KC Water Services Swope Campus Parking Lot and Sustainable Stormwater Improvements Project
Kansas City, Missouri
Project Description:
The Kansas City, Missouri, Water Department's Swope Campus parking lot provides an improved, safe parking area for employees and visitors, while also creating an outdoor space with walking trails, access to transportation sources, stormwater runoff retention, energy conservation and green space. The parking improvements incorporate stormwater best management practices (BMPs), including bioretention, porous pavements, bioswales and native plantings designed to manage 10-year storm rainfall onsite and reduce runoff and erosion at the nearby Big Blue Battlefield historic site. The parking lot improvement project acts as a demonstration site for construction, operation and maintenance of these various BMPs. It serves as a model for other organizations and businesses considering green infrastructure installation. The next phase of site improvements will incorporate learning labs to educate citizens of all ages on the benefits of green infrastructure and the importance of water.
Project Goals:
- Parking Lot Improvements: The project uses medians, tree, and landscape plantings for heat-island abatement and to provide green space. LED parking lot lighting reduces light pollution and lowers energy use compared to previous fixtures. Improved traffic circulation enhances driver, cyclist and walker safety. Bike racks, designated motorcycle parking and electric vehicle charging stations promote alternative transportation.
- Stormwater Runoff Reduction: The project uses five different types of pervious pavements, bioswales, and bioretention with native plantings to manage runoff from the 10-year storm.
- Water Quality Education: The project will act as a test site for others considering green infrastructure. A future phase includes the addition of outdoor classrooms, or learning labs, to support Water Service's curriculum, "Stormwater: From KC to the Sea."
- Enhanced Campus Connections: An outdoor plaza and walking trail encourage employees to spend time outside. Sidewalks installed by Parks and Recreation provide direct bus stop access.
Community Benefits and Lessons Learned:
The project provides a large-scale, local example of green infrastructure techniques for observation and evaluation. City policies require stormwater runoff management from developers, so Water Services wanted to "walk the talk" by showing that city capital projects can meet similar standards.
Funding Sources and Partnerships:
The Swope Campus Parking Lot and Sustainable Stormwater Improvements Project was designed by BNIM Architects and funded by Kansas City Water Services' Wastewater Utility. The project is part of the larger Swope Campus master plan developed in partnership with the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.
Contact Information:
4800 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64130
kcwaterservices.org
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