Did you know Riverside Park has not one, but two buildings with green roofs? Both the River Ranger Shed and the Bicycle Education Program Red Shed have green roofs! A green roof, or living roof, is a special kind of roof covered with plants and soil, placed on top of a waterproof layer to keep the building dry.
How Do Green Roofs Help with Stormwater Runoff?
- Soaking Up Rainwater: The plants on green roofs soak up rainwater. This means less water runs off the roofs and into storm drains—65% less!
- Preventing Floods: By soaking up water, green roofs help stop flooding on hard surfaces like roads and sidewalks.
- Slowing Down Water Flow: During big storms, green roofs slow down how fast the water runs off the roofs, which helps our drainage systems.
- Cleaning the Air: The roots and soil on green roofs can filter out harmful substances from the air, like heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc.
Keeping the Sheds Cool
The green roofs at the River Ranger Shed and the Bicycle Education Program Red Shed also help keep the insides of the buildings cool. The plants and soil absorb heat from the sun, so the temperature inside stays lower. This makes the spaces more comfortable, especially on hot days.
Helping Pollinators
Our green roofs are home to indigenous pollinator plants. These are plants that are native to our area and attract important pollinators like bees and butterflies. These pollinators help plants grow by spreading pollen, which is crucial for a healthy ecosystem.
The green roofs at Riverside Park’s River Ranger Shed and Bicycle Education Program Red Shed are not just cool to look at—they help manage stormwater, keep the buildings cool, and support local wildlife!