Start To Finish Stormwater Solutions For The Lincoln Street Boat Launch

The Lincoln Street Hand-Carry Boat Launch sits above Saccarappa Falls. It provides direct access to more than five miles of the Presumpscot River for hand-carry crafts, such as canoes and kayaks. In addition to the boat launch, the park includes a four-season sports rink, parking lot, and access path connecting the parking lot to the boat launch. Stormwater runoff from Lincoln Street regularly puddled the parking lot. Beyond ponding, it carried pollutants into the river, eroded the access path’s surface and the boat launch slopes, and made the area less appealing to the general public. 

Overall, the city set out to improve the stormwater management, safety, accessibility, and appearance of the local multi-use park. As a result of their efforts, the hoped to increase public activity. 

When the City of Westbrook contacted Ferguson Waterworks to assist with developing comprehensive and thoughtful stormwater solutions, we jumped on board. Our plan outlined erosion control and drainage improvements along the shared-use parking lot, access path, and boat launch. Three permeable surface products were recommended: Ecoraster Bloxx, Ecoraster E40, and Shoreblock Articulated Concrete Blocks (ACBs).

Ecoraster® Bloxx:

• Permeable pavers minimize puddling.

• The light colors reduce the heat island effect.

• They filter pollutants and promote stormwater infiltration into native soil.

Ecoraster® E40:

• Offer drivable ground reinforcement.

• Installation is a rapid, three-step process.

Shoreblock® Articulated Concrete Blocks (ACBs):

• Provides immediate slope reinforcement and permanent erosion control.

• Requires no maintenance.

The Ferguson Waterworks Urban Green Infrastructure team supported the city staff from start to finish. Initial concept plans for the parking lot extended beyond scope including welcomed enhancements to the access path and boat launch. Ferguson associates worked alongside the city to refine the plan, obtain permits, and engage with contractors to find a site crew to join the project. The selected contractor, Dearborn Brothers Construction, installed permeable pavers with a stone base and underdrain in the areas designated for parking spaces, and conventional pavement in the drive aisles. Instead of paint, parking lines were delineated using differently colored Bloxx paver inserts.

For the access path leading to the boat launch, we used Ecoraster E40 pavers with stone infill. This created a permeable yet stable surface for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Then, the boat launch slope was regraded and stabilized using Shoreblock ACBs to minimize erosion and create a stable, smooth approach for paddlers.

The City of Westbrook initially contacted Ferguson Waterworks solely to provide permeable pavers for the parking lot surface. Experts from the Ferguson team in the green infrastructure and low-impact development space provided a series of recommendations that elevated the project scope to expand usability and accessibility beyond the parking area. The Ferguson Waterworks team’s extensive knowledge of local regulations and green infrastructure design streamlined the permitting process. Furthermore, our locally based experts leveraged their network of area contractors to condense the project timeline further. With the project’s broadened scope, the Ferguson team provided products that exceeded the city’s initial expectations for the park improvements.