Conceptual Design

Our group has put together a conceptual design for the stream including the stream layout (channel length, width, depth, slope, etc.), a general plan for riparian vegetation, and ideas to ensure the area is still aesthetic pleasing and usable for the residents of Waterford Neighborhood.

The plan is to begin the stream channel at the outlet of the culvert that goes under Man O' War Boulevard, and end where it meets the current channel downstream of the weir and concrete channel. This would involve taking out the weir and concrete channel and regrading this area as well as the area in and surrounding the pond. With the small base flow of the influent stream we suspect the pond could be drained and channel construction done in the dry during a period of no precipitation, or the flow coming into the pond area could be pumped around the site during construction.

Riparian Vegetation

Due to the importance of the Homeowner's approval of the stream restoration idea, there are design constraints on the riparian vegetation that can be used for the stream. Ideally there would be trees along the closest area of the stream bank, with bushes and shrubs beyond the trees, and grasses for the outer layer of the riparian zone. But to ensure the project would look "pretty" in the eyes of the homeowners a few small trees could be used, but with proper compensation the riparian zone could be designed narrower than the ideal width and made up of primarily grasses and shrubs. Various methods of bank reinforcement and stream design could be utilized to avoid erosion that may occur due to a narrow riparian zone with fewer trees. Examples of a restored stream with similar riparian zone constraints can be seen at the bottom of this page.

A balance would need to be met in the environmental performance of the riparian zone and the homeowner's desire for a clean-looking landscape in order to still qualify for funding and water quality grants.

Stream Accessibility and Aesthetics

Continuing on the idea of the owner's desire for an aesthetically pleasing area and an area that can be used by residents, some rock crossings and landscaping could be strategically used to make areas on both sides of the stream accessible and aesthetically pleasing. The various culverts that empty into the pond could be landscaped with boulders and other rocks to make them blend in with the stream and look more cleanly landscaped and natural. Large boulders could be used to reinforce some of the banks against erosion as well as provide easy access for residents to get close to the stream.

Another important feature is some sort of stream crossing so both sides of the stream are accessible for walking and recreational activities. Our recommendation will be to install stepping stones with larger rocks that will provide an easy path to walk through the riparian zone and the stream channel.

Examples of these features can be seen below.

Pictures from Restored Stream

These are images from a stream reach on the southern end of UK's campus that was restored a few years ago. The riparian zone and previously discussed design features make it a good example of design aspects that would be good to use for a stream in the Waterford Neighborhood.