Press release from City of Hendersonville:
The City of Hendersonville Stormwater Management Program invites the public to take a walk along the ‘Patton Park Stormwater Stroll.’ This series of Stormwater projects implemented by the City are now accompanied by educational signage aimed at engaging and teaching park visitors about water quality.
“All the features you see along the Patton Park Stormwater Stroll are designed to mimic how nature would treat stormwater if there were no pavement or buildings around,” said Stormwater Administrator Michael Huffman. “People may not be familiar with some of these treatment methods, so the signs are a great way for people to learn while they enjoy the walking path and amenities at Patton Park.”
The green infrastructure installed in Patton Park and highlighted along the stroll include:
- Rainwater Cisterns: Two large cisterns accompany the City’s Public Works Grounds and Maintenance Facility to catch rainwater off the roof of the building. The captured rainwater is used to wash vehicles and equipment. The cisterns include water quality murals painted by Girl Scout Isabella Conway.
- Bioretention Pond: A basin filled with vegetation and engineered soil that holds runoff and filters out pollutants is located adjacent to the maintenance facility.
- Rain Gardens: A series of rain gardens capture runoff from the parking area and basketball courts. The rain gardens will eventually be planted with native wildflowers and plants to act as a pollinator habitat while removing pollutants before the water enters the groundwater.
- Permeable Paving: A permeable paving system near the park’s entrance reduces water pollution by filtering sediment and chemicals.
- Stormwater Wetland: The re-engineered duck pond treats stormwater by filtering and absorbing pollutants before water enters the water system. The wetland controls the rate of runoff to protect Brittain Creek from erosion and improves the bird, pollinator, and wildlife habitat.
Collectively these features are expected to treat over 1 million gallons of polluted runoff each year. The City of Hendersonville was awarded a NC-319 Grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality to help fund a portion of the new stormwater control measures in Patton Park.
The stormwater wetland construction is part of the City’s Multi-area Streambank Restoration Project. This project has restored streambanks and protected existing infrastructure at thirteen sites throughout Hendersonville. Patton Park is the most visible site, and the public will notice stream buffer enhancements, live-stake plantings, and invasive species removal along Brittain Creek in addition to the sanitary sewer replacement that was installed over the fall and winter season. The project is nearing completion with additional plantings scheduled, but the walking path has reopened, and the public can enjoy the eco-friendly recreational and play areas.
Learn more about the City of Hendersonville’s Stormwater Management Program and the Patton Park Stormwater Stroll at https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/news/stormwater-stroll
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