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Jordan Creek North
Branch Daylighting Project
Objective: Reduce potential
flooding hazard to several properties by removing them from
the 100-year floodplain while providing water quality enhancement,
incorporating a linear park trail as planned in the Vision
20/20 Parks, Open Space, and Greenways plan, and adding aesthetic
value to the neighborhood.
Location: National to Fremont,
south of Division. View map.
Partners:
Total Cost: $2,876,000
- Design = $83,000
- Construction = $2,550,000
- Land Acquisition = $243,000
Funding Sources:
- 2001 Storm Water Bond Issue Funds - $2,552,000
- Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant
- $160,000
- Springfield-Greene County Parks Department
- $100,000
- City Utilities - $54,000
- Community
Foundation of the Ozarks Stewardship Ozarks Fund - $10,000
(via a grant to Ozark Greenways, Inc.)
Design Engineer: Hood-Rich,Inc.
City Project Engineer: Keith
Francis, PE
City Inspector: Ed Hudson
Construction Contractor:
- Phase 1 – JLA Construction
- Phase 2 – Sprouls Construction
Status: Phase 1 completed
summer 2005. Phase 2 completed spring 2007.
Description:
Project
Information Sheet (pdf 483kb)
This project, the first of its kind in Springfield,
includes a number of innovative features in a new approach
to storm water management often referred to as “daylighting.”
The project involved removing inadequate drainage tunnels
and reconstructing a new “stream” ecosystem through
a greenway corridor with a safe pedestrian trail connecting
Smith Park and Silver Springs Park. The project provides l00-year
flood capacity to protect adjacent properties and remove them
from the floodplain while enhancing water quality and providing
natural habitat and community recreational opportunities.
The project promotes the idea that urban streams are a valuable
resource to be enjoyed rather than a nuisance to be tunneled
underground.
One flood-prone house, a commercial property
and additional vacant floodplain property were acquired to
construct the project. Federal grant funding was obtained
to construct the trail with pedestrian underpasses at each
of the four streets to eliminate at-grade crossings. This
trail makes a vital connection in the Vision 20/20 comprehensive
Parks, Open Space, and Greenways plan, with eventual connections
to Jordan Valley Park, Hammons Field and neighboring college
campuses.
A variety of innovative design approaches
were used to accomplish the objectives of this two-phase project.
In Phase 1, National to Prospect, the creek channel was reconstructed
with gently sloping banks. Articulated concrete block mats
were used to stabilize the channel. The blocks contain open
centers and spacing to allow vegetation to grow through, creating
a natural appearance. Vegetation filters pollutants and reduces
downstream erosion and flooding by slowing down the water
and promoting infiltration. In Phase 2, Prospect to Fremont,
the creek was reconstructed with curving block walls and sloping,
grass sides. Natural boulders were used to edge the low flow
channel to simulate the form and function of a natural stream
while keeping maintenance costs low. West of National in Silver
Springs Park and east of Fremont in Smith Park, the dilapidated
rock walls were rebuilt to match the existing historic walls,
a unique feature to the area. Decorative concrete and railing
were installed in the sidewalk area at each of the four street
crossings.
With $l0,000 in grant funding from the inaugural
round of the Community
Foundation of the Ozarks Stewardship Ozarks initiative,
nearly 5,000 native plants and l05 trees were planted during
the project. These included 42 different species of plants
native to southwest Missouri. A wetland mix that can tolerate
fluctuation in storm water was planted in the lower areas
that will be exposed to the creek. Native prairie plants tolerant
of the existing soil conditions and sporadic rainfall were
chosen for the upper sides of the project. The underlying
turf is Buffalo grass – a native grass chosen for its
hardiness and low-maintenance. The selection of native plants
leads toward a future reduction in maintenance costs and negative
environmental impacts because natives have been proven to
require less maintenance, water, fertilizer and pesticides.
Tree species included native willows, redbuds, witch hazels
and serviceberries.
Visit the photo gallery below
by clicking on any of the images.
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