A stormwater greenscape has been located on Person Street between Cool Springs Road and Blounts Creek Bridge.

According to a recent announcement from the City of Fayetteville, the greenscape is not only a stormwater retention system, but is a visual asset built with collaboration from North Carolina State University.

A $309,500 grant in 2014 paid for design, construction and planting in the area that includes bioretention basins, silva cells and permeable pavement that serves to retain stormwater and improve its quality prior to entering Blounts Creek.

“City staff members have learned a lot since then in terms of understanding how the system functions as well as how to manage a system like this,” said Alicia Lanier, stormwater project manager. “You might have noticed a few dead trees and sparse vegetation in places. We are in the process of replacing those trees as well as adding more vegetation.” 

Fayetteville Technical Community College’s horticulture program will grow ornamental grasses and other plants in its greenhouse, according to the City of Fayetteville. In the fall, students will collaborate with the city’s Parks and Recreation staff to plant vegetation and more trees.

A press statement from the city stated that multiple city departments are involved in the “reinvigoration of the Person Street Greenscape, including Parks and Recreation and the Street Maintenance and Engineering Divisions of the Public Services Department. 

“With such a large team, it would be difficult to name everyone involved,” Lanier said. “However, special thanks go to Anthony Ramsey (Landscape Architect) and Robbie Goins (Crew Supervisor) in taking the lead on the replantings and continuing to strengthen the City’s relationship with our community partner, Fayetteville Technical Community College.”