The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) conducted a study to determine the ways parks and recreation spaces contribute to climate change mitigation. The results reveal that such green spaces reduce stormwater runoff and flooding through green infrastructure.

1. Bioswales Mimic Nature's
Filtration System, Improve
Water Quality
U.S. Lawns

2. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) conducted a study to determine the ways parks and
recreation spaces contribute to climate change mitigation. The results reveal that such green spaces reduce
stormwater runoff and flooding through green infrastructure.
Green infrastructure uses vegetation and soil to increase the permeability of surfaces to naturally absorb
stormwater and runoff. Sixty percent of the participants in the NRPA study said constructing bioswales is
among their priority initiatives in strengthening their green infrastructure.
The Benefits of Bioswales
Bioswales are gently sloping drainage channels covered in water-friendly plants. On the surface, they
appear like basic elements of commercial landscaping, but bioswales supplement the earth’s natural water
filtration systems. These collect runoff from sidewalks and streets and store it in aquifers. Bioswales allow
the ground and surrounding plants to absorb the runoff, while the remaining amount of water mixes with
groundwater supply.

3. Apart from preventing flooding from stormwater accumulation, bioswales filter the pollutants from the
runoff before combining with the water supply. Bioswales are commonly built near parking lots, along
roadsides, highways, and even in college campuses to capture pollutants from cars and other sources. The
drainage path and vegetationof bioswales maximize the time stormwater is stored underground. The longer
stormwater remains in the bioswale, the more pollutants are filtered out.
Other Green Infrastructure Initiatives
Oregon has been increasing its bioswale construction recently. The Oregon Department of Tourism
maintains bioswales along highways in Glenwood, Eugene, and Springfield to prevent stormwater runoff
from entering the McKenzie and Willamette River.
Michigan, New York, and Connecticut are among the states in the country that are intensifying their
bioswale and similar green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects. Other examples of GSI elements are
downspout connection, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, planter boxes, permeable pavements, green
parking, green streets and alleys, green roofs, urban tree canopy, and land conservation.

4. Sources:
https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/08/22/examining-effects-green-infrastructure-water-quality/
https://uslawns.com/locations/nc/kannapolis/
https://www.registerguard.com/news/20190812/bioswales-mirror-mother-natures-filtration-system
https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/f768428a39aa4035ae55b2aaff372617/sustainability-survey-
report.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/what-green-infrastructure