An Update on Construction in Patton Park

You’ve likely noticed construction and restoration efforts taking place as part of the City of Hendersonville’s Multi-Area Streambank Restoration Project.

The project will restore approximately 11,000 linear feet of streambanks at thirteen sites throughout the area. The plan aims to protect existing water and sewer infrastructure while improving stream health and water quality. The City obtained a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality zero-interest loan to fund the project.

“Our City has had a lot of success in the past with streambank restoration projects, and we’re excited to move from the planning phase into implementation,” said City Engineer Brent Detwiler. “This multi-site project will go a long way in improving water quality and reducing erosion on private and public property, while protecting critical infrastructure.”

The site with the most visibility and complexity of work is at Patton Park and along Brittain Creek. Phase one of the Patton Park project will begin mid-October with sanitary sewer upgrades occurring first. The existing 18” clay sewer line will be replaced with a 24” PVC line. Improving sewer infrastructure decreases the possibility of clean water entering the sanitary sewer system and reduces the likelihood of a future line failure, which could lead to sewage entering streams. After sewer system improvements are completed, focus will shift to other phases of the Patton Park site work.

As with the other urban stream sites identified in the plan, sections of Brittain Creek will be restored using economically feasible and ecologically sustainable methods. Practices will vary by site but can include bank shaping and planting; construction of riffles and pools; installation of rock vanes and geolifts (eroded streambanks are graded to a stable slope and native vegetation is installed); and the reestablishment of riparian buffer.

In addition to stream buffer enhancements and invasive species removal, the Patton Park project will also involve the construction of a stormwater wetland.

The existing pond within the park drains an adjacent parking lot but does not provide satisfactory stormwater treatment. The water is especially turbid, or muddy, and engineering staff have plans to make the area more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Modifications to the pond will convert it into a stormwater wetland accompanied by wildlife observation decks and educational signage. Later in the project, a bioswale and a section of permeable pavement will be installed in the parking area to better manage stormwater. The City of Hendersonville was awarded a NC-319 Grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality to help fund a portion of the new stormwater control measures in Patton Park.

“The improvements happening in Patton Park are a big step forward in our City’s stormwater management practices,” said Stormwater Administrator Michael Huffman. “Along with the green infrastructure at the new Public Works Maintenance Building, we’ve lovingly titled this area the ‘Stormwater Stroll’ because visitors will be able to see a bioswale, stream restoration, stormwater wetland, permeable pavement, bioretention and rainwater harvesting methods all in close proximity to one another.”

Work at the Patton Park site began in mid-October and could potentially extend until summer of 2020. The schedule will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of other restoration sites, many of which will be occurring concurrently. A portion of the walking trail at Patton Park will be inaccessible during construction and signage will be posted to alert park users.

For additional information and updates on the project, please visit www.hvlnc.gov/streambank.