Understanding the Bee Branch Creek

The Bee Branch Creek was built to carry stormwater.

The Bee Branch Creek is part of a larger project to help prevent flooding in the Bee Branch Watershed. It was built to carry stormwater through the neighborhood to the Mississippi River without flooding nearby homes. Always pay attention to the water level. If it's not raining, the Bee Branch Creek will be shallow and calm — making the park a great place to hang out and play. However, when it rains the creek will fill up with stormwater. Water will cover the sidewalk and the grass. When it's raining and the water is high it is NOT safe to be near the creek. Stay clear and stay safe!
Bee Branch Creek Garfield Ave.
It is safe to be near the creek when it's not raining and the water level is low.
creek-is-safe
When it’s not raining, the creek will be about 1 1/2 to 3 feet deep. This is when it is safe to be near the Bee Branch Creek. The amphitheater, play area with slides, and the community orchard are all great places to hangout. There are trails for walking or riding your bike, benches for sitting, and grassy areas to play!
Stay away from the creek when it's raining and the water level is high.
creek-NOT-safe
When it rains, stormwater from throughout the Bee Branch Watershed flows to the Bee Branch Creek. The creek becomes higher and faster. Water will cover the sidewalk and grass. It is NOT safe to be near the creek.
What happens when it stops raining? 

The Bee Branch Creek works kind of like a bathtub. When it rains, the Bee Branch Creek fills up with water similar to how a bathtub fills up with water. Similar to how a bathtub drains, the creek also drains. It drains through big pipes underneath Garfield Ave. and the railroad tracks to the Lower Bee Branch Creek and into the Mississippi River. When it stops raining, the water will return to its normal level and go back to flowing inside the creek channel. Just remember, the Bee Branch Creek is one "bathtub" you never want to play in when it's full! 


shower-and-yellow-bathtub-clipart