by Tayden VanPelt – Students and visitors returning to Morningside University this fall may notice construction and parking changes near Elwood Olsen Stadium. The construction is part of the Pulaski Drainage Improvement Project, which began in June and is expected to be completed by mid-September. Pulaski Park consists of 32 acres of recreational land made of 7 baseball fields and a playground area on Vine Ave. The flooding affects sports activities which raises community concern. The project includes four sites located on or adjacent to Morningside’s campus. The project starts in the Cargill Outdoor Classroom, runs down Sioux Trail, and continues all the way to Elwood Olsen Stadium parking lot.
The goal of the project is to improve how stormwater moves through the area, reduce downstream flooding in Pulaski Park, and improve water quality. Construction crews are installing bioretention and bioinfiltration cells, as well as underground storage designed to slow and treat stormwater before it moves through the drainage system. Bioretention cells are landscaped areas designed to collect and filter stormwater runoff (see the image below from the Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership). They use soil, plants and underground layers to slow down water, remove pollutants and allow some of the water to soak into the ground. This helps reduce flooding and improves the quality of water flowing into nearby drainage systems and waterways.
Work on the project has included grading and excavation, tree clearing and the replacement of storm sewer intakes, curbs and sidewalks. Dan Witten, an Agricultural Professor here at Morningside gave his insight on the project, stating, “This presents an opportunity for community involvement and education. Whether it be for agriculture, design, conservation, biology, ecology. It opens the door for many opportunities.”
One of the most noticeable impacts for the Morningside community has been the temporary loss of parking near Elwood Olsen Stadium. Construction has limited access to the parking lot east of the stadium, requiring students and football fans to use other parking lots across campus. The changes come as students return for the fall semester and football season begins, creating additional traffic and parking challenges on game days. While the construction has temporarily changed how students and visitors navigate the area, the improvements are expected to provide long-term benefits for the campus and surrounding community.
By slowing and treating stormwater, the project aims to reduce flooding in nearby Pulaski Park and improve the quality of water moving through the area. Students and visitors are encouraged to plan and use available parking areas throughout campus while work is completed.
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