Raleigh's green infrastructure is not just for aesthetics. As the Gipson Play Plaza shows, it's an integral part of the city's environmental strategy. The plaza, beloved by children and families, is also a smart solution to urban stormwater management. With a small stream designed to mimic nature's own way of dealing with excess water, the plaza serves as a modern-day sponge. As reported by the City of Raleigh, it retains stormwater runoff, allowing it to be slowly released to nearby waterways, ultimately contributing to the health of Walnut Creek and beyond.
City officials are keen on this approach, recognizing the impact of rapid urban development. "Raleigh is developing quickly and we have to be mindful of the impact to our environment," Heather Dutra, City of Raleigh Water Quality Manager said in a statement obtained by the City of Raleigh. By employing nature-inspired stormwater measures, the city aims to tackle issues like flooding, improving water quality and promoting wildlife habitats.
More than just tackling water issues, the plaza's design is also about rethinking common structures. The parking spaces and picnic areas, for instance, feature permeable materials that not only manage water runoff but also help in removing pollutants and recharging the groundwater. This initiative by Raleigh Stormwater has seen an investment close to $700,000, demonstrating the city's commitment to innovative environmental solutions.
Dean Perry, Senior Planner with Dix Park, sees this as the first step in a journey towards a more sustainable city. In conversation with Raleigh Parks, he emphasized the importance of collaboration, "This collaboration between Raleigh Stormwater, and Raleigh Parks is the first of many innovative stormwater management features Dix Park will use to be a good steward of the environment and be a good neighbor to downstream communities as the park grows." The design of the plaza is credited to a joint effort by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and McAdams, who've turned stormwater management into an art that benefits all, as per the City of Raleigh.
