Brecknock State Park

This rain garden collects runoff from the roof of the park restrooms.

• Funded by: Parks Division of the Kent County Government
• Cost: Designer: Ms. Donna Claveloux assisted in the design of the garden and walkway
• Size: 300 square feet
• Runoff area: Roof is 820 square feet
• Completed: 2002

Construction:

• Depth: 3 inches below grade
• Fill: The soil was "lifted" to reduce compaction and increase infiltration ability; with a small tractor some parent soil was removed and organic soil applied
• Overflow: Extra water ends up in surrounding area; period of saturation is minor
• Plant material: Plants native to the costal plains of Delaware were planted to ensure hardiness, and reduce threats to surrounding environments
• Extras: A 525 gallon McMaster-Carr holding tank collects the first inch of water (the size of the average rainfall) to give visitors a visual concept of how much water is infiltrated via the rain garden.

Lessons Learned:

• Use native plants to ensure hardiness, avoid threats of an introduced invasive species to surrounding forests, and because they are easy to find.
• A rain garden does not have to be expensive and elaborate. Most contractors can "lift" the soil and just a small farm tractor was used for constructing this garden.

PROJECT CONTACT: Carl J. Solberg carl.solberg@co.kent.de.us 302-744-2490

ACCESSIBILTY: Open to the public at all times, handicap accessible with ADA walkway.

DIRECTIONS: Brecknock State Park, Old Camden Road at US route 13. The rain garden is located behind the restrooms.