The construction of plunge pools outside the Crean Eco Classroom addresses erosion and improves safety for visitors.
Dunwoody, GA – May 21, 2024 – Dunwoody City Council Members joined leaders of the Dunwoody Nature Center on Monday to celebrate an important stormwater improvement project. Funding for the $700,000 project to stabilize the area around the Eco Classroom came from the City’s Stormwater Repairs and Maintenance budget.
“The Crean Eco Classroom opened in early 2020 and quickly became a vital part of our programming, but the sidewalk to the structure was at risk of failing due to stormwater drainage issues,” said Dunwoody Nature Center Executive Director Nancy Longacre. “We’re grateful to the City of Dunwoody for developing and implementing a plan to fix the problem and improve the environment.”
The area around the Eco Classroom collects offsite flow from a neighboring subdivision. In addition, stormwater runoff drains into the site through the forested area to the north and west. These sources of runoff combined to cause a concerning level of erosion.
“To provide a long-term solution to the drainage issues, the City’s Stormwater Utility worked with Dewberry Engineers to develop a plunge-pool system that captures the stormwater, slows it down, and directs it into an existing detention basin,” said Dunwoody Public Works Director Michael Smith. “The system is a type of green infrastructure designed to infiltrate water and mimic the natural environment.”
This green infrastructure was constructed of river rock and granite veneer walls matching the detention basin wall. It was designed to capture runoff in a concrete pipe and direct the water into the plunge pools. The landscaping plan included plantings like those in the existing environment, ensuring functionality and consistent aesthetics. Additionally, part of the construction consisted of removing and replacing the failing sidewalk section with an elevated deck and sidewalk, allowing stormwater to flow underneath.
The Crean Eco Classroom was built from two repurposed shipping containers. It has a green roof with blooming native flowers that attract thousands of pollinators, from butterflies to moths to bees and hummingbirds.
