Warren County Park District Announces Headwaters Restoration at Landen-Deerfield Park

LEBANON, Ohio - Nov. 5, 2024 - PRLog -- The Simpson Creek Headwaters Restoration project re-imagines Landen-Deerfield Park Pond as a natural stream channel, wetland, and pond system to improve water quality in the Little Miami River Watershed while delivering additional benefits including nature play, nature-based outdoor recreation, educational opportunities, and reduced long-term maintenance cost and flooding risk. The project is being funded through $923,179 in grants from the H2Ohio initiative and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The current pond at Landen-Deerfield Park, located at 2258 US 22/3, Maineville, OH, was created for aesthetic and recreational purposes in the early 1980's by damming a stream, a practice that is no longer permitted. The pond does not serve any stormwater function and has historically been a drain on Park District finances due to high costs of dredging and treatment of unhealthy algal and invasive plant blooms.

Re-establishing the natural stream channel in this area will improve water quality and reduce downstream flooding risk while serving as a permanent solution to costly long-term maintenance obligations. The project will incorporate nature play elements, observation areas and trails to allow park guests of all ages more opportunities to connect with nature. A half-acre pond will be maintained for fishing.

"The Park District is excited to bring this nearly $1 million investment to Landen-Deerfield Park," said Matt Latham, Park District CEO. "What we love most about this project is the multiple benefits it will deliver. These include nature play, where children and families can safely interact with the restored stream, education about the important role healthy streams play in our water quality, and reduced maintenance cost and flooding risk."

Construction is scheduled for the second half of 2025 with completion by the end of 2025. Native vegetation establishment and touch-ups will continue into 2026. The park will remain open during construction.

The open house will be held on November 7, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Deerfield Township Fire Station 57, 3435 US 22 & 3, Loveland, OH 45140.  More information about the project, including draft plans, artist's renderings, and other public input opportunities, can be found on the Park District's website, http://www.warrencountyparks.com.