Roger Williams Park – Carousel

Location: 41.78321°N 71.41436°W
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Site Description: Located near the Carousel in Roger Williams Park, this site is a bioretention basin designed to capture stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants before they reach the nearby ponds. Stormwater enters the site through a curb cut at the north end of the Carousel parking lot. If the basin is not functioning properly, stormwater can flow past the openings in the curb and into the nearby storm drain, which leads directly to the ponds unfiltered and uncleaned. The basin is filled with soil, plants, and grass that act as a natural filtering mechanism to clean pollutants from the stormwater. When the basin reaches full capacity, excess stormwater drains through an overflow structure. The captured stormwater should absorb into the soil within 24-48 hours after a rainstorm.

Photo-Video Tips: Stand near the curb cut opening at the edge of the Carousel parking lot to capture video of whether stormwater is flowing through the curb cut opening or into the storm drain. Also, capture video of whether stormwater is accumulating in the bioretention basin itself and whether it is draining properly.

Observation on 5/16/2024: 7:05pm -

Full Report

How recently did it rain: 1-3 hours ago

How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain

Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No

Is there standing water in the system: No

Notes/Comments:

Erosion hole is now basketball size. Marked with an orange cone.

Observation on 3/3/2024: 2:36pm -

Full Report

How recently did it rain: 6-24 hours ago

How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain

Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No

Is there standing water in the system: No

Notes/Comments:

Hole by bridge a bit. Other. 2 softballs -+

Observation on 2/23/2024: 1:52pm -

Full Report

How recently did it rain: 6-24 hours ago

How heavy was that rain: Light Shower

Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No

Is there standing water in the system: No

Notes/Comments:

Slight runoff from parking lot but most is going to storm drain
Increased whole size, 2 softballs width

Observation on 1/14/2024: 12:45pm -

Full Report

How recently did it rain: 6-24 hours ago

How heavy was that rain: Heavy Rain

Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No

Is there standing water in the system: No

Notes/Comments:

Continued gravel erosion from path onto sidewalk “animal” hikes larger than last week

Observation on 1/10/2024: 2:55pm -

Full Report

How recently did it rain: 3-6 hours ago

How heavy was that rain: Torrential Rain

Is anything preventing water from flowing into the system (e.g., debris, trash, vegetation): No

Is there standing water in the system: No

Notes/Comments:

Erosion of sand from paths onto concrete near carousel. Some holes (2” to 6” wide). Animal? Near end of bridge on parking lot side.