Killarney Way Park - Killearn Estates
As part of the improvements to Killearn Estates gateway park, a robust suite of Green Infrastructure practices were installed to reduce erosion, improve stormwater quality and help recharge the drinking water aquifer. These tools were deployed to not only improve the aesthetic beauty and stormwater function of the park but also serve as a showcase of options for other homeowners to help improve the subdivision’s drainage and lake water quality. The Showcase includes: lots of mulch, gravel paths, rain barrels, a rain garden, pervious pavers, and even infiltration chambers.
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Before the Park Improvements - Erosion
Planning
Survey: Utility location service was called. No utilities were located on the grounds with the exception of an electric line along the eastern property boundary. During construction however, a small pvc water line was broken next to the pavilion. Fortunately the water could be quickly shut off and the line capped with minimal problems. It pays to maintain copies of your construction plans for future reference.
Design Goals: The main goal of the project was to improve safety as the existing Pavilion wall was collapsing and roots and erosion had created numerous trip hazards throughout the park. It was also improtant to reduce ongoing erosion at the park.
Design Goals: The main goal of the project was to improve safety as the existing Pavilion wall was collapsing and roots and erosion had created numerous trip hazards throughout the park. It was also improtant to reduce ongoing erosion at the park.
Construction
Mulch
Wood chip mulch was spread 2-4 inches deep over large areas of previously exposed dirt. Mulch performs many important functions which include: armoring the soil surface from the pounding of rain drops to prevent erosion, absorbing rain water and keeping underlying soil moist and loose to aid water soaking into the ground, insulating tree roots from harsh temperature extremes, and providing nutrients and habitat for microbes and worms that keep the soil and ecosystem healthy. In areas where roots used to stick above the ground and present tripping hazards a thin layer of sand was added to make the ground firm and level prior to covering with mulch to ensure a nice flat surface for walking and playing. A lot of the wood chip mulch was obtained for free through the City of Tallahassee's utility program.
Wood chip mulch was spread 2-4 inches deep over large areas of previously exposed dirt. Mulch performs many important functions which include: armoring the soil surface from the pounding of rain drops to prevent erosion, absorbing rain water and keeping underlying soil moist and loose to aid water soaking into the ground, insulating tree roots from harsh temperature extremes, and providing nutrients and habitat for microbes and worms that keep the soil and ecosystem healthy. In areas where roots used to stick above the ground and present tripping hazards a thin layer of sand was added to make the ground firm and level prior to covering with mulch to ensure a nice flat surface for walking and playing. A lot of the wood chip mulch was obtained for free through the City of Tallahassee's utility program.
Gravel Paths
A compacted gravel trail was installed to provide a smooth walking surface connecting the parking areas, pavilion and playgrounds. Compacted materials were selected to minimize potential damage to the root systems of the beautiful oaks that provide valuable shade on those hot summer days and soak up much storm water on those rainy ones. |
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels were connected to the pavilions roof gutters to collect and store rain water. The water is used to help irrigate landscaping when it is dry and reduce water costs. The roof gutters have a leaf screen to keep debris out of the system and there is a splitter in the downspout to send water away from the barrel when it is full. It’s kinda cool, check it out. |
Pervious Pavers
The existing pavilion was surrounded with a large pervious paver system to both stabilize the soils and increase the useable space. The pervious pavers selected are manufactured much like a sponge with millions of tiny pores that allow water to soak through them and into the ground below. This provides a nice firm surface much like a traditional patio but reduces the amount of stormwater runoff. |
Rain Garden
Stormwater that does not soak into the ground beneath the large pervious patio drains into the new rain garden. During large storms the garden will fill with water and reduce the amount of downslope runoff and potential erosion. After the storm the water soaks into the ground. An underdrain was placed beneath the rain garden to ensure that held water does not overstay its welcome and become a home for mosquitoes.
Stormwater that does not soak into the ground beneath the large pervious patio drains into the new rain garden. During large storms the garden will fill with water and reduce the amount of downslope runoff and potential erosion. After the storm the water soaks into the ground. An underdrain was placed beneath the rain garden to ensure that held water does not overstay its welcome and become a home for mosquitoes.
Before & After Photos
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.