News

Streambank work will create 'stormwater wetland' at Patton Park

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 13, 2019

The public will soon see construction and restoration efforts taking place as part of the city’s Multi-Area Streambank Restoration Project.

The project will restore approximately 11,000 linear feet of streambanks at 13 sites throughout the area. The plan aims to protect existing water and sewer infrastructure while improving stream health and water quality and includes work to transform a retention pond at Patton Park into a stormwater wetland with observation decks and signage. The city obtained a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality zero interest loan to fund the project.

“Our city has had a lot of success in the past with streambank restoration projects, and we’re excited to move from the planning phase into implementation,” said City Engineer Brent Detwiler. “This multi-site project will go a long way in improving water quality and reducing erosion on private and public property, while protecting critical infrastructure.”

The site with the most visibility and complexity of work is at Patton Park and along Brittain Creek. Phase 1 of the Patton Park project will begin this month with sanitary sewer upgrades occurring first.
In addition to stream buffer enhancements and invasive species removal, the Patton Park project will also involve the construction of a stormwater wetland.
The existing pond within the park drains an adjacent parking lot but does not provide satisfactory stormwater treatment. The water is especially turbid, or muddy, and engineering staff have plans to make the area more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Modifications to the pond will convert it into a stormwater wetland accompanied by wildlife observation decks and educational signage. Later in the project, a bioswale and a section of permeable pavement will be installed in the parking area to better manage stormwater.
“The improvements happening in Patton Park are a big step forward in our City’s stormwater management practices,” said Stormwater Administrator Michael Huffman. “Along with the green infrastructure at the new Public Works Maintenance Building, we’ve lovingly titled this area the ‘Stormwater Stroll’ because visitors will be able to see a bioswale, stream restoration, stormwater wetland, permeable pavement, bioretention and rainwater harvesting methods all in close proximity to one another.”

For more information visit www.hvlnc.gov/streambank.