INNOVATIVE WET WEATHER SOLUTIONS IN TOPEKA, KANSAS

As part of its proactive wet weather program, the City formed a group called Green Topeka to develop and implement a series of management practices to improve water quality of their streams, rivers, and lakes, while addressing flooding and redevelopment issues. The overall goal of their program is develop innovative solutions that apply green technologies while promoting the benefits of sound environmental practices.Green Topeka recently completed three projects including 1) Garfield Park Constructed Wetlands, 2) Belle Avenue Pond Renovation, and 3) Quinton Heights Stormwater Improvements project that incorporate the goals of their program. Each of these projects included public involvement, public education and outreach, and innovative green solutions that achieve multiple goals. The types of green solutions applied included constructed wetland, multi-use detention ponds, biorention swales, and native plantings.