The Vale

This two pronged project aims to mitigate the effects of heavy flooding on the Park’s landscape – and Hippo Playground – by allowing for healthy draining, which will provide much needed stability to the area.

Vale Restoration at Hippo Playground

During the heavy rains in September, Hippo Playground was severely flooded with storm water runoff. The damage was exacerbated by a combination of factors, all of which overwhelmed the existing drainage system: the poor condition of the slope above the playground, damaged drain lines, and a low wooden curb along the perimeter fence that prevented water from properly draining.

We made significant progress in restoring the Vale in 2023. While initial plans had called for a bioswale, considering the amount of runoff, it was determined that a more traditional drainage swale would be installed. First, we cleaned out all existing catch basins and drain lines. To replace a large, ruptured line, we dug a large trench along the eastern side of the playground. Once the new line was in place, it was protected by cloth wrapping with gravel infill around it. We then removed the rounded stones atop the restored drainage system and the low wooden curb along the playground fence to allow water to enter the drainage swale.

To restore the sloped area, we brought in new engineered soil, planted birch trees along the edge for stability, and installed irrigation lines to feed the new plantings. We seeded the slope with annual ryegrass, anchored in jute matting, which will prevent erosion over the winter. In the spring of 2024, a native pollinator-friendly meadow mix will be planted, augmented by additional species to add color and seasonal interest. We will also plant more shrubs and small trees along the edges of the Vale, extended in the direction of the rock outcroppings. Replacing the current lawn with meadow will improve water absorption, thereby slowing down runoff, and will also discourage overuse, which led to its original deprivation.

Structural Diagram: The Vale