Built by Henry Ford in the early 20th Century as a water source for stabled horses, the Old Orchard Pond in Dearborn Heights, MI, now serves as the centerpiece to passive recreational space in the River Oaks neighborhood. The one-acre pond is also the primary stormwater discharge point for the surrounding roads and lots in the subdivision. Over the years, sediment and nutrient loads have resulted in shallow water depths and poor water quality. To address these issues, Wade Trim worked with the City and residents to develop a restoration plan that will improve water quality, sustain a variety of aquatic life, and reduce the need for costly dredging to maintain water depths.

During the schematic design phase, three alternatives were developed to meet the project objectives. The selected alternative creates a sediment forebay at the stormwater outfall, dredges the pond by 6 feet, and gradually slopes the banks of the pond to improve safety and create an aquatic bench. The bench will contain native aquatic and wetland plants that increase nutrient uptake, provide habitat and improve aesthetics. The sediment forebay was designed to concentrate sediment discharges to simplify cleanouts and reduce maintenance costs. The restoration is scheduled to be complete by the Fall of 2019.