In addition to helping control stormwater flooding in a residential section of Elmwood Park, an innovative rain garden project also recently won an award from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
In 2019, the village purchased a lot at the corner of Bloomingdale and 73rd avenues with the intent of installing flood control infrastructure. The 140×132.5-square-foot tract was converted into a beautiful fenced-in green space atop an underground water storage basin.
“If you didn’t know this garden was built for flood treatment, you might just think it’s a beautiful park or flower garden,” Elmwood Park Village President Angelo Saviano said. “It’s amazing that it helps fight flooding and also beautifies the neighborhood.”
According to a village news release, the MWRD provided biosolid soil that was used for planting native species like milkweed and purple coneflower that are tolerant of salt and pollutants washed in from the street.
New curb cut inlets were installed on both Bloomingdale and 73rd avenues for stormwater to flow into the concave ground area. After filtering through the plants, officials said the water accumulates in an underground basin before gradually absorbing into the ground below.
Completed in August, the project was honored at the MWRD’s annual Sustainability Summit event in October.
“The Sustainable Landscaping award was given to the Village of Elmwood Park for their work in incorporating green infrastructure elements such as a detention basin, rain garden and bioswales to manage overland flow stormwater runoff,” MWRD President Kari Steele said in a statement. “This will help reduce impacts from flooding for Elmwood Park residents and businesses. We appreciate when communities connect with the MWRD to reduce the potential for stormwater damages that can impact life, public health, safety, property and the environment. We hope the success of projects like those at Elmwood Park will encourage other communities to pursue capital improvement projects.”
Rosemont-based Christopher B. Burke Engineering completed the rain garden project at a total cost of $628,660, with the MWRD contributing a grant of $165,000, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency providing $164,596 Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunity funds and Elmwood Park picking up the balance of $299,063, according to financial information for the project.
“Protecting Illinois communities and businesses from persistent flooding and water damage is a top priority for my administration, which is why the Rebuild Illinois capital plan has funding specifically dedicated to green infrastructure initiatives,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said at the time the IEPA funding was awarded. “Through the Elmwood Park Stormwater Treatment Train project, the residents of Elmwood Park will have increased protection against excess stormwater and peace of mind that their homes and families are safe.”
Village Manager Paul Volpe said this project was was an innovative way for Elmwood Park to deal with flooding.
“It is only a first step, but an important one,” he said.
According to the village release, Elmwood Park has a history of innovative flood control measures, such as a 2013 mitigation project that separated some of the town’s stormwater from the sewer system, which helped to decrease flooding.
The village also replaced water mains and fire hydrants, and laid some 40,000 feet of new storm sewer. Elmwood Park also partnered with the Oak Park County Club to add a new underground pump station and basin area on the golf course.
Officials said taxpayers have been saved more than $18 million over the past seven years by financing the flood mitigation project through grants, low-interest loans and partnerships rather that issuing bonds.
“Infrastructure needs to keep up with changes in population and technology,” Saviano said.
Gary Gibula is a freelancer.
