PHOTO GALLERY: Hiawatha Crossing Helps Control Flood Potential

Stand at the corner of Highways 11 and H in Sturtevant, and you'll never know that just a few hundred yards away is a peaceful retreat that serves a dual purpose.

The Hiawatha Crossing detention ponds completed construction last fall and native vegetation is starting to grow in. Trees are still young but budding and the paved path provides a great surface for a leisurely walk or a jog.

But the village's newest recreation area is more than a pretty face. Without the ponds and the controlled metering into the storm sewer, residents on Hulda Drive could experience flooding every time we get a big storm.

Chuck Stachowski, director of public works, explains, "Without the ponds and the timed release of the water into the system, a big rain like we had a couple of years ago would turn Hulda Drive into pool every time."

Because there was so much water draining from the fields into the existing storm water pipe, water run-off from properties and streets didn't have anywhere to go. The result, Stachowski added, was about two feet of water on Hulda Drive and flooded basements.

There is limited parking on a gravel pad at the entrance to Hiawatha Crossing and dogs are allowed as long as residents are responsible and clean up after them. The village even provides the bags to make it easy.