Heritage Estates Stormwater Park

The City of Leesburg is retrofitting its downtown stormwater systems wherever possible to add stormwater treatment prior to discharging into Lakes Griffin and Harris.  These projects show the City's commitment as a partner in the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) by improving water quality for the Upper Ocklawaha River.

DRMP designed and permitted a series of three linear swales extending along 1,200-LF of abandoned railroad right-of-way and incorporated stormwater treatment into a park setting with a paved walkway, landscaping and benches.  The linear stormwater swales are providing treatment for 42.2-acres of urban land contributing to Lake Harris.  DRMP strategically secured three separate grants with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) for this project to fund over 80 percent of construction costs.

This project makes creative use of an abandoned segment of rail by creating stormwater treatment for a residential and industrial area in downtown Leesburg that drains into Lake Harris, while providing improved walkability and recreational areas in a park setting.

Award

2018 APWA Central Florida Branch Environmental Project of the Year