Merrillville, IN
As part of a new initiative to reduce stormwater runoff and improve overall drainage concerns in Merrillville, the Merrillville Stormwater Utility began their Clean Water Project. This pilot program aims to turn underutilized spaces into attractive, natural places to hold and clean stormwater runoff. The first project was a rain garden at the center of 54th Court. Partially funded through an Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program grant, this island garden was created as a retrofit in conjunction with a recent road reconstruction project. The Arsh Group was retained to develop a planting plan for the rain garden, utilizing water-tolerant native plants to help filter the collected runoff. As part of this work, the Arsh Group selected the ideal plant mix to provide seasonal color and texture by using a variety of perennials, shrubs, and evergreens. Interpretive signage was also developed to help identify the plant mix on the site, along with their natural color for easier identification.
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