Oakland Lake Park Ravines

Scope: Landscape Restoration
Status: Completed 2012 Owner: NYC Parks
Client Agency: NYC Deparment of Environmental Protection Staten Island Bluebelt Unit
Contact: Dean Cavallaro, RLA Deputy Director, Staten Island Bluebelt Unit, 718.595.7457

NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s Staten Island Bluebelt Unit implements ecologically sound, cost-effective alternatives to traditional stormwater management infrastructure. The Unit’s program preserves and enhances natural drainage corridors - stream, pond, and wetland “bluebelts” - to naturally channel and cleanse surface runoff within community open spaces.

EKLA staff worked with the Unit and NYC Parks Natural Resources Group to oversee ecological restoration of Oakland Lake Park’s more damaged ravines. The work involved extensive re-grading for bio-retention, rain garden construction, native plants harvesting, and planting for wildlife habitat. Upland restoration efforts significantly improved the lake’s water quality and improved the health of its wetlands; DPR immediately saw increased neighborhood interest in the Park’s wildlife and a greater desire for safe, controlled access to the water. The project’s success motivated DPR to expedite Phase Two redevelopment.

The Bluebelt Program has been recognized by American Rivers, American Council of Consulting Engineers, American Academy of Environmental Engineers, New York Association of Consulting Engineers, and Staten Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.