The Cascade Park area has served the Tallahassee community since the city was founded in 1824. Due to its previous use as an industrial site and its continual use as a channelized stormwater facility many environmental concerns surround the area. Cascade Park is a former superfund site that underwent remediation due to severe pollutants in the soil from old industry in the vicinity. Despite the clean up efforts, localized pockets of contamination remain. Located in a catchment basin for the downtown watershed, the floodplain envelops the future site and storm events have overwhelmed the existing channel, flooding local streets to the extent that it is considered a major safety issue. In addition, the sewer lines that cross the site, constructed of dated terracotta pipe, are susceptible to infiltration and exfiltration and may have further contaminated the waterways. Development of the Park will return this vacant land, just blocks from the Capitol, to an active public space. The remaining contamination will undergo spot remediation if located within excavation areas. The creation of the storage ponds will alter and expand the existing floodplain and reduce localized flooding on adjacent properties and roadways. The failing sewer lines will be replaced.

Cascade Park is designed as a floodable park. Of the 24-acre park, over three acres will be transformed into an urban wetland detention facility for storage and treatment of runoff from the surrounding 693 acre drainage area. The upper and lower ponds will serve as the detention facilities, engineered for 100 acre-feet of storage and an aesthetically acceptable permanent pool volume. The project, designed to handle the 25-year, eight-hour storm event, will reduce the flooding limits and the peak stage on the adjacent roads susceptible to flooding by an average of two feet. Construction of a by-pass box culvert will reduce flows directly through the Park and permit off-line treatment in the ponds. The pond perimeters will have planted edges and carefully designed littoral shelves, connected by a natural meandering stream with riffles, all of which will enhance habitat and water quality.

An alum system is also planned to allow flocculation of excessive nutrients and sediments, and prevent eutrophication. In the summer of 2009 Blueprint 2000 completed a grant application that was awarded $422,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection to help fund the alum system within the Park. Beyond stormwater control and treatment, Cascade Park is striving for sustainability and conservation in keeping with the City’s and County’s efforts to go “green.” Reconstructed wetlands, bioretention and extensive landscaping with native plants and trees will reduce velocities, enhance water quality, provide habitat and realize an overall high aesthetic appeal. Creation of a wetland fringe for the damsel fly and a proposed bat habitat will naturally reduce mosquito numbers. The park will have utility connects in preparation for the City’s reclaimed water line that will be used for irrigation and augmentation of the ponds. Lighting along the trails will use extremely energy efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs). The restroom facility will have water efficient fixtures and some parking areas will utilize solar lighting. Pervious pavers and rain gardens will be used when appropriate to reduce runoff. Parking areas will have tree cover to reduce the heat island effect. Site furnishings will largely be constructed of recycled materials and recycling receptacles will be prominent within the park.