Garden Work Begins
April 29th, 2009
Excavating the bioretention garden.
Hey, creek fans - work on one of the project’s two bioretention gardens has begun in the north portion of Orchard Park. This garden will capture stormwater runoff from the street before it enters the storm sewer system. It’s being built between the sidewalk and the curb, and will be connected to a larger cell east of the sidewalk. The larger cell - which is being excavated first - will allow excess water from the street to be treated while it infiltrates into the ground.
Infiltration cell.
A soil mixture that’s half compost (our city’s own Oma-Grow!) and half sand will be added to the cells to facilitate the infiltration process. Subsurface drains will allow some of the infiltrating water to slowly discharge into Cole Creek. The two cells will be connected by pipes below the sidewalk. Stop by and watch the action! Questions? Contact Omaha by Design at 402.554.4010 or info@omahabydesign.org.
It’s Official!
April 22nd, 2009
Under Construction: Cole Creek
The construction sign for The Cole Creek Project is up. Stay tuned for construction updates in the coming weeks and months! Those who weren’t able to attend the project’s April 21 information open house at Roncalli Catholic High School missed out. One of the ideas that surfaced was forming a new neighborhood association in the project area to help protect the $1.6 million investment. We’re looking for volunteers who would be willing to help keep Orchard Park and Cole Creek clean. If you’re interested in finding out more about what it would take, contact Omaha by Design at 402.554.4010 or info@omahabydesign.org.
Mark Your Calendars
April 15th, 2009Hey, creek fans. This is a reminder to mark your calendars for The Cole Creek Project Information Open House! It’s set for Tuesday, April 21, at Roncalli Catholic High School from 6:30 to 8:00pm. The evening will include an overview of the construction phases, a tour of the project site - weather permitting, and an information fair. It’s free, and there will be giveaways while supplies last.
If you’re involved with an organization that’s looking for a volunteer activity, plan to attend and bring your members along! One of the project’s goals is to develop a Cole Creek Adopt a Stream Team (with T-shirts and everything).
Questions? Contact Omaha by Design at 402.554.4010 or info@omahabydesign.org.
Mini-Grant Deadline Approaching
April 9th, 2009Hey, Benson-Ames Alliance neighborhood associations, schools, churches and civic groups - there’s three weeks left to apply for a 2009 mini-grant from The Cole Creek Project!
A series of mini-grants will be awarded to projects that address stormwater management or water conservation in the Benson-Ames Alliance. Examples of projects that would meet the criteria include the installation and use of rain barrels, the creation of a garden featuring sustainable plantings or the production of a local video encouraging water conservation.
Visit the YOU/SPREAD section of www.colecreek.org and download an application today! The application deadline is April 30. For more info, contact Omaha by Design at 402.554.4010 or info@omahabydesign.org.