Evansville

(December 1, 2022) A new green infrastructure project offers a unique solution to reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the Ohio River while creating much-needed greenspace in Downtown Evansville. The Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park involves the installation of a 1-million-gallon storage facility below ground at the site of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and an urban park on the surface that will incorporate stonework and stained glass salvaged from the church building.

The stormwater park project is the largest green infrastructure developed by the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU). It will divert 26-million gallons of rainwater per year from a 9-square-block area to the underground basin, where it will slowly filter through sand and gravel into the ground. The water infiltration system is environmentally-friendly and more cost effective than other options that would involve piping rainwater combined with sewage to the wastewater treatment plant.

The stormwater project is estimated to cost $10 million for the storage facility and 4,500 feet of new storm pipes. In addition, EWSU will spend $2.1 million to replace 4,700 feet of aging water lines near the site, including some pipe that is almost 100-years-old. Construction should be finished in fall 2023.

The urban park, proposed by University of Evansville student Robert Lopez, is estimated to cost $1 million. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana has granted $350,000 to the park. UE is leading fundraising efforts seeking additional financial support.

Click here if you would like to make a donation to the urban park through the UE Center for Innovation and Change website.

Watch these videos to learn more:

What’s a CSO? Click here to learn more.

Trinity Stormwater Park Demolition: Click here to watch the site prepped for construction.

Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park Announcement: Click here to watch the news conference.

Robert Lopez: Making a Difference – Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park: Click here to learn more.