Going green prevents pollution, explained an environmental protection group.
A $5,000 grant from the Clinton River Watershed Council was secured by the City of the Village of Clarkston staff to use in Depot Park.
‘This is exciting news,? City Manager Carol Eberhardt said.
Funds, when matched by the city, would equal $10,000 to help finish a new bridge in the southern end of Depot Park. The bridge was replaced after a $100,000 donation by Clarkston residents Bart and Diane Clark.
Natural plantings near the new bridge will happen soon, Eberhardt said.
At Monday’s council meeting, councilman Mike Sabol commended Eberhardt for her work on the grant.
Eberhardt gave an update on the work in her managers report to council.
She said asphalt work along the sides of the bridge are complete, and the contractor did extra work on the path at no charge.
‘The company repaired a path area by the playground that had been broken by tree roots,? Eberhardt said.
Planting greenery and getting electricity to the bridge are next.
Green improvements near the bridge are one of several other plans created by CRWC and the Lawrence Tech Great Lakes Stormwater Management Institute to lower pollution in Depot Park, which sets along the Clinton River.
According to a design by CRWC and Lawrence Tech, claim improvements like the new bridge, entrance and landscaping provides benefits to both pedestrians and the environment.
The upgrades increase pedestrian access and safety while protecting the environment and improving water quality of the Clinton River.
A rain garden is already in place at the park thanks to the city and CRWC.
Other projects have been designed for various areas of the park to stabilize and protect the river bank, and reduce erosion and stormwater runoff from reaching the river.
Stormwater is excess water along streets collected into drains and diverted to flow unfiltered into waterways.
‘We already have had a new best practice stormwater plan designed in conjunction with Lawrence Tech University,? Eberhardt said.
An estimated 108,000 gallons of stormwater flows into the Clinton River from downtown Clarkston-most from Main Street and the alley.
According to a CRWC design, if runoff water from Main Street was diverted into rain gardens, the natural plantings would substantially reduce stormwater pollution from reaching river.
In total, ‘green projects? in the park aims to reduce stomwater flow to 40,319 or 37 percent by using natural vegetation.
‘As we move forward the CRWC will work in partnership with the city assisting with planning as well as resources,? Eberhardt added.
The city was forced to enact stricter guidelines as mandated by the state of Michigan.
During the June 22 meeting the city council reviewed a draft for a new specific stormwater plan the city must enact. Another reading and final approval is expected at the next meeting in July.