- Will the park project reduce flooding risk for my property or residence?
At this stage, we can't definitively say whether the park project will reduce flooding risk for individual properties. However, we are committed to ensuring it won't increase existing flooding issues. We are exploring various strategies, such as encouraging water to infiltrate (soak into the soil), to decrease flooding. It's essential to recognize that the park project is a very small section of a more extensive watershed, which limits our ability to provide comprehensive solutions.
- Will the park feature heavily engineered structures like flood walls and concrete?
No, the park's design emphasizes a more nature-based approach rather than relying heavily on engineered structures. We aim to integrate natural elements and sustainable features that harmonize with the surrounding environment while effectively managing the flow of water though the park. Expect a park that celebrates nature and enhances community well-being through thoughtful design.
- Will park construction impact or damage homes or foundations?
We understand concerns about potential impacts on nearby properties during park construction. Rest assured, our team will take proactive measures to protect homes and foundations. Thorough assessments will be conducted, and appropriate protective measures will be implemented to safeguard surrounding structures throughout the construction process.
- Will flood water continue to cross Violet Avenue after park improvements are completed?
Yes, because park improvements will happen before future downstream flood improvements are completed. Currently, there is not enough capacity downstream of the park to accept all the flow that arrives in the park. Therefore, until downstream improvements are completed, flood water will spill across Violet Avenue toward Wonderland Creek.
- What is the high hazard zone?
The high hazard zone is the area of a floodplain is typically where the greatest inundation of water will occur during a flood. Due to this, the greatest attention is paid to safety in this area.
- Is there currently a high hazard zone in the park?
Yes. The study area for the future park is about 9 acres. Of that, about 7 acres are within the high hazard zone. The high hazard zone also extends beyond the park boundaries to include part of Violet Avenue.
- How will park design address this high hazard zone?
In the new park, goals are set to manage the flow of water within the designated high hazard zone. Beyond that, the park design will explore ways to further reduce the extents of the high hazard zone to the extent possible.
- What is floodproofing?
Floodproofing is something that private property owners can do to install protection and floodproof materials such as waterproof windows and doors on a structure to prevent flood water from getting in, and protecting surfaces subjected to flood water from being damaged by the water.
- What does flood control or flood mitigation mean?
Within the park, flood mitigation and control measures remove flood water from getting to structures and/or minimize the depth of water around structures to a less damaging depth.
- How will the future park maximize flood resilience?
Flooding is a natural event that will continue to occur into the future. However, we can design the park to be resilient so there is the potential for fewer big repairs after the next flood. This involves using strong, durable materials and design techniques that anticipate and influence what happens to flood water once it arrives in the park. For example, we will pick materials that can handle being surrounded by flood water without being dislodged and plants that can survive being underwater for short periods of time.
- Will park design accommodate another flood event like the one in 2013?
Preparing for the extreme and unpredictable nature of an event like the 2013 flood is beyond the limit of reasonable design or construction in flood mitigation planning. However, the city adheres to providing 100-year flood protection and will maximize the site’s potential to both accommodate flood waters and support community gathering and recreation in the time between flood events. It is important to remember the park is but a very small section of the creek and can only have a minimal influence on managing the flow of water in the event of a flood. This is why the City Utilities department is taking a much bigger look at the creek as a whole to manage water flow in a more holistic manner. For more information, see https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/fourmile-canyon-creek-flood-mitigation.