Making it Ours

Woven throughout the Flood Control System is a unique combination of community amenities that improve the quality of life for all residents, which can be enjoyed year-round. The vast majority of the time, flood protection will be on stand-by, used during high river crests and seasonal flooding in low-lying areas. Intentional design efforts have been made to ensure the system not only blends into the neighborhoods it protects, but enhances them. Take a closer look at the community amenities integrated within the Flood Control System.

Memorials

The Flood Control System honors neighborhoods most impacted by the 2008 Flood by integrating memorials and historic markers to help tell the story of the neighborhood. Situated along O Avenue NW and Ellis Boulevard, the Northwest Gateway and Memorial Plaza includes greenway space, benches, and a memorial wall with historical narrative that shares the resiliency of the Northwest / Time Check neighborhood. The plaza also features a distinctive gateway and the privately funded sculpture, “West Side Rising.”

Trails

With a new network of above-ground earthen levees in a variety of neighborhoods, the City has taken advantage of their natural riverfront views and have added 10-12 foot-wide bike/pedestrian paths on top of the levees. These new trail networks are already open at the NewBo and Czech Village levees, with an additional levee/trail segment planned for the area around Cedar Lake, and one being explored in the Northwest/Time Check neighborhood.

Historic Plaques

Plaques in the Time Check, NewBo, and Czech Village Districts help ensure our neighborhood stories stay with us and can be read and enjoyed by all residents and visitors. Starting this summer, memorial markers will be re-instated at Masaryk Park, near the 16th Avenue SE floodgate. The memorials were temporarily moved during construction of the levee, and recall individuals significant to the history and development of the New Bohemia District. A historic plaque will also be installed this year along the Czech Village levee trail, highlighting the historic characteristics of the neighborhood.

Greenways

Parks, greenways, and recreational fields will be integrated into the flood control system, including in the Time Check and Czech Village neighborhoods. Often built to safely “flood” and hold excess river water, during normal times, the areas can be used for recreation or public gathering spaces. Design is still underway; considerations include lawn and festival grounds, river access, unique play space, and connection to the trail system.