Soak It Up Summer 

Soak It Up Summer is the Park's Department's newest sustainability initiative in partnership with La Crosse Area Waters and Habitat for Humanity La Crosse. Together, we are teaming up to educate our community about the importance of stormwater management and how you can make a difference in your own backyard! 

Pledge to Soak It Up this Summer!

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Soak It Up Summer Kick Off

Wednesday, July 17th | 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Myrick Park Main Shelter | 2000 Myrick Park Drive

Join us on Wednesday, July 17th from 5-7pm at Myrick Park Main Shelter (2000 Myrick Park Drive) as we kick off our Soak It Up Summer program. Attendees will can pledge to "Soak It Up" this summer, build a rain barrel, enter to win the completed rain barrel, and learn how to manage stormwater on their property!

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FAQs

What is Stormwater? Stormwater is the water that originates from precipitation events, including rain and snowmelt. When it rains, the water either soaks into the ground, evaporates, or flows over the ground surface as stormwater. In urban areas, such as La Crosse, stormwater often flows over impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Stormwater runoff can cause two problems: water pollution and flooding. 

Where does stormwater go? Stormwater runs off land and either flows directly into our lakes, rivers and streams or travels through a stormwater conveyance system like curbs and gutters, inlets, storm sewers, ditches, retention ponds, and channels.

Why is it important to manage stormwater? Managing stormwater is crucial to help reduce flooding events, prevent erosion, and protect water quality. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals and debris into local waterways, negatively impacting the environment and public health.

How can the Soak It Up Summer initiative help manage stormwater?  The Soak It Up Summer initiative encourages La Crosse residents to implement stormwater management practices at home. By building rain barrels, diverting downspouts into lawns and gardens, building rain gardens, or adopting public spaces through the Beautify La Crosse Program, residents can reduce runoff, promote water infiltration, and minimize pollution.

How can I manage stormwater at home? Join us on Wednesday, July 17th from 5-7pm at Myrick Park Main Shelter to learn about different methods to manage stormwater at home. Or, read on for additional ideas. 

• Create a Rain Garden
• Plant Native Vegetation
• Install Permeable Pavements
• Plant Boulevard Trees
• Use a Rain Barrel
• Disconnect/Redirect Downspouts

To learn more about Stormwater, Best Management Practices, and how you can "Soak It Up" this summer, stay tuned for our Soak It Up Summer Guidance Document. 

Is the Soak It Up Initiative only for homeowners? No. Soak It Up Summer is for everyone, including renters, businesses, and community members. There are many ways to manage stormwater that don't require owning property such as participating in community clean-up events, advocating for green infrastructure, and supporting local conservation efforts. 

Where can I find more information about Soak It Up and Municipal Stormwater Managment?

To learn more about Soak It Up Awards and the La Crosse Area Waters Program, visit: Home - La Crosse Area Waters

To learn more about Municipal Stormwater Education & Outreach visit: https://bit.ly/LAXstormwater