Each month, we will highlight innovative, bay-oriented local actions. If you have a project that you'd like to see highlighted, please contact Catherine Shanks.

Baltimore City
Watershed 263 BMP Theme Park

Watershed 263 is a nine hundred thirty (930) acre stormdrain drainage area located in the west and southwest portion of Baltimore City. In Watershed 263, stormwater runoff travels through a forty-three (43) mile stormdrain system. It empties into the mouth of the Gwynns Falls, in the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River before entering the Baltimore Harbor. The neighborhoods located in Watershed 263 include Sandtown-Winchester, Harlem Park, Franklin Square, Union Square, New Southwest Mount Clare, Boyd-Booth, Carrollton Ridge, Poppleton, Hollins Market, Washington Village and the Carroll-Camden Area.

The Watershed 263 BMP Theme Park pilot project brings the latest thinking in stormwater management to the East Coast and to the ultra-urban areas of Baltimore. Stormwater retrofit installations are underway in six locations. These practices are designed to become part of the streetscape and enhance the neighborhoods. Construction began in late March 2009 and is expected to be completed in August 2009.
Before and After Photos

The stormwater BMPs (best management practices) consist of pavement removal and planting of gardens, trees and other practices to filter runoff. These BMPs will provide low-maintenance methods to reduce pollution and decrease the amount of stormwater runoff. They will also add beautification / aesthetic value to the surroundings. The members of the Franklin Square Community Association participated in the selection of the landscape designs for their community.

A Watershed 263 BMP Theme Park Virtual Tour website, will be launched following construction. The website will be a resource for other watershed associations and municipalities throughout the United States. Also, The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) presented this project at the national 2009 River Rally in Baltimore, May 29 – 31.

The City of Baltimore, the communities, CWP, the Parks and People Foundation, the Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation, and EA Engineering, Science and Technology are partners in this effort.

 

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