STORMWATER PARKS & PONDS

Stormwater parks and ponds manage stormwater while providing open space. Stormwater parks and ponds collect and store stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods during times of heavy rain. By slowing and storing stormwater, they reduce flooding and sewer overflows. Stormwater parks and ponds also improve water quality by removing pollutants and sediments. Some stormwater parks and ponds provide educational or recreational benefits, open space, and habitat for wildlife. In Seattle, there are stormwater parks or ponds that include playgrounds, dog parks, and art, and some have become bird watching hubs. In other cities, there are stormwater parks that double as basketball courts, soccer fields, gardens, communal meeting spaces, wetlands, and more.