WATCH: City of Cape Canaveral Unviels New ‘Smart’ Rain Garden at Veterans Memorial Park

Funded by National Foundation's CIVIC Challenge grant

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – The City of Cape Canaveral has recently achieved a notable milestone with the completion of the Smart Rain Garden at Veterans Memorial Park.

Funded by a National Foundation’s CIVIC Challenge grant, this initiative reflects a commitment to advanced stormwater management and the enrichment of the park’s ecosystem.

Within this setting, the Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the distinguished U.S. Military veterans. Located conveniently east of the library, the memorial offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to honor and remember the bravery of our service members in a serene and respectful environment.

“The rain garden is a prime example of our city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. By integrating smart technology and expanding our native flora, we are not only enhancing the beauty of Cape Canaveral but also ensuring a healthier future for our waterways and communities.

This project showcases our dedication to sustainable development and our proactive approach to resolve issues around flooding to help keep our community safe and improve the health of our lagoon.” says Mayor Wes Morrison.

“We are very grateful to have been awarded grant funding through our City Staff’s efforts to bring in community together with our partners, citizens and City Council who have made this project a success” says Morrison.

“I am truly excited about the new dedication of Veterans park. This was a project I brought to the council in 2019. Veteran’s park is everything our residents wanted to honor our Veterans, active duty, and first responders” says Council Women, Mickie Kellum.

The rain garden adds to the peacefulness and tranquility of the park, which moving forward will always be a place of quiet reflection to all who protect our values, way of life, and keep us safe. I am grateful to be part of such an important project” says Kellum.

Project Overview

The rain garden’s primary objective is to naturally filter stormwater runoff before it joins the Banana Fiver Lagoon, significantly improving water quality. The innovative use of “smart” technology, through the deployment of a network of remote sensors, will allow for real-time monitoring of the garden’s effectiveness.

Sustainability Features

Native Flora Expansion Introducing hundreds of Florida native and native-friendly plants to increase biodiversity.

– Increased Capacity – The garden features a new flume system beneath Taylor Avenue’s sidewalk, boosting water holding capabilities by 30% to approximately 140,000 gallons.

– Smart Monitoring – The sensor network adds a “smart” element by tracking the garden’s environment, influencing maintenance and improvements.

Community Impact and Future Implications

■ Flood Mitigation – The rain garden will play a pivotal role in managing flood risk through enhanced water absorption and storage.

■  Nutrient Reduction – By treating stormwater runoff, the initiative contributes to lower nutrient levels entering local waterways.

Pilot Program Potential

This flagship project sets the stage for future low-impact, environmentally friendly urban planning, aligning with the Presidential Streets Master Plan.

Scalable Model

The success of this rain garden can lead to similar implementations throughout stormwater-vulnerable areas, promoting sustainable city development.

This ambition reflects the City’s proactive stance on utilizing green infrastructure to address ecological challenges, positioning it as a leader in Low Impact Development (LID) and climate resilience efforts.

This initiative is not just a rain garden; it’s a vital step toward a more sustainable and flood-resistant future.

Community Enrichment

Veterans Memorial – As a homage to the valorous service of U.S. Military personnel, this tranquil park offers a place of reflection and gratitude situated east of the library.

■ Natural Serenity – Graced with majestic mature oaks, the park provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and commemoration.

■ Amenities for Reflection – With strategically placed picnic tables and park benches, visitors can enjoy the peace of the park.

■ Marine Corps Butterfly Garden – A vibrant butterfly garden stands as a tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps, enhancing the park’s beauty alongside the solemn array of memorial flags.

This addition highlights the park’s dual function as a space for environmental innovation and community remembrance, fostering a sense of pride and historical awareness within the serene setting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bobby Freeman, a lifetime resident of Brevard County, has been a top Realtor in the area for over two decades. In his first year as an agent, Freeman received a Rising Star award from his Brokers. Since then, he has achieved numerous sales awards from some of the largest real estate firms in the world.

Freeman, Jennifer McCoy and Nikki McCoy-Freeman are family owners of the McCoy-Freeman Real Estate Group on Florida’s Space Coast. Together they have more than 40 years of extensive experience in all aspects of the real estate industry, have sold over $420 million and are ranked in the top 1% of all Florida Realtors.

Among McCoy-Freeman Group’s achievements are Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and voted Best Realtor in Brevard County. The group has been featured in many news publications including CNN Money Magazine, CNNMoney.com, WFTV 9 News, News 13, WKMG News 6, Coastal Condo Living Magazine, Hot Retirement Towns Magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com.

For more information, log on to BrevardRealtyConnection.com

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