Harlem River Parks Green Infrastructure Concepts

A comprehensive ecological assessment informs the development of effective nature-based strategies to improve habitat, water quality, and stormwater management for an urban watershed.

Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows have led to poor water quality, erosion, localized flooding, and degraded ecological conditions in the Harlem River and its surrounding neighborhoods. To restore ecosystem function and natural balance to the landscape, the New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) led a collaborative team of municipal project partners to develop the Harlem River Watershed Management Plan. A road map for coordinated protection and restoration in the watershed, the plan identified a range of priority projects across Harlem. These included flood assessments and potential stormwater management improvements in two local parks—Fort Independence Park and the Mosholu Parkway—where stormwater runoff contributes to hillside erosion, makes pathways impassable, and stresses existing vegetation.

Biohabitats performed an ecological assessment of both parks. This included desktop analysis that considered the historic ecology of the Harlem River Watershed. It also included a robust assessment of a multitude of green infrastructure interventions, including soil amendments, no-mow areas, bioswales, bioretention systems, and raised pathways, that could be implemented throughout the park. Based on stakeholder input and a review of existing data, Biohabitats also identified information gaps and filled them through subsequent field investigations.

Biohabitats then developed a toolkit of green stormwater infrastructure strategies that included standard practices, structural and nonstructural measures, and innovative nature-based features. Using the toolkit and alternatives assessment, Biohabitats, HEP, and project stakeholders selected priority locations and preferred interventions to advance to high level design alternatives for both parks.

The final conceptual design package emphasized nature-based solutions that will deliver habitat value, aesthetic improvement, and stewardship opportunities. It can also be used by HEP and project stakeholders to prioritize, secure funding, and provide guidance for future projects.

TAGS

• Analysis+Planning
• Assessment+Monitoring
• Design
• Climate Adaptation + Resilience
• Resilient Water Systems