College Gardens Park Project Information Sheet

Project Purpose

Control volume of stormwater entering the College Gardens tributary of Watts Branch, reducing downstream erosion.
Improve water quality of the runoff entering stream.
Create a safe park with more diverse recreational possibilities.
Design a modern, attractive park and update aging park facilities.

Project Need

The stream channel is eroding and will continue to do so if no action is taken.
Oil, grease, excess fertilizers and other urban pollutants flow into the stream with little or no mitigation.
The current College Gardens pond is not designed as a stormwater management facility and only receives surface runoff from the immediate area.
The park facilities were built in 1972.

Goals and objectives

Work with the neighborhood to define priorities for the park.
Work with the Montgomery County School District to coordinate this project with the College Gardens School project.
Minimize impact to existing trees.
Identify potentially unsafe features and eliminate or mitigate them.
· Unsafe trees
· Trip / stumble hazards
Meet all federal and state guidelines.
· Army corps of engineers
· Maryland Department of the Environment
Build a safe park that appeals to users of all ages.
Balance the need for trees, recreation space, and storm water management.