Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
(OP)
I am preparing drainage plan for a park located on a hilly part of town. There is an existing path/walkway with a 6" on the lower side and a hilly lawn/grass area on the upper side. There is an existing grassy swale on the hillside next to the path. Unfortunately, the swale has multiple muddy depressed areas. This park has high pedestrian traffic and people do not stay on the paths. I believe that pedestrian traffic caused these depressions, and they have gotten worse overtime. The landscape guy asked me whether we can remove the swale and replace with a french drain system. Please see attachment.
I would think that a swale with a subdrains would help with the ponding problem/muddy areas. Any design recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I would think that a swale with a subdrains would help with the ponding problem/muddy areas. Any design recommendations would be greatly appreciated.





RE: Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
RE: Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
RE: Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
You could use an infiltration trench.
You could use underground pipe system.
To me, this really depends of local soil properties.
RE: Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
Thanks
RE: Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
When you say plant species, do you mean grass or actaul plants? Can you add plants to the low areas? They will soak up water and keep pedestrians away.
If you're talking grass, why can't you install a drainage fabric that will reinforce the swale and still allow the current plant species to grow back?
RE: Drainage for a public park - vegetated swale (existing muddy mess) vs french drain system
Since you seem set on installing a french drain, make sure you install inlets at the low areas to drain the surface water. Connect the inlets to a pipe, perforate it and surround with gravel if you want. Make sure your drain daylights or you will still have standing water. Sand will not make a more durable surface for walking, gravel might but I would not call either one topsoil.