support policies that strengthen infrastructure and advance the industry.
2026 ASCE WMU Golf Outing
The team at AR Engineering participated in the second annual spring ASCE Southwestern Michigan Branch WMU Student Chapter golf outing to provide valuable financial resources to support WMU Civil Engineering. The proceeds fund the WMU scholarship program and the Concrete Canoe, Steel Bridge and Timber Strong Teams. Besides supporting a great cause, this outing was a great opportunity to connect with clients, colleagues and future civil engineers.
Project Spotlight - Milham Park
A Century of Community - First opened in 1911, Milham Park has served as a natural escape for residents for the past 115 years. The park is a living history book, still featuring stone bridges and structures built in the 1930s under Depression-era work programs. It even famously housed the Milham Park Zoo from the 1920s through the 1970s. Today, it continues to offer a rare opportunity to connect with nature and Portage Creek, all within the city limits.
Modern Improvements - The park is currently undergoing a phased transformation to ensure it remains a local treasure. Recent milestones include:
Restoring the Ecosystem: The removal of the old dam and enhancement of creek beds to support a healthy trout habitat.
Family Fun: A complete replacement and upgrade of the playground facilities.
AR Engineering’s Role - Coupled with the ongoing master plan vision and direction of OCBA Landscape Architects, we are currently focusing on essential infrastructure that blends utility with accessibility:
Infrastructure: Replacing the south parking lot and adding new sidewalks.
Sustainability: Improving stormwater management and water quality filtration before runoff reaches Portage Creek.
Access: Constructing a new parking area near the Lovers Lane entrance, and adding pathways to new overlook platforms along the water.
Looking Ahead - The vision for Milham Park continues with future phases, including expanded playground areas and more ADA-friendly paths, bridges, and ramps. Our goal is to preserve this natural beauty for the next 115 years of visitors. Learn more about the project: kzooparks.org/Projects/Milham-Park-Improvements
Project Spotlight - St. Joseph Public Schools
AR Engineering is proud to announce we have been selected to join the design team for the Saint Joseph Public Schools 2025 Bond projects. IGNYTE Design, PLLC was selected to drive these six exciting projects for the Saint Joseph community. AR Engineering will provide surveying and civil engineering services, as well as the traffic studies and geotechnical services through our subcontracted partners. These projects will run over the next several years. Two projects, Lincoln Elementary and Upton Middle School have started with AR completing the survey for each school and working with our subcontractor to complete a traffic study at both of these campuses. Watch this space for future project updates!