Client
City of Winter Haven
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Location
Winter Haven, Florida
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Start Date
January 1999
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Completion Date
July 1999

Scope

BCI was selected by the City of Winter Haven to evaluate the feasibility of and develop a concept design for the construction of a 15-acre multi-use stormwater park on the shore of Lake Howard. The project area was characterized as a low-lying, overgrown outparcel that appeared to be somewhat unsuitable for development. The project site was the recipient of stormwater runoff from a 580-acre watershed area comprised of medium density residential and commercial development. Based on monitoring data, the basin was shown to be a major contributor of nitrogen and phosphorus to Lake Howard and a prime candidate for stormwater retrofit.

BCI developed a number of alternatives for stormwater treatment including wetland treatment with and without harvesting, alum injection, various treatment train scenarios that included settling basins, end of pipe treatments, filter systems, and others.

The principal objective of the project was to develop a low maintenance treatment system offering water quality enhancement, wildlife habitat, flood attenuation, public use amenities and public education benefits. The stormwater park was also planned to become part of a regional trail system whereby the park would serve as a resting spot for trail users.

BCI's services included water quality and hydrodynamic modeling, geotechnical assessment, wetland delineation and characterization, conceptual plan development, and preliminary estimates of construction and maintenance costs. The system was constructed in 1999 and now offers the citizens of Winter Haven a wonderful place to enjoy our natural Florida.