The two phases of the project “are designed to improve the quality of storm water runoff from the road and parking area, to improve the streamside habitat along the spring-fed stream in the park,” Haley said, “and to perform these functions using vegetation that enhances the park environment.”

Phase One extends through December of this year, he said, and the second should be completed by early summer of 2011.

Specifically, the storm water control systems include a filter strip, a bio-retention swale and infiltration trench, a rain garden and pervious pavers, Haley said. These systems will capture sediment washed off hard surfaces by rainwater and will filter as much runoff into the ground as possible.

The two-part construction project involves excavating sections of concrete swale adjacent Golf Lane, and replacing them with native plants and underground gravel, Haley explained, which will promote uptake of water by the plants and infiltration of the excess.

“To the east of Golf Lane,” he said, “near to Overall Street, a grassy area will be reshaped into a grass filter strip and a section of the Kids Castle parking lot will be demolished and replaced with paver stones, which will allow rainwater to filter through the parking spaces.”

The stream buffer will not be initiated until spring of 2011. 

"Other than a few access points,” Haley said, “the stream will be bordered on both sides by natural vegetation.”

Both Haley and  Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Angela Jackson say they realize it will take time to see the benefits of what’s being done.

 “We know that for the first year or two, the meadow and stream may look a little scruffy,” Jackson said, “but it will be worth it for long-term benefits, both environmentally and aesthetically.

“The city, as specified by the State, requires water quality protection zones to be established and left to grow naturally alongside streams and in new land-development projects,” she added.

For more information, contact Robert Haley at the Water and Sewer Department, 898-3200.