Bayshore Park - Killearn Estates
Bayshore Park is located within the Tree Harbour section of Killearn Estates. It is a small park essentially consisting of two small residential lots merged together. The slope of the land while not steep does have a bit of a tilt to it. While the park only receives minimal flow from adjacent properties the slope of the land and relatively sparse ground cover had led to ongoing erosion problems at the downslope park boundary.
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Erosion
Before the Park Improvements
Planning
Survey: Utility location service was called. No utilities were located on the grounds. Property survey was not in the budget so any improvements were located well within the park boundaries and/or coordinated with the adjacent property owner.
TAPP Grant & Gardens: The project received a grant from the City's TAPP program to help design and install a pair of rain gardens on the property. A meeting was held at the park with the TAPP and HOA representatives to discuss where best to site the gardens. A small rain garden was to be located about widway in the park to intercept concentrated flow beside the playground. A large rain garden was to occupy the downslope boundary of the property to intercept and soak in runoff from the park area. Wood Chips & Mulch: The park does not have an established water service and is fairly shaded in several areas such that establishment of grass has been unsuccessful. Wood chips/mulch were selected to stabilize periphery areas of the park where other vegetated means would be more problematic. The 2-4" layer of wood chips provide many benefits such as armoring the soil surface, insulating tree roots below the ground, encouraging worms to loosen surface soils and improve infiltration. |
Construction
Wood Chips ... Wood Chips ... Wood Chips - Oh My!
Five loads of wood chips were required to provide 2-4" of material over the exposed soils in the park. All of the chips were obtained for free through the utility tree trimming program. Each load took about 4-6 man hours to spread with shovel, wheelbarrow and rake. While each batch of chips was slightly different, we were pleased with the overall quality of the material received. The park provides a location where residents can personally inspect the quality of chips that can be obtained through the program.
Five loads of wood chips were required to provide 2-4" of material over the exposed soils in the park. All of the chips were obtained for free through the utility tree trimming program. Each load took about 4-6 man hours to spread with shovel, wheelbarrow and rake. While each batch of chips was slightly different, we were pleased with the overall quality of the material received. The park provides a location where residents can personally inspect the quality of chips that can be obtained through the program.
Rain Garden Install
William Dickerson was tasked with the design and construction of the two rain gardens. After settling on the garden locations, configuration, and the plant selections, Mr. Dickerson and his team installed both gardens over the span of two days.
William Dickerson was tasked with the design and construction of the two rain gardens. After settling on the garden locations, configuration, and the plant selections, Mr. Dickerson and his team installed both gardens over the span of two days.
Final Steps & Upcoming Activities
While the park is close to being complete there are a few remaining items. One more load of wood chips needs to be delivered for the downslope area of the park. We have plans to make spreading the last load of chips an event for the neighborhood, where neighbors can come out and spread chips and learn about the features of the park. A new BBQ grill, table, and some additional playground equipment and benches are also to be installed in the near future. In the fall and spring we may look to do some supplemental plantings in the park to begin establishing the next generation of shade trees.
While the park is close to being complete there are a few remaining items. One more load of wood chips needs to be delivered for the downslope area of the park. We have plans to make spreading the last load of chips an event for the neighborhood, where neighbors can come out and spread chips and learn about the features of the park. A new BBQ grill, table, and some additional playground equipment and benches are also to be installed in the near future. In the fall and spring we may look to do some supplemental plantings in the park to begin establishing the next generation of shade trees.
The Gardens in Action
Shortly after the gardens were installed a series of strong afternoon thunderstorms rolled through ... so unlike Tallahasee right ;)
The picture to the right shows the upper garden in action. The garden was completely dry the following day. The larger lower garden was only observed to have a small amount of water ponded within it (perhaps a few inches deep). The soils at both garden locations look very good and appear to be infiltrating the water in a timely manner. |
Maintenance & Monitoring
We will continue to monitor the park and see how the improvements are performing. We will update from time to time with any key observations and findings. Any questions let us know.