Davidson Park: Transforming a Parking Lot into a Multi-Use Neighborhood Amenity

Milwaukee, WI

Davidson Park is a signature green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) project developed through the Fresh Coast Protection Partnership (FCPP), a community-based partnership between CIS and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). Located on the Harley-Davidson headquarters campus on the west side of Milwaukee, Davidson Park transformed what was a large employee parking lot into a signature neighborhood amenity. The park features an eye-catching design that seamlessly integrates GSI with useable community space.

Project Scope

  • Green Stormwater Infrastructure
  • New park space open to the public
  • System of bioswales, permeable pavers, and underground storage capture and filter stormwater runoff
  • 1.9-acre reduction of impervious surfaces
  • Capture over 225,000 gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events
  • Reduce inflow into the Combined Sewer Service Area
  • Reduce neighborhood flooding
  • Improve water quality of the Menomonee River and Lake Michigan Watersheds

Davidson Park demonstrates how GSI can be employed to go beyond stormwater management requirements and reclaim impervious areas to provide a high level of engagement, community building, education, and GSI visibility. The project uses bioretention systems, native landscaping, stormwater trees, pervious pavers, and underground storage across the 3.3-acre project site to capture over 225,000 gallons of stormwater during large rain events. The underground detention system at the hub’s lowest elevation regulates the outflow of stormwater into MMSD’s combined sewer system, which reduces the risk of flooding and backups in the surrounding area.

The project also highlights the intricate financing strategies that CIS is able to leverage. CIS provided financing in milestone payments which were reimbursed by Harley-Davidson and the FCPP upon project completion.

Socio-Economic Benefits

Beyond stormwater management, Davidson Park benefits the community by providing access to green space and improving the appearance of the area. The project area is in the 94th percentile for artificial land covering and lack of green space and has a moderate to high urban heat severity. Additionally, the area is in the 97th percentile of households at or below the poverty level and has a high social vulnerability Index score.

The project engaged a wide contractor base to support the local contractor community and advance the development of small businesses and women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses (SWMBEs). The bid package ultimately resulted in 54% SWMBE participation, well above the 25% FCPP goal.

Partners

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Harley-Davidson

Timeline

2023-2024

Gallons Captured

SWMBE Participation

CIS Financing