Dwight A. Mosley Park Green Infrastructure Retrofits

Water quality, ecological function, and recreational opportunities are improved in a historically underserved neighborhood by retrofitting a public park and playground with green infrastructure.

As part of its efforts to improve water quality while providing high-quality outdoor recreational and nature experiences for the people of Washington, D.C., the District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) sought to retrofit the Dwight Mosley-Taft Field and Playground.

The 9-acre site is situated within the Anacostia River watershed in the District’s Ward 5, which long housed D.C.’s largest concentration of industrial land uses. There were no stormwater management facilities on the site, and stormwater flowing from impervious surfaces, such as basketball and tennis courts and compacted baseball fields, was draining to the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.

After conducting a comprehensive site assessment, including reviewing existing data, conducting a tree survey, and analyzing the site’s soil and hydrology, Biohabitats designed, managed permitting for, and installed green infrastructure stormwater BMP retrofit solutions at four locations. The solutions, four unique bioretention cells, mimic natural hydrology and function to reduce stormwater runoff. Planted with native vegetation that attracts pollinators, and placed along field, court, and pathway edges, the retrofits encourage play, wonder, and learning. The project, which was completed on time and within budget, also helps DOEE comply with NPDES permit requirements.

TAGS

• Design
• Design-Build
• Resilient Water Systems