FAQs
What is a stormwater detention pond?
A stormwater detention pond holds stormwater during major rain events, delaying the time that water reaches the existing stormwater system, which allows the existing system to carry more stormwater over a greater length of time.
Why is this work taking place in an area not as prone to flooding like the Acoma Street Area near Tufts Ave?
New stormwater pipes and drains are being installed in the Acoma Street area as part of a separate project. The South Englewood Flood Reduction Project is critical because it removes a bottle neck in the system downstream from flood prone areas in the upper South Englewood Drainage Basin. Without removing this bottleneck, additional drains and new pipes would not be as effective upstream because that water would still be restricted downstream.
Will this project address all street flooding issues?
No. The South Englewood Flood Reduction Project, along with other South Englewood Drainage Basin stormwater projects, are being designed to manage flows from a storm event that has a 4% chance of occurring in any given storm event, also called a 25-year storm. Based on current National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admiration (NOAA) data, a 25-year storm for Englewood has a rainfall depth of 1.66 inches of rain in one hour. Rainfall greater than 1.66 inches in an hour can still potentially create street flooding after this project is complete, but significantly less than it would historically prior to installation of the South Englewood Flood Reduction project and related upstream improvements in the South Englewood Drainage basin. Englewood City Council determined in 2020 that designing for a 25-year storm event was an appropriate balance between flood reduction and overall project cost. Additional surface improvements are being considered to keep higher flows within the public streets and right of way.
Why is the new detention pond still closed to the public?
The pond is a newly constructed stormwater facility, and the city is monitoring how it functions during different types of storm events. This observation period will help the city understand how it operates before opening it for public use.
How long will the detention pond remain closed?
The parks department will observe the pond for approximately one year to evaluate performance and maintenance needs. Public access will be re-evaluated after this period.
Can you open the pond when it's not in use during a storm event?
Even when dry, the area is part of a functioning stormwater system that can fill quickly during rain events. Until we fully understand how it behaves, we must prioritize public safety and keep the area closed.
What is CIRSA and why are they involved?
Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA) is the city’s insurance provider. They help assess public facilities for safety and liability risks. CIRSA has identified features of the pond that must be addressed before it can be safely opened for public use.
Didn’t the city design the pond for public access from the start?
The primary purpose of the detention pond is flood protection. While we hope to incorporate future public access as a secondary use, safety and functionality come first. The city will assess how the space might serve both purposes after the observation period.
Will the area eventually become a park?
The pond may serve as passive open space in the future once safety, maintenance and design concerns are addressed. However, it will not function as a traditional park with playgrounds or amenities. Public access will be evaluated based on long-term performance and safety considerations.
Why were trees removed from Rotolo Park, and how many were replanted?
Trees were removed from Rotolo Park to allow for essential stormwater pipe installation and grading work required for the detention system. The city has replanted 5 new trees at Rotolo Park and 35 new trees in and around the new detention pond to help restore tree canopy and support long-term park health.