Isn’t it amazing how a church can be both a spiritual center and an environmental steward? Right here stands Highland Park United Methodist Church in Seattle. It is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to community collaboration and environmental responsibility.
Highland Park United Methodist Church serves both Tongan and Hispanic congregations. These diverse groups united to improve their environment. They managed rainwater runoff from over 7000 square feet of roof area. This project demonstrates how communities can work together.
In May 2015, the RainWise installation was completed. It cost $24276.01. The RainWise rebate program covered it. The church now generates substantial water storage. This water is for summer landscape irrigation. It detains and infiltrates rainwater from the roof.
Highland Park United Methodist Church keeps about 125000 gallons of stormwater out of the sewer system each year. This protects Puget Sound. It prevents combined sewer system overflows.
Three 660-gallon cisterns capture rainwater. They collect water from 2779 square feet of roof area. These cisterns are in the back of the building. Overflows go to existing catch basins in the parking lot.
A large rain garden sits in front of Highland Park United Methodist Church. Its bottom is 140 square feet. It captures runoff from 4549.7 square feet of roof area. Two overflows lead to the sidewalk.
In May 2014, ECOSS reached out to Latino pastor Gerardo Guzman. They discussed the RainWise program. Around the same time, David Hymel of Rain Dog Designs contacted Tongan Pastor Mausia Fulan. ECOSS managed communication between the congregations and Rain Dog Designs. They translated in Tongan and Spanish.
After two months, the Highland Park United Methodist Church community approved the RainWise installation. ECOSS continued to support the church leadership and Rain Dog Designs. They mediated in person. They assisted with paperwork. ECOSS also translated technical aspects.
Since its completion in June 2015, Highland Park United Methodist Church has celebrated its RainWise project. The church held a ribbon-cutting event. It participated in a virtual tour of south Seattle RainWise projects. A large informational sign informs the community about green stormwater infrastructure.
This project demonstrates maximum effort with maximum results. It diverts a large amount of water from the sewer system. Highland Park United Methodist Church engages and educates diverse communities. The neighborhood learns about green stormwater infrastructure.
The project partners included church leadership. King County staff. RainWise outreach staff. Also the creative design talents of Rain Dog Designs. All stakeholders collaborated. They keep thousands of gallons of rainwater out of the sewer system annually. Highland Park United Methodist Church stands as a beacon. It shines for environmental stewardship and community unity.