Double Duty: How Atlanta’s Rodney Cook Sr. Park Is Renewing a Neighborhood While Improving Water Quality

Originally presented at StormCon 2022 on September 28, 2022, 8:30-9:00 AM

The City of Atlanta faced a challenge: how to alleviate historic Vine City flooding problems in a sustainable way that honors the neighborhood’s rich history. The solution — a vibrant new park integrated with inventive stormwater features and tiered water quality treatment measures — offers a model of innovation, collaboration, and community investment. This presentation will discuss how the $40 million Rodney Cook Sr. Park has replaced flooded lots with a 16-acre park and retrofit stormwater facility that have greatly enhanced the neighborhood. The stormwater infrastructure was designed to improve runoff water quality in a watershed with 80% impervious cover, and to reduce flood risk and combined sewer overflows. This project is a key first step in separating the combined sewer system and will ultimately reduce capital costs for future wastewater treatment plant upgrades.

Presented by:

Kimberly Patak – Freese and Nichols Inc.

Tricia H – Freese and Nichols Inc.