Polk County and Ankeny Unveil Large-Scale Wetland Project at Fourmile Creek

Polk County and Ankeny Unveil Large-Scale Wetland Project at Fourmile Creek

Ankeny, IA- The Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority is proud to announce the dedication of the Creekview Stormwater Wetland, a collaborative project by Polk County and the City of Ankeny, featuring the construction of an expansive stormwater wetland designed to treat urban runoff from approximately 423 acres of pre-regulation development. The Creekview Stormwater Wetland is located at 405 SE Creekview Drive, Ankeny.

This visionary project aims to treat roughly 500 acres of residential and commercial development runoff from the City of Ankeny, surpassing the capacity of previous wetlands within the watershed, which treat between 25-40 acres. A unique partnership with a local developer has facilitated a land donation to further expand the Fourmile Creek Greenway, which is nearing a remarkable 1,000 acres of public land within the 500-year floodplain.

Polk County Board Chair Matt McCoy said, “The Creekview Stormwater Wetland is a groundbreaking project within the Fourmile Creek Watershed, renowned for its effective use of stormwater wetlands to manage urban discharges. With this new installation, Polk County continues to be a leader in innovative stormwater management practices.”

The wetland, covering more than 15 acres, features strategic design elements such as a properly sized forebay, micro topography, and a stream diversion structure. These features are engineered to deliver strategic water quality and flow reduction benefits.

“Through collaboration and innovation, this project allows us to retrofit stormwater management onto a fully developed urban landscape, with minimal disturbance and costs,” said Ankeny Mayor Bobbi Bentz. “The Creekview Wetland is the perfect example of what happens when public and private partners work together to solve complex urban challenges with smart, lasting solutions.”

Project leaders held a dedication ceremony today to underscore the joint efforts and achievements in sustainable land and water management.