Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility

Kimley-Horn has served as Sarasota County’s consultant for the Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility (CFRSF). We analyzed, planned, and developed the Celery Fields Integrated Water Resources Plan, and continued to serve the County through design and implementation of Plan components.

Once a sawgrass marsh drained in the 1920s and planted with celery, the land was purchased by the Sarasota County Stormwater Environmental Utility to address downstream flood damage and stormwater quality. The 300-acre Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility now provides flood protection for stormwater runoff to thousands of area residents.

Creating a Destination

Kimley-Horn conducted flood protection enhancement alternative development, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, analysis design and permitting; investigated and evaluated stormwater reuse opportunities for alternative water supply and water quality benefits; and conducted planning and preliminary design of alternative recreational facilities associated with and located at the CFRSF. Through multiple creative engineering enhancements, the site has evolved from a traditional stormwater management facility into a multifaceted recreational, historical, and eco-friendly watershed park.

In addition to flood protection, more than 100 acres of wetlands replaced drained farmland, transforming the property into a vibrant wildlife habitat. The wetlands are a haven for wildlife, especially marsh and water birds such as herons, egrets, and limpkins. Bird enthusiasts can now enjoy viewing more than 200 identified bird species. More than 20,000 aquatic plants and trees have been added, including plants to improve water quality. And an interpretive signage system honors the area’s natural history by highlighting fossil sites and Native American artifacts.

Project Recognition

• 2014 Honor Award; Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers