MS-72 Department of Environmental Protection and Dormitory Authority

In this innovative project, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Dormitory Authority commissioned us to transform a middle school’s underused parking lot into a bioretention basin, or rain garden, designed to manage 122,000 gallons of stormwater per rainfall event. The renovation involved thousands of cubic yards of engineered bioretention media and stone. We also planted over a thousand perennials, shrubs, and trees, and incorporated an urban farming section for students to engage with and cultivate. This hands-on component provides educational opportunities, teaching students about stormwater management, plant growth, and sustainable practices.

This project aims to increase stormwater management capacity in flood-prone areas by converting underutilized parking lots into valuable green spaces. It not only addresses stormwater issues but also enhances the school’s environment, fosters community engagement, and promotes environmental stewardship among students.