Could Bowman Creek, one of the most environmentally impaired tributaries in the St. Joseph River watershed, become a beautiful greenway that could help revitalize south-side neighborhoods, support economic prosperity and improve quality of life?
Bowman Creek originates near the AM General test track along West Chippewa Avenue before winding its way for two miles through southeast South Bend. The creek passes landmarks like Riley High School and the Studebaker Golf Course mostly underground or within enclosed storm sewer pipes until it drains into the St. Joseph River across from the Farmers Market.
"Bowman Creek runs dry during droughts, floods during rainstorms, is little valued and often serves as a dump, despite fencing that seeks to control dumping. It is one of the worst places for fish in the St. Joseph River watershed," said Gary Gilot, director of the City of South Bend's Department of Public Works. "But we can fix it. Bowman Creek could become an area with attractive mini-parks, hiking trails and wildlife refuges. Fish could thrive where they now barely survive. But we need citizen input and involvement to make it happen."
"South Bend was named Indiana's Green Community of the Year in 2009, and we don't intend to rest on our laurels," said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "I'm enthusiastic that our team is always searching for creative ways to improve City services, enhance quality of life and be a socially responsible advocate for our environment."
City officials have scheduled input sessions April 29 and May 1 at Riley High School as part of developing a five-year strategy for turning a neighborhood liability into an ecological asset. Fliers have been distributed to nearby residents for sessions scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the school's cafeteria.
"Bowman Creek is an important part of the community, and we need the opinions, ideas and vision of neighbors to tailor plans to the people of the Bowman Creek corridor," Luecke said. "Documented citizen input is invaluable as we seek federal and state support to leverage local investment."
South Bend Utilities began efforts in 2008 to improve Bowman Creek after discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The project is a voluntary, supplemental environmental project as part of its combined sewer overflow long-term control plan. The City's wastewater utility committed $150,000 to the project. But more than $12 million in projects that will positively impact the tributary are planned by various government entities over the next four years
- A $2-million effort to relieve basement flooding along Haney, Indiana and Dubail avenues will increase storm water flow into Bowman Creek.
- A four-year, $3.7-million project to separate combined sewers near High Street will discharge storm water into the creek near the Studebaker Golf Course.
- Construction is already progressing on the first portion of a Twyckenham Avenue sewer separation, which totals nearly $7 million over two phases.
- The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, with support from federal stimulus funding, is investing several hundred thousand dollars into cleaning up groundwater that will protect the Bowman Creek watershed.
Private efforts also are contributing. Already, professional volunteers with the The Chamber's Leadership group have supported the project for more than a year, organized a successful cleanup of the creek near Ravina Park.
Gilot said there is the potential for additional synergy with the development of Ignition Park, a state-certified technology park that is within walking distance of neighborhoods in the Bowman Creek corridor.
"This is an exciting opportunity over the next five years for the community to take on an environmental-stewardship project in which we can take pride and one day tell our grandchildren about having accomplished a challenging transformation," Gilot said. "Envision a great natural resource with a flowing creek, water ponds, cascading drops, attractive tree cover, passive parks space and multipurpose trails. We will make it happen."
Contact:
- Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
- Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, 235-9251
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