Editor’s Note: This story is part of a month-long series that highlights 31 ideas included in the “Mansfield Rising” plan. The 67-page document was created by 15 local leaders after attending the South by Southwest Conference last March in Austin, Texas.
Idea 15: Promote sustainability by design
MANSFIELD — The recently released “Mansfield Rising” plan highlights rain gardens as a solution to manage stormwater.
The plan notes rain gardens could be implemented as part of the overall streetscape strategy, making street design both actively and passively sustainable.
It calls rain gardens a “cost-effective way” to provide aesthetic and functional means to manage stormwater and to reduce the burden on the municipal sewer system.
Rain gardens are also known to filter out pollutants and provide habitats beneficial for wildlife. They are most beneficial on streets that run downhill.
Proper design is key as maintenance is not the same as typical landscaping.
The plan includes Main and Diamond Streets, both north and south of Central Park, as places to install rain gardens. Additionally, the plan says Park Avenue could benefit from a “more robust urban tree canopy.” Urban tree canopies can improve stormwater management, walkability, pollution mitigation, reduce the heat island effect, provide wildlife habitats and increase property values.
Join us for a live discussion of the “Ideas of March” series and the “Mansfield Rising” plan on Thursday, April 4.
Cost: The cost would be $1,000 to $1,500 per square foot of rain garden installation.
The Urban Tree Canopy assessment would cost between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on the scope and level of detail.
Partners: City of Mansfield streets department, Mankind Murals, garden clubs, 4-H, The Ohio State University at Mansfield, Ohio State University Extension, Master Gardeners, Mansfield in Bloom and the Shade Tree Commission.
Timeline: The anticipated timeline is one to three years. An urban tree canopy assessment and plan would need to occur first. As street improvement projects take place, both rain gardens and the tree canopy will be included in discussions and implementation.
