FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – City Utilities says that plans to enhance the Colonial Heritage Urban Wetlands received a financial boost with a $13,275 AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant to support new lighting, benches, and educational signage along the public walking path.
New lighting will improve visibility during evening hours, while benches along the path will provide visitors with places to rest and enjoy native flowering plants, birds and other wildlife throughout the seasons. New signs will highlight the native plants found at the site and explain how wetlands slow and filter stormwater runoff, reduce flooding and help protect local waterways.
The following was released:
“We are committed to investing in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “AARP Indiana’s focus on creating more livable communities aligns with that vision. I thank them for helping us stretch our local dollars while making the Colonial Heritage Urban Wetlands more accessible and welcoming for residents.”
Tuesday morning, representatives from AARP Indiana visited the Colonial Heritage Urban Wetlands to see the site firsthand and present City Utilities with a ceremonial check in recognition of the grant award.
“AARP Indiana is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Emily Gorman, AARP Indiana Director of Community Engagement. “The Fort Wayne City Utilities project will make an important difference by adding benches along a public wetland path, giving older visitors more opportunities to rest and enjoy nature with less physical strain. We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on the community.”
City Utilities completed the wetlands in 2023 as part of the Hessen Cassel Road stormwater improvement project. The site captures stormwater and slows its flow and filters it through native plants with deep root systems. A two-stage ditch and bioswale also help regulate water flow and protect Treier Ditch and the Maumee River.
“The Colonial Heritage Urban Wetlands were built to reduce neighborhood flooding, improve water quality and protect nearby waterways by capturing, slowing and filtering stormwater,” said Anne Marie Smrchek, P.E., manager of Stormwater Engineering. “The new lighting, seating and educational signs will create a more inviting space where residents can enjoy the restored landscape and learn how wetlands work to protect the community and our rivers.”
Earlier this year, City Utilities received a $10,000 Agile Grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne to help fund electrical wiring for the lighting and seating improvements. The grants will be combined with additional funds from City Utilities, resulting in an overall investment of approximately $110,000. Construction is expected to begin later this summer.
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