And the Winner is....

Mt Tabor Rain Garden Receives National Honors

Sam presents a certificate of appreciation to Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith for a successful partnership.

Commissioner Sam Adams gathered with Portland Public School Superintendent Carole Smith, Mt Tabor Middle School students and staff, and community supporters today to celebrate the national award winning Mt Tabor Rain Garden.

Last week the American Society of Landscape Architects gave national awards to two City of Portland sustainable stormwater projects, including the Mt Tabor Middle School Rain Garden. The project, a partnership between Environmental Services and Portland Public Schools, replaced 4,000 square feet of asphalt with a garden that treats stormwater runoff from roofs and parking areas.

"This is an example of partnership at its best," said Superintendent Smith. "The school district worked with the city to gain a beautiful, functional asset that improves the teaching and leaning environment. The students gain an appreciation and understanding of watersheds and their importance, and we save money."

The school district expects to save $2,500 in annual stormwater fees as a result of the Tabor Rain garden. The facility also keeps stormwater out of the combined sewer system, improves water quality, and reduces residential basement flooding.

Environmental Services started building the Mt. Tabor Rain Garden in summer 2006, and completed the project in September 2007.

In addition to the rain garden, the city also installed a stormwater curb extension on SE Ankeny Street at SE 56th Avenue, and a stormwater curb extension at the intersection of SE 57th and Pine. The facilities collect street runoff and slow it down to allow water to soak into the ground while vegetation and soil filter out pollutants.