This image of a small T-3 Flowing park is from Seabrook, Washington sent to us by Laurence Qamar. Laurence elaborates “ ...one of the more contentious issues has been determining the frequency of street crossings of linear wetlands and streams. New Metro standards have required minimum 1/4 mile stream crossings. Along with the equally large DOT access spacing on arterials and state highways, we have often found it very difficult to connect neighborhoods and fragments of neighborhoods. This can result in a disjointed human habitat that approaches suburbanization as a result of overly stringent wetland protection requirement in urban contexts. Granted the whole wetland and riparian system must have much higher standards of protection than have been exercised in the past. Yet with proper crossing techniques, ... the frequency of watercourse crossings should be increased in more urban conditions.”
VII. Flowing Park
T-Zones: T3, T4, T5 Slope: Steep, Moderate, Flat
Cost : $$
Soils: Poor, Medium, Good
Maintenance: Medium
Climate: Cold, Temperate, Hot Dry, Moderately Wet, Wet
A. Description
A flowing park is a linear tract of land that serves as a collection point for stormwater. For the water to flow freely, structures must not impede the flowing park. For example, rather than a street cutting through the flowing park, the flowing park cuts through the street. This action creates an opportunity to display a creative stormwater design.
B. Use
Flowing parks serve as urban or neighborhood parks. They are best suited for urban zones of the transect because of their park-like status. Flowing parks work well with sloping topography. By following the slope, water flows into natural drainage ways. Grading is minimized by using the natural contours.
C. Cost
Costs vary depending on the size of the park. Many times, costs are offset since this tool is serving two purposes: receiving stormwater and providing a public park.
D. Maintenance
Maintenance of flowing parks is similar to that of any other public park. For the storm water collection area, debris will need to removed on a regular schedule.
E. Resources
Herbert Dreiseitl and Dieter Grau. New Waterscapes: Planning, Building and Designing with Water. Boston: Birkhauser, 2001.
90-91.
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