In the City of Coon Rapids, 18 curb-cut rain gardens will be installed this fall. The rain gardens will be evenly distributed between two neighborhoods that contribute runoff (water drainage from roofs, driveways, roads, sidewalks, etc) into Woodcrest Creek and Sand Creek that flow into the Mississippi River. The neighborhoods were identified as the most effective locations for rain gardens. The 18 residents (17 homes and one City of Coon Rapids property) have agreed to maintain the rain gardens for a 10-year period.

Stormwater runoff from the neighborhoods into gutter and storm-drains discharge to the creeks untreated. The rain gardens will reduce volume and pollutant loading by allowing the runoff to soak into the ground. Funding is provided by the Coon Creek Watershed District and ACD provided property targeting, promotion, design, and construction oversight.

View the VIDEO (YouTube, CTN Coon Rapids; 2:26).

For more information about rain gardens go to the Anoka Conservation District website or call 763-434-2030.