Babbling Brook is an ecological art project that creates an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional dry detention area. Babbling Brook increases water quality by circulating storm water from the Central Lake across the street through the brook structure as it snakes along the detention basin and returns the water back into the lake. The remaining portion of the dry detention area is landscaped with over 70 species of native Florida plants that provide food and shelter for migrating birds and the opportunity for hands-on science (citizen scientist) for community members. Artist Lucy Keshavarz worked in collaboration with Westgate CRA; Keshavarz & Associates, civil engineers; and native plant experts. Babbling Brook has received "Urban Oasis Designation" from Audubon of Florida and received the "Distinguished Engineering Project Achievement Award" by the Engineers' Council.
Located on the SW corner of Seminole Blvd. and Chickamauga Avenue in Westgate CRA in unincorporated Palm Beach County, the materials include soil, gunite, Pebble Tec, recycled concrete sidewalk slabs, and over 70 species of Florida native plants. The dry detention area is 500 feet by 125 feet and the budget was $500,000. Commissioned by Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency, funding was secured with a grant from PBC Environmental Resource Management.
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