Clermont’s Highly-Anticipated Stormwater Park is Opening This Summer!
Oelrich Construction is pleased to announce the completion of the 10-acre Victory Pointe Park project in Clermont. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday July 27, 2018, followed by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show at 10:45 a.m.
Victory Pointe is the City of Clermont’s newest park and is the keystone of the award-winning master plan aimed at revitalizing the City’s downtown waterfront district. Parking is available at the Clermont Boathouse, the Clermont Historic Village and on Osceola Street and West Avenue. The park is an innovative storm-water treatment system as well as an event venue. The park includes an observation tower, pier, and trail. Please RSVP to dbloodsworth@clermontfl.org or call 407.797.9393
Read on for more information about the design and construction of Victory Pointe Park:
“The $9.5-million stormwater project and urban, passive park, is critical to the success of the City’s award-winning Master Plan aimed at revitalizing the downtown and waterfront. Nearly a year ago, on June 14, 2017, the City began construction on Victory Pointe. The 10-acre site will be the first, major project completed from the Downtown-Waterfront Master Plan approved in 2015. The innovative park will combine recreational elements, such as trails and a performance area, with an extensive stormwater facility. The stormwater facility will enhance drainage downtown and improve the quality of water entering Lake Minneola, a State of Florida-designated “Impaired Water.”
The City has partnered with several regional and state agencies to fund completion of the multimillion-dollar project. When completed, Victory Pointe is expected to have a regional and statewide impact. The unique attributes of Victory Pointe have allowed the City to successfully obtain grant funding for many of the recreational, cultural and stormwater elements of the project. The project was awarded $412,000 through its Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program Implementation grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through an agreement/contract with the Nonpoint Source Management Section of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to fund bio-swales and planters that collect and treat stormwater run-off before entering the park’s filter system and eventually Lake Minneola.
After a rain shower, water will drain into the swales and planters, which consist of vegetation and porous materials. These elements provide the initial treatment on the nutrient-rich run-off. As part of the larger Victory Pointe conveyance system, the water is then directed to a series of retention ponds. The bio-swales and planters, along with the ponds, represent the first two stages of the water-treatment process. The final two stages, before water enters Lake Minneola, include an inundated marsh and filter marsh.
As part of the partnerships with FDEP, EPA, St. Johns Water Management District (SJWMD) and the Lake County Water Authority, the City will monitor the project to determine the impact the facility has on pollutants entering the lake. It is estimated that 19.09 kg/yr. of phosphorus will be prevented from entering the lake. The project also will remove much of the solid debris and trash that could potentially find its way to the water.
In addition to the improvement of water quality, the project will play a key role in the redevelopment of downtown. As a result of the increased drainage capabilities, the project will act as a catalyst for future development, allowing construction to occur with a 20-percent more impervious surface. This means that downtown businesses will be able to utilize more of their property since less area for drainage will be needed. To maximize the impact of the project, interpretive signage will be installed throughout the site. The signs will educate visitors about the stormwater treatment system, how it functions and the long-term benefits to the environment. This important, educational part of the project will be completed with financial and technical assistance from the FDEP. Tour guides will point out the signs during the project’s grand opening.”
Source: City of Clermont Press Release
Author: Doris Bloodsworth
Contact: 407-797-9393, or dbloodsworth@clermontfl.org