restoring form and functionality

As the City of Westfield began the design of their new urban park, it became apparent that addressing the erosion issues of Grassy Branch Creek were critical to the success of the project. FlatLand Resources was brought on to help the Landscape Architecture firm, Land Collective, design a successful project that would also increase the stability and health of the stream.

The first phase included the design and restoration of approximately 200’ of stream -- 100’ of that which would be under a 3-sided culvert, just downstream of a 48” culvert. Interaction with the water was paramount in the eye of the City, and FlatLand designed the stream in such a way so as to bring people to the water’s edge, while reducing erosion of the banks.

Beneath the culvert, the stream resembles a mountain stream, jumping and rolling over large boulders. This helps dissipate the water’s energy as it exits the culvert pipe. Just downstream of the 3-sided culvert, there are 3 instream structures that help reduce bank erosion: 2 rock vanes and 1 J-hook. These structures also allow for park users to get down to the water’s edge, and greatly increase in-stream habitats.