Flood related problems identified within the City of Piedmont and in the McKenzie Creek floodplain included damages to 200 residential and commercial buildings and properties; threats to human health and safety; increases in local government service costs; streambank erosion and degradation; and detrimental effects on water quality.  Other identified problems included a lack of community-oriented recreational facilities and the need for improved riparian corridors and fish and wildlife habitat.

 

The McKenzie Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment approved in 1998 represents an innovative and environmentally sensitive approach for addressing natural resource problems and concerns.

 

The City of Piedmont and the McKenzie Creek Steering Committee have been very successful in developing partnerships with other agencies as mentioned in the list below to complete the McKenzie Creek project.  This has provided an extraordinary amount of leverage to complete projects and gain additional support.  The Steering Committee is made up of local citizens, key agency personnel and city leaders to accomplish the goals identified in the McKenzie Creek Watershed Plan.

As of February 1, 2005 approximately 101 mostly low income residences and 3 commercial properties had been acquired and removed from the McKenzie Creek floodplain.  As a result, nearly 50 acres have become available for greenway (recreational) development. 

 

A new city park, Handy Park, has been developed, which includes a shelter building, picnic tables, park benches, restrooms, playground equipment, tree plantings, and a gazebo for entertainment and social functions. 

 

Approximately 500 trees have been planted along McKenzie Creek to restore and improve riparian corridors and fish and wildlife habitat.  Removing old car bodies, appliances, and other debris that had accumulated over many years has restored approximately 1,000 feet of streambank. 

 

A one mile long walking trail, baseball field, and soccer field have also been completed.