Maryvale Stormwater Management & Park Improvement

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The stormwater management (SWM) pond in Maryvale Park was constructed in 1992. The pond was designed to be a dual-use (pond and ball field) facility. The facility was planned to be wet during rain events and dry a few days later which would allow the use of a baseball field and open space for activities. After being saturated, the pond does not drain properly and takes too long to dry out. The efficient use of the pond for activities has never been obtained. Environmentally, the pond has benefits but the park open space is not fully useable due to frequent saturated conditions. Several modifications (grading and underdrain system) over the years to address the saturated conditions have not met expectations. Additionally, the SWM design regulations has changed since the early 90’s and the existing pond is substandard as a result of these updated regulations.

The City recommended and the State approved the Maryvale Park project as mitigation for piping a stream in Town Center. Enclosing a stream necessitates mitigation per State and Federal regulations. Town Center project funds were required for stormwater management and these monies will be used for this improvement project. The City is taking this opportunity to improve Maryvale Park which has not been fully utilized since the dual-use facility was completed in 1992.

The new pond design utilizes the 2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual which emphasizes smaller storm events to address stream erosion as opposed to the original pond design. The proposed pond will be reduced in size and a new athletic field will be installed at a higher elevation. The goals of this project are to separate the uses (SWM and recreation), eliminate existing standing water and associated mosquito breeding opportunities, mitigate the environmental impacts from enclosing a stream in Town Center, increase the usage of athletic field and provide an aesthetically pleasing amenity while updating the type of stormwater treatment provided. The continuous water flowing through the storm drain will be diverted into the pond. This will keep water fresh and constantly moving which will inhibit breeding of mosquitoes. The pond will maintain a water depth of about 1.5-feet during normal operation, but will rise to a maximum of 10-feet during larger storm events.