For more than 60 years, residents of Temple Park in Temple Terrace, Florida, have endured chronic flooding caused by inadequate drainage. Since the neighborhood was first built in the 1960s, rainstorms have frequently transformed streets into ponds. Chinaberry Drive would routinely flood, making access to homes difficult and creating stagnant ponding that led to mosquito breeding. In addition, the intersection of Temple Park Drive and Baywood Drive would routinely flood making travel hazardous for heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
That changed with the Chinaberry Drive at Baywood Drive Drainage Improvements project, completed in December 2025. Hillsborough County tasked DRMP with permanently solving the drainage issues through a combination of engineering analysis, modern stormwater management techniques, and infrastructure upgrades. The system was designed and constructed to resolve flooding for the appropriate level of service criteria, ensuring reliable performance during extreme rainfall.
The project involved designing and installing enhanced storm drains and regrading the roadways to manage heavy rainfall. By combining these solutions, DRMP was able to reduce flooding, ensure reliable access for residents and emergency services, and provide a resilient, environmentally responsible solution for a neighborhood that had experienced decades of disruption. The improvements were designed with attention to safety, environmental standards, and long-term performance.
A Neighborhood Transformed
DRMP delivered this project through coordinated design and construction that prioritized system reliability and constructability. We replaced aging asbestos concrete water mains with durable PVC and used specialized couplings so the new system could tie into existing infrastructure. Beyond the underground work, we resurfaced streets, upgraded curbs and driveways, and installed temporary access measures to limit disruption. With clear communication and phased construction, we maintained access to homes throughout the project.
Environmental protection guided our approach from start to finish. Because the improved drainage system discharges into a local tributary and ultimately the Hillsborough River, we implemented erosion and sediment controls, protected water quality, and reduced standing water that can contribute to mosquito activity. These efforts resulted in a system built to function reliably while supporting the surrounding watershed.
Building Trust, Safety, and Long-Term Reliability
In delivering these long overdue stormwater improvements, DRMP worked closely with Hillsborough County and the contractor to keep the project on schedule while addressing challenges as they arose. That collaboration helped the project reach completion on time and minimized impacts to daily life in the neighborhood.
Safety remained a constant priority along the active residential corridor. Access for pedestrians, drivers, and emergency vehicles was always maintained, and specialized procedures were followed when removing older pipe materials in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The project was completed without any safety incidents, reflecting strong coordination in the field and attention to safe work practices.
We also placed a strong emphasis on resident outreach before and during construction. A public information website, advance signage, and direct coordination with property owners helped set expectations and avoid surprises. Residents always had access to their homes, and questions were addressed as construction progressed.
These improvements were designed with longevity in mind. The upgraded drainage system reduces the need for frequent maintenance, limits future impediments, and strengthens the neighborhood’s ability to handle heavier rainfall. By addressing stormwater needs and following recognized safety and environmental standards, these benefits ensure the project continues to serve Temple Park well into the future.
