The rain clouds at bay and the humidity on the rise, the tour next stopped by Flat Branch Park. Mona Menezes of the Public Works Department and Steve Saitta, Superintendent of Parks and Development, led the judges down the length of the Flat Branch Creek, sidestepping the remaining pools of high water
Speaking from a spot overlooking the creek, Menezes explained the local significance of the park as a storm water management facility. 
The education programs she has developed are designed to illustrate the effects of dumping garbage and pollutants down storm drains. Saitta related the brief history of the area, from its days as a concrete garbage trap to its current state as a plant-lined path and “groundhog haven.” Saitta said the animals are pleasant around people and frequently play in the creek during the day.
Another highlighted aspect of the park, just south of the bridge, was the Rain Garden, which uses water runoff from the parking lot to sustain aquatic plants in a reservoir, before seeping into the creek. Plants selected to prevent soil erosion and various local species make up the bulk of vegetation around the park.
Although no nature preserve, the park has offered a lot to the area in the short time it’s been open. And the budding shrubs only indicate more growth for the future. Additional information about the park is on the City Web site.
— Parker Michels-Boyce
