Rain gardens are achieved by choosing a low lying area or making shallow depressions in the ground. They are designed to absorb storm water runoff created by impervious surfaces like rooftops, streets and driveways. To avoid invasive species issues, native plants that can endure standing water and fluctuating water levels are selected. In addition to reducing flooding, rain gardens can also serve as a bioretention facility that removes pollutants from stormwater.

The City of Chicago piloted the project in Norwood Park, a neighborhood on the northeastern side of Chicago because of its frequent flood events. Door-to-door surveys were conducted in September in the Norwood Park neighborhood. Questions were designed to gain understanding of aesthetic preferences for rain garden design, willingness to maintain rain gardens and perceptions of lawn maintenance activities and its affect on water quality. Responses will be analyzed to gain insight on public opinions of rain gardens and ensure public acceptance of rain gardens.

Four rain gardens were installed in volunteer resident parkways. Residents participated in the entire installation project. Many of the rain gardens were planted with more than 100 individual native prairie species plants.

All partners involved are hoping the idea will catch-on throughout the city. If that happens, water quality and flood related issues could improve drastically. Future plans for the study will include water quality testing to determine how effective rain gardens are at filtering storm water and determining insect biodiversity in rain gardens.