Multi-Beneficial Stormwater Park
Most of the city’s floodplain was undisturbed in the 1940s. Currently, most of Moss Point has been urbanized bringing high percentages of impervious surfaces with little of the undeveloped green space remaining decreasing natural absorption and filtration of rainfall. Furthermore, large embankments like hwy 90 and railroad tracks have constricted the natural flow of water.
Flood Reduction:
One function of the 1st Street Stormwater Park is to provide flood reduction to residents of the surrounding neighborhood. By diverting stormwater from neighborhood ditches into the naturalized detention area, the design will take pressure off of the frequently overwhelmed municipal drainage system and alleviate some of the repeat flooding issues that this community faces. The proposed stormwater detention system will provide 5.8-acre-feet (or ~252500 c.f.) of stormwater storage capacity and overflow will be managed via a riser pipe and connection to a junction box specified in the Drainage Improvement Plan for Moss Point.
Access to Nature and Recreational Opportunities:
The park will also provide residents with access to nature and recreational opportunities. Residents expressed a need for an accessible and safe walking path so that elderly residents have a place to exercise. The proposed stormwater park design provides ~.4 miles of 6’ wide accessible tree-lined sidewalks designed to provide shade and an attractive street condition. Nature trails within the park provide an additional ~1/3 mile of accessible walking opportunities for residents, through the use of permeable paving designed to maximize infiltration on site. Educational signage and seating areas along the nature trails will encourage residents to learn about the species that these habitats support. Two boardwalks transverse the lowest-lying areas of the stormwater park, providing circulation across the site and opportunities for viewing wildlife in the most densely planted areas in the park.
Improved Habitat:
Toward the interior of the stormwater park, the grade gently slopes toward the center, ensuring positive drainage and suitable planting conditions for native species with high evapotranspiration rates. The proposed design draws on the natural plant communities existing in the coastal flatwood region, with groupings of pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) at low elevations, and stands of slash pine (Pinus ellottii) at marginally higher elevations. While providing valuable extensions to native riparian habitat, these conifers and related species also provide visibility across the landscape, which was important to the neighborhood residents. Broadleaved shrubs were avoided for this reason (as they tend to obstruct views).
Minimal Maintenance:
Because this stormwater park will be owned and maintained by the city, it was designed to require minimal maintenance. Relating to tree selection, priority was given to evergreen and semi-evergreen species to minimize detritus produced by broad-leaved deciduous trees. Ground conditions are comprised of naturalized native meadow (2 acres, contained within the nature trail to delineate clear maintenance boundary) and 2.3 acres of typical lawn (between the walking and nature trail). A mown path lined by trees runs through the interior meadow to provide less prescriptive opportunities for engagement with the landscape.
Key Features of the Stormwater Park
Project Overview
A portion of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church property in Moss Point, Mississippi, is undergoing a transformative redesign to address persistent flooding and pollution challenges in the surrounding neighborhoods. This initiative leverages Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to create a stormwater park that combines innovative stormwater management with enhanced ecosystem services.
The southern section of the property, currently undeveloped, will be the focal point of this project. Through strategic placement of naturalized detention areas, native plantings, and enhanced habitat connectivity, the park will provide a multi-functional space designed to mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and offer valuable green infrastructure education to the Moss Point community.
The stormwater park will directly benefit the community of Moss Point. As a matter of fact the stormwater park design resulted from a collaboration of residents, community-based organization members, city and county officials (e.g., aldermen, board of supervisors), civic leaders, and other local stakeholders called a community design group. These representatives actively participated in the development of the park and assisted in shaping its functionality. During the design meetings several aspects of the park were identified as Key Features.
Next Steps
- Finalizing design plans based on community input and technical analysis.
- Securing funding for phased construction of stormwater management systems.
- Engaging residents in maintenance training and long-term monitoring initiatives.
Progress So Far
- Feasibility Studies: Analysis of flood mitigation potential, cost-effectiveness, and site suitability.
- Community Input: Initial meetings and surveys gathered valuable feedback to inform design decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stormwater park, and how is it different from a regular park?
A stormwater park is designed to manage and treat rainwater runoff using Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Unlike a regular park, it includes features like bioretention systems, permeable pavement, and rain gardens to reduce flooding, filter pollutants, and improve water quality. . These parks are designed to flood as needed, capturing stormwater that would otherwise put strain on the traditional infrastructure. When the park is not flooded it functions as a traditional park, complete with amenities. It combines functionality with recreation, offering a space for both flood control and community enjoyment.
What role does the community play in this project?
Community input is integral to the design and implementation of the stormwater park. Residents have participated in planning meetings and surveys to ensure the park meets local needs. Additionally, workshops and training programs will empower community members to help maintain the park’s features, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability for the project.
What makes this project unique compared to traditional stormwater management?
This project incorporates Nature-Based Solutions, which go beyond conventional gray infrastructure by mimicking natural processes to manage stormwater. Unlike concrete drainage systems, NBS installations like rain gardens and pervious pavement filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, and create green spaces that enhance community well-being. This approach not only addresses immediate flooding issues but also provides long-term ecological and social benefits, setting a sustainable precedent for other communities.