Chandler Park Marshland

Detroit, Detroit (FUA), United States

City population: 4048421

Duration: 2019 – 2019

Implementation status: Completed

Scale: Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings)

Project area: 809371 m²

Type of area: Public Greenspace Area

Last updated: October 2024

Chandler Park, a historic park in Detroit constructed in the 1800s, underwent multiple expansions from 1922 to 1950 to include amenities such as a pool (later converted into a water park), a golf course, and public green spaces. In 2013, an expert panel recommended constructing a 2.5-million-gallon marshland within the park to provide a unique recreational and educational feature and incorporate green infrastructure principles for improved stormwater management. Completed in December 2019, the Chandler Park marshland was a collaborative project between The Greening of Detroit and the Chandler Park Conservancy, designed to enhance Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) across 200 acres. The marshland manages 2.5 million gallons of stormwater, substantially reducing the load on Detroit’s combined sewer system and minimizing basement flooding during heavy rains. Engineered with rain gardens, bioswales, and a pump system circulating up to 4 feet of water, the marshland fosters a balanced ecosystem with higher oxygen levels, benefiting local flora and fauna. With 4,500 native plants, the marshland supports diverse wildlife, including migrating birds, turtles, frogs, pollinators like bees and butterflies, and natural mosquito predators. This project not only contributes to flood mitigation but also improves water quality by capturing stormwater and allowing pollutants to settle. Additionally, the marshland provides a foundation for future environmental education, with plans to add an outdoor classroom and public learning spaces. The use of native plants ensures low maintenance and sustainability, requiring minimal water and fertilizers. By creating new habitats and recreational areas, the Chandler Park Marshland promotes biodiversity, environmental education, and community engagement, while alleviating urban runoff’s impact on Detroit’s sewer system. (Ref.1-3)

ducks at marshland

Ref.2

Overview

Nature-based solution

Blue infrastructure
Lakes/ponds
In-land wetlands, peatlands, swamps, and moors
Green areas for water management
Rain gardens
Swales and filter strips
Parks and urban forests
Large urban parks or forests

Key challenges

Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Climate change adaptation
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Green space creation and/or management
Habitat and biodiversity restoration
Water management (SDG 6)
Flood protection
Stormwater and rainfall management and storage
Improvements to water quality
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Enabling opportunities for physical activity
Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16)
Inclusive governance
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Social justice and equity
Social interaction
Environmental education

Principal problems in Functional Urban Area (FUA)

Climate-Related Hazards
Urban flooding (stormwater)
Environmental Degradation
Biodiversity loss
Health, Well-being and Social cohesion
Disconnection from nature
Poor community engagement

Key priorities

Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation), Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration), Social Justice and community

Focus

Creation of new green areas, Creation of any other green urban spaces, Maintenance and management of urban nature, Maintenance or upgrade of exisiting green spaces (e.g. parks), Creation of semi-natural blue areas, Creation of lakes or ponds, Implementation of green areas for water management (e.g. rain gardens), Creation of artificial wetlands, Protection of natural ecosystems, Habitat restoration, Knowledge creation and awareness raising, Educational and awareness raising programs, Improved governance of green or blue areas, Establishment of inclusive governance mechanisms involving local communities

Project objectives

The project aims to promote GSI by managing 2.5 million gallons of stormwater on-site, reducing strain on Detroit’s combined sewer system and preventing sewer overflows caused by heavy rains and flooding To create a sustainable, healthy ecosystem that fosters wildlife habitats and pollinators . To enhance biodiversity by establishing essential nesting and resting areas for migrating birds, while supporting pollinators and natural predators of mosquitoes. To improve water quality by capturing stormwater pollutants in the marshland and maintaining water circulation to prevent stagnant water and reduce mosquito breeding. To create opportunities for environmental education and provide environmental solutions to low-income African American communities living in the area and that are at risk of flooding To provide a low-maintenance, sustainable solution for stormwater management by incorporating native plants that require minimal water and no fertilizers. To update the park and ensure it provides outdoor activities, exercise and interaction opportunities and recreational activities To involve local communities in the decision making process (Ref.1,2,4,7)

Implementation activities

The Chandler Park marshland project, implemented by TSP Environmental, involved several key phases. TSP Environmental began by preparing the site, clearing a designated 5-acre section of Chandler Park and removing 32 trees. Nearly 5,000 cubic yards of topsoil were stripped and stockpiled for later use. For the marshland pool, TSP excavated 13,000 cubic yards of soil, which was repurposed onsite to create a sled hill, maximizing resource efficiency. Once the site was ready, the stockpiled topsoil was spread along the pond’s banks and planted with wetland vegetation, including 4,500 native plants and trees to establish a thriving ecosystem. TSP then installed over 1,000 feet of new piping, two catch basins, and three pumps, all designed to handle stormwater. This infrastructure diverts approximately 5 million gallons of stormwater per year away from Detroit’s wastewater treatment system. A recirculation pump was added to keep the water moving within the marshland, with the additional benefit of creating a waterfall feature that enhances the pond’s ecosystem. To further support local wildlife, TSP incorporated limestone walls, ledges, decorative cobblestone, and built four specialized habitats: rock, log, snake, and sand turtle. Helical piles were driven into the ground to support the foundation of a new boardwalk over the pond, providing safe pedestrian access and enhancing visitor engagement. Finally, the entire marshland area was seeded with native plants. (Ref. 1, 2)

Climate-focused activities

Climate change adaptation:

Implement sustainable urban drainage schemes to manage stormwater

Biodiversity conservation or restoration-focused activities

Biodiversity restoration:

Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems
Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified)

Main beneficiaries

Local government/Municipality
Citizens or community groups
Young people and children

Governance

Management set-up

Led by non-government actors

Type of initiating organisation

Non-government organisation/civil society

Participatory approaches/ community involvement

Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping)
Dissemination of information and education
Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting)
Co-management/Joint management

Details on the roles of the organisations involved in the project

The Chandler Park marshland project was a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations. The Greening of Detroit assisted in designing and installing native vegetation and the Chandler Park Conservancy partnered in the planning process and took a lead role in overseeing the project’s execution. TSP Environmental, as the primary contractor, managed the project’s physical implementation, including excavation, the installation of stormwater infrastructure, habitat creation, and landscaping. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department played a role in designing the stormwater management infrastructure. Community groups like Friends of Chandler Park and Eastside Community Network were also involved in supporting the initiative by reviewing the plans, and advising on what suits best the community. The project received financial support and land from: the Kresge Foundation, the Erb Family Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the City of Detroit. (Ref. 1, 2, 4)

Project implemented in response to ...

... an EU policy or strategy? Unknown

... a national policy or strategy? Unknown

... a local policy or strategy? Unknown

Type of enablers

NGOs/Community groups driving the implementation, Funds, subsidies or investment for GI/NBS in the city (available for the city or provided by the city)