MSD installed three bioinfiltration basins (e.g., large rain gardens) in Roselawn Park in 2014 to help slow the volume of stormwater runoff.
The basins use native plant species, special soils and layers of gravel to absorb, clean and store stormwater runoff. They prevent about 507,000 gallons of stormwater a year from entering the combined sewer system and contributing to sewer overflows.
This project was coordinated with construction of the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy. The Academy, a Reds Community Fund project, features a state-of–the art recreational complex including an indoor practice facility and four outdoor ballfields. The academy offers free, year-round baseball and softball instruction to youths, 8-18.
Stormwater runoff from the indoor practice facility is routed to the bioinfiltration basin adjacent to the building. Field #4 is equipped with an underdrain system routed to the bioinfiltration basin at the bottom of the hillside.