The Greater Kokomo Downtown Association announced plans Monday to transform a downtown space through a "green infrastructure initiative," a project set to include a new performance stage and sidewalk improvements.
The current area, located near a county parking lot at the corner of Mulberry and Main streets, will be retrofitted to include two rain gardens and a variety of physical and visual improvements designed by the Howard County Master Gardener Association.
The first of its kind in Howard County, the green infrastructure project will require the removal of the site’s current dirt to lower the area roughly 3 feet below the parking lot to promote storm water runoff, according to a press release.
Amended soil, sand and other materials will fill in the garden area and be topped with a river rock appearance. Structures on the site will be built with pervious brick material to allow for water flow.
The downtown association project was planned in partnership with the Howard County Master Gardener Association, Howard County Commissioners and the Howard County Stormwater District.
“Although the initial focus of this project was to improve aesthetics of a downtown garden area, the final result will create an area that looks great and also improves our water quality,” said Howard County Stormwater District Deputy Surveyor Greg Lake in the release. “Currently, storm water runoff in that area collects leaked automotive fluids, grit and other pollutants from the parking lot and dumps it directly into storm drains and eventually into the Wildcat Creek.
“By creating a rain garden there, we can slow down the runoff and let the water soak into the ground, letting the soil act as a filter to trap pollutants before it reaches our surface water. Ultimately, this project will reduce the discharge of storm and sewer water into the Wildcat Creek during a storm event, which in turn will improve the creek’s water quality, flow and the habitat for its wildlife.”
Beyond the water quality focus, the new space will also include a variety of other aesthetic and structural improvements.
A permanent performance stage will be built for use at First Fridays and other downtown events, while new lighting fixtures and 200 feet of rebuilt sidewalk, mostly down Mulberry Street, will provide a more comfortable waiting area for riders at the intersection’s City Line Trolley stop.
Foliage in the garden also will include a variety of native plants that will bloom throughout the year and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the area.
Funds for the renovation will be provided by the stormwater district and the county’s Economic Development Income Tax fund. Susan Alexander, manager of downtown initiatives for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, said the total cost hasn’t yet been finalized, but is estimated to be roughly $80,000.
Completion of the project is expected in June of this year.
“On behalf of Howard County government, we couldn’t be more excited to see this project happening in our community,” said Howard County Commissioner Tyler Moore. “Contributing funds to this unique project was important to us, as this initiative aligns perfectly with the visions of both local government and several of our nonprofit organizations.
“It benefits the citizens of Kokomo, Howard County and our environment by reducing water pollution, improving existing infrastructure and developing a public space that our residents can be proud to visit.”
In an interview, Alexander said the alliance has received interest from local bands and downtown businesses about the area, which helped push forward the idea of a performance stage. During performances, the stage will accommodate both the intersection and parking lot, which has been used previously for large events, she said.
She noted the area will also be used as a patio area with bench seating available at any time for community usage.
“This project is the result of many ideas and interested parties coming together at the right moment,” said Alexander. “In addition to developing a beautiful space that our residents can be proud of, we also examined the long-term implications of this project and how we can prevent future issues down the road.
“It’s five times less costly to make surface improvements to storm water infrastructure than to address them underground, so we’re very excited to be developing a solution that is both environmentally and economically responsible.”