Work at the Carl Schenn Dry Pond is now complete after years of planning and construction.
Following the significant rainstorm in 2015 that happened in Humboldt which caused a significant amount of flooding, the city has worked on solutions to prevent that from happening again, which has led to the creation of dry ponds, first on the Uniplex/Centennial Grounds and now at Carl Schenn Park.
Construction at Carl Schenn Park began last August and recently concluded.
Public Works Director Peter Bergquist says the Carl Schenn Dry Pond, like the one at the Uniplex
“In that area, when there’s a heavy rainstorm, there are some areas that are prone to flooding and in order to reduce the flooding or in some cases eliminate it in some cases, the water surges into the low spot which is now the Carl Schenn Dry Pond, and it will sit there until the system catches up.”
Bergquist added, “Basically there’s a lot of activity going on underground in the pipes during a heavy rainstorm event and it needs a little bit of relief and that’s what the pond offers.”
Residents on Barnes Crescent will notice firsthand the impact of the dry pond. Bergquist says it will benefit 12th Avenue as well.
“It relieves some of the flows under 12th Avenue, and because it is all connected, we see some reduction of how overwhelmed the system gets during a heavy rainstorm.”
With the work completed for the dry pond, residents can enjoy recreation activities in the space adjacent to the playground.
Bergquist said the dry pond was designed to hold a full-length soccer field, so it can be used by local soccer teams.
Along with the dry pond, additional work has been done to Carl Schenn Park. Walking trails have been installed on the north and east sides. With the north side trail being specifically wheelchair accessible.
The walking trail on the east side offers a connection between the dry pond and the playground.
There is also now a parking space available on the east side of the playground at Carl Schenn Park and large rocks have also been added to the playground equipment.