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When it rains, water flows across hard surfaces like streets, roofs, and yards, picking up pollutants along the way. The City’s drainage system, made up of pipes and ditches, helps direct this runoff to local waters like streams and Sinclair Inlet. This system helps protect homes, roads, and other infrastructure from flooding and damage.

In more recently developed areas of the city, pipes and ditches lead to large stormwater detention and infiltration ponds that allow for infiltration of stormwater to groundwater and/or attenuate the flow of stormwater to local waters.  These ponds are often fenced off and aren’t always attractive.  Recently, efforts have been made to design more attractive stormwater facilities that are integrated into the design and co-located with park and recreation facilities.  These projects are known as stormwater parks.

Stormwater parks, like the proposed Sherman Avenue facility, can help reduce the harmful effects of stormwater on our environment while providing park improvements for residents. They clean and control runoff before it reaches important areas like streams, beaches, and groundwater. This is important for protecting wildlife such as salmon and keeping water safe for recreation and local seafood like shellfish.

Stormwater parks can be a component in maintaining healthy watersheds, the areas of land where water flows into streams and the sea. These parks can reduce flooding and improve water quality, making our community more resilient while providing public recreation amenities, educational opportunities, and increased access to neighborhood green space.

To learn more about stormwater parks’ function, benefits, and examples in our region, visit the Puget Sound Regional Council’s stormwater park website.  Below are some examples of stormwater parks located in our region.