Stormwater Parks: How to Create Economic and Social Resilience

Stormwater managers and MS4 planners face challenging tasks of assessing alternative designs for projects that meet stormwater management as well as societal objectives within a limited budget. The integration of stormwater parks into the range of alternatives addresses the pertinent stormwater management needs and can address multiple objectives that communities desire. Stormwater parks are defined as projects that address the runoff management needs in a manner that encourages public engagement. These projects can be linear facilities along waterways such as the San Antonio River Walk in Texas which from a stormwater management perspective is a runoff conveyance project. Stormwater parks could also be spatially dense such as the Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta which from a stormwater management perspective is a detention facility to protect downstream infrastructure and reduce combined sewer overflows. Each of these well-known projects are far more than a stormwater management facility. They have a rich and vibrant public use that are woven into the cultural setting. Stormwater parks have the unique ability to simultaneously unite neighborhoods, spur economic redevelopment, address chronic flooding, and address MS4 requirements. Many are surprised that these projects are less costly than many of the grey infrastructure approaches like underground stormwater storage. Combining the lower initial costs with community revitalization, stormwater parks offer greater value to the community while providing proven successful path to integrate equity into infrastructure renewal decisions. This paper discusses the important context and success factors that can lead to positive outcomes for a stormwater park project. First the important planning evaluation factors are discussed that include not only the physical setting, but also the socially relevant elements to consider. The second part of the paper considers four stormwater park case studies and how these factors were considered, applied and led to successful projects. Planning Evaluation The planning evaluation for stormwater parks focus on setting realistic goals across multiple objectives that consider stormwater management, economic and cultural factors. We draw on our extensive experience to discuss integrated management factors associated with key questions to evaluate opportunities relative to: a)Stormwater management design criteria b)Public engagement and stakeholder feedback c)Site characteristics d)Adaptive management opportunities for climate change e)Policy and management challenges f)Cultural and economic growth potential g)Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) tools to compare alternatives. The second portion of the paper focuses on case studies that discuss how each of these factors were addressed and why these projects are successful. This discussion touches on policies, politics, and equity. In addition, this section will discuss the role of economic valuation of various project designs, including measures of value, and impacts to stakeholders. The 17 ac parcel within Atlanta's Historic Fourth Ward has undergone a dramatic transformation. A stunning new park in one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods grew out of a need to address the unglamorous problem of flooding and combined sewer overflows. The stormwater lake serves as the centerpiece of the new park, surrounded by walking trails, urban plazas, and native plantings. The properties surrounding the park have undergone an incredible transformation leading to an incredible economic re-development of the area. Flooding was impacting the Vine City residents in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002, a major storm event caused catastrophic flooding through the Vine City neighborhood destroying more than 60 homes. In its heyday, the Vine City neighborhood in Atlanta was a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and was once home to Martin Luther King, Jr. A new community hub was created to address the stormwater management and social needs. Functionally, it provides relief from combined sewer overflows by detaining nearly 10 million gallons of stormwater. Green infrastructure features include stormwater planters, bioretention ponds, and a wet pond surrounded by constructed wetlands to improve water quality. The Riverwalk pays a vital role in the health and well-being of San Antonio's economy. Originally a WPA flood conveyance project that debuted in 1941, the Riverwalk has grown to a span of 15 miles. The newest reach on San Pedro Creek, focuses on culture. Once fully complete, the San Pedro Creek Culture Park is expected to spur a $1.5 billion economic impact by creating 2,100 new housing units, 1,428 new downtown employees, 7,300 new downtown residents, a 150 percent increase in new property value and $227 million in ad valorem tax revenues. The City of Kansas City, Missouri has aspirational combined sewer overflow (CSO) goals. Mill Creek Park is located at the entrance to the highly visited Plaza area. The northern portion of the park was underutilized and represented an opportunity to install green infrastructure to cost effectively reduce the CSO while simultaneously improve the park user experience. Working with a variety of stakeholders, the city developed an integrated concept that saves 80% compared to a grey solution while creating a breathtaking wet meadow prairie concept.