Developmental Work in the Park
Developmental Work in the Park
In our efforts to clean up contaminated land within Origin Park , River Heritage Conservancy removed two 4,000-gallon underground storage tanks from the former Red Ball property in September . This work , undertaken with environmental consultants SME , was made possible by our EPA Brownfields Multipurpose Grant . In addition to removing potential contaminants from the site , the grant will allow for any impaired soil and / or groundwater affected by the tanks to be remediated appropriately . This is just one of many steps we are taking to clean up brownfields within Origin Park to support a healthy and thriving public park space .
Photo credit : Melissa Holst
While it may look green and healthy , Buttonbush Woods needs a lot of help . This 103-acre stand in Origin Park lies within the Ohio River floodplain and provides valuable habitat for local fauna and migratory birds . Yet the woods are rife with invasive plants that are rapidly taking hold .
With funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service , Origin Park has completed a " timber stand " study and is tackling the challenge . A wildlife and forest management company called Habitat Solutions is at work in our woods , attacking grape vines , girdling invasive trees , and planting native trees to improve the quality of the timber stand . In addition , Habitat Solutions will eliminate 90 % of competing brushy plants , including bush honeysuckle , multi-flora rose , and autumn olive , by cutting stumps and carefully applying herbicide .
We ’ re excited to report that we ’ ve just finished installing a picnic area along Emery Crossing next to Buttonbush Woods . While major projects like the Event Center can take a couple of years or more to develop , people want to visit Origin Park now . We ’ re responding to that need with simple improvements to serve everyday visitors , like this new set of amenities we ’ re calling the Buttonbush Woods Trailhead . This inviting location offers a perfect spot to park , picnic , and play , with easy access to Mill Creek Trail .
In keeping with Origin Park ’ s creed of sustainability , Kristin Booker of Booker Design Collaborative laid out the site to take advantage of existing concrete pads and compacted areas left behind by the previous owner . To add splashes of color and fun , muralist Riley Gregor of StraightEdge Creative painted two concrete pads for bike racks and accessible picnic tables , funded by CenterPoint Energy Foundation . Gregor painted a third mural pad with game graphics to prompt child ’ s play . Nearby , our new “ Friendship Circle ” of log seats makes a great space for small group conversations and programs , thanks to the Duke Energy Foundation . This project was built by EZ Construction , with furnishings installed by Holderfield Construction .