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Located on the east side of Garfield Park, 1600 NE Quincy |
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Prevents flooding |
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Aids in improving water quality to city stormwater and Soldier Creek |
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Educational information on wetland processes, plants and animals provided through signage around the wetland |
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The Garfield Park Wetland was established as part of the North Topeka Stormwater Master Plan. Begun in 2001, the Master Plan looked at flooding problems in the 2,550-acre North Topeka Drainage Basin. The Basin was divided into four smaller basins during the research phase of this project. Separating the combined stormwater and raw sewage system in the Fairchild Subbasin was one project that was implemented from the Master Plan. During heavy rains the old sewer system directed rainwater mixed with sewage to a pump station where it was pumped over the Kansas River levy and into the river. The original plan suggested separating the rainwater from the sanitary sewer and building a new pump station to pump only rainwater over the levy.
An Alternative Evaluation workshop involving engineers, city staff, elected officials and other interested people was conducted to look at opportunities for using a more “natural” system that could provide flood relief to the area as well as provide some treatment of the stormwater before it was discharged into the Kansas River. The result was the deletion of the stormwater pump station and the addition of a wetland at the end of the new storm sewer system. The wetland was constructed in the Old Soldier Creek channel.
Construction of the Garfield Park Wetland was completed in 2004. The wetland is approximately three (3) acres in size and has several areas with varying depths to provide the most favorable environment for plant growth and the treatment of stormwater. The area surrounding the wetland is planted as a short grass prairie. Grasses planted include: Little Bluestem, Sideoats Grama, and Western Wheat. Forbs are also planted to add color as well as diversity providing a source of food for animals that live in prairie systems. A partial list of forbs includes: Purple Prairie Clover, Showy Partridge Pea, Pitcher Sage, Indian Blanket, Greyhead Prairie Coneflower and Plains Coreopsis. A sidewalk with informational signage is planned that will explain the importance of urban wetlands and will educate the public on wetland ecosystems, plants, animals and insects as well as wetland processes.
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