Belltown Transforming Streetscapes into Green Space

In an effort to support long-term downtown livability, Belltown community and the City of Seattle have proposed a "green street" project to convert 5 blocks of Bell Street from traffic lanes to landscaped open space with pedestrian amenities.

On July 16, Seattle Great City Initiative invited teams to transform parking spaces on Bell Street to interesting, engaging places that align with the community's vision for green space. Groundswell NW participated by sharing an innovative park treatment that supports sustainable stormwater management with landscaped elements that unite concepts of ecological function, education, and art. The ecological function of the rain garden is augmented with permeable surfaces and trench drains that convey water into the garden. Once intercepted in the garden, the water interacts with plants and soil while soaking into mushroom mycelium mats that are embedded underneath the rain garden. The Bell Street project is an example of how the new Parks Levy funds could be used for projects like our 14th Ave NW Vision, and some of the techniques could also be employed in the Ballard Green Streets project.

How Does Mycofiltration Work in a Rain Garden?

Mycofiltration is a form of filtration using mushroom mycelium to clean polluted water to a less contaminated state. According to research by Paul Stamets, underground mycelium networks produce enzyme acids that break down hydrogen and carbon chains. Interwoven microfiltration mats that are incorporated underneath the surface of the rain garden can effectively eliminate diesel based toxins carried by stormwater from surrounding impermeable surfaces. The proposed rain gardens would intercept, filter and convert certain contaminants to fungal sugars before the water washes into vulnerable watersheds.

The garden itself maintains a visually intriguing composition with a lush vegetated flow and a curving pebble stone pathway. Low sedges and rushes create a tapestry of color and texture while also contributing towards a transformative, multi-sensory experience that invites community to access pedestrian links. A palette of rushes, sedges and different scales of pebble stones reduce the need for intensive landscaping and allow the occasional weed to grow.

Community Partnerships

Groundswell NW will begin participating with the City of Seattle and Belltown community to explore how innovative landscaping may improve water quality. The project will become an accessible showcase for stormwater cleanup and habitat restoration within the urban environment.

Project Resources:

Bell Street Park Boulevard:
http://belltownpeople.neighborlogs.com/2009/05/29/bell-street-park-boulevard

Mycofiltration:
www.fungiperfecti.com

Seattle Great City Initiatives:
http://www.greatcity.org