Boneyard Creek is a 3.3-mile-long (5.3 km) waterway that drains much of the cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. It is a tributary of the Saline Branch of the Salt Fork Vermilion River, which is a tributary of the south-flowing Vermilion River and the Wabash River.

image source: "How we remembered Boneyard Creek", from Smile Politely, accessed on 11/17/2019

Problems

Historically, the central Illinois area of Champaign and Urbana was once a mixture of prairie and marshes. As the villages became cities, and became more and more paved and roofed, more and more water - after storms - ran into the Boneyard than before and more quickly. 

Plans

The 1978 Boneyard Creek Master Plan

• Addresses management of the Boneyard Creek waterway in both Urbana and Champaign.
• Identifies strategies to effect improvements to coincide with development along the corridor. 

The 2008 Boneyard Creek Master Plan

• Focuses on the portion of the Boneyard Creek that runs through Downtown Urbana, specifically between Main Street and University Avenue.
• Turns the Boneyard Creek into an amenity to the Downtown environment..

Benefits

• Create a network of pedestrian and bicycle connections
• Improve water quality and flood control
• Enhance the local community
• Protect and enhance wildlife and habitat
• Provide spaces for active and passive recreation

Reference

• City of Urbana

Want to read more? Check the LibGuide for Boneyard Creek Project.

Problems

Because Champaign County is a very flat place, controlling stormwater runoff is very critical to prevent flooding.

Plan

The Boneyard Creek Improvement Plan

• Two retention basins with a total storage capacity of 47 acre-feet manage runoff from a 100-year storm while providing over 5 acres of open space for recreational use during non-flood conditions.
• Includes both above- and below-ground stormwater detention to increase the level of flood protection and provide detention capacity sufficient to support future development
• In Scott Park, a bioswale and rain garden work together to drain and filter the first flush of water from the adjacent parking lot. 
• Terraces constructed from natural stone are strategically positioned within the basins, allowing visitors to explore the various aspects and contours of the site. 
• Improvements along the creek include pedestrian pathways, overlooks, plazas, gateways, streetscape, parking and bridge enhancements.

image source: West Washington Street Watershed Master Plan, City of Champaign, accessed on 11/17/2019

Benefits

• Improve physical characteristics and water quality in the creek.
• Improve flood control and habitat value
• Create storm water detention in a mixed-use urban environment
• Provide recreational amenities connecting the University of Illinois campus, a public park, residential and commercial districts, and an enlivened downtown retail and dining area
• Provide the first complete bike path connection between the University of Illinois campus and downtown Champaign. 
• Provide educational and volunteer opportunities for the community

Reference

• Landscape Performance Series
• Hitchcock Design Group 
• Foth