MULTI-USE RAIN GARDENS: BEST PRACTICE CASE STUDIES OF THE FINANCIALLY CHALLENGED AND CREATIVELY RICH

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Multiuse trails have been a prominent feature of park lands for many years. Now, multiuse rain gardens may become a prominent feature of many parks. Rain gardens have traditionally been used for catchment, retention, and filtration of impervious surface storm water runoff. Why can't they be used for more? County park districts and other agencies across Ohio (and elsewhere) are being pushed more and more toward finding inexpensive creative multi-solutions to issues as a result of limited budgets. Rain Gardens, bio-swales, butterfly gardens, nature education, natural play, and natural habitat creation all go hand-in-hand… naturally.