Smithtown Ponds Stormwater Management Project

The Smithtown Ponds Stormwater Management Project was designed to achieve several goals to better manage storm water in western Shorewood. These included reducing storm water flows downstream, lowering flooding potential upstream, and improving the cleanliness of water discharging into lakes and streams.  

The Western Shorewood Drainage Study was completed by Barr Engineering in June 2020 to identify solutions to stormwater drainage problems residents were experiencing in western Shorewood.  The study explored and vetted various drainage alternatives including storm water routing, pond sizing, pond location, and costs.  The city acquired the Smithtown Ponds parcel in 2018 in anticipation of it being a significant part of the overall drainage solutions for the area.  

The project included drainage and water quality improvements for 262 acres upstream of the ponds.  Prior to the project, stormwater drainage from only 29% of the watershed (77 acres), was treated before discharging into natural water bodies.   The project also provided treatment of stormwater runoff for an additional 37 acres of impervious surface. Prior to the project only 25 acres were treated.   The project also reduced the flow in the downstream Grant Lorenz Channel by 23% for a 100yr storm event.   

To restore the area, native prairie grasses were planted around the ponds and in a large easement to stabilize soils and support pollinators. Over 200 trees of various species were planted to diversify the area’s tree population.  A trail with seating areas was installed between Smithtown Road and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail and Freeman Park to make the area easily accessible to the public. The project also satisfied stormwater management requirements for improvements on Strawberry Lane.

 Total project costs, estimated through August 2024, including project design, construction, and inspections are $2.28M. The estimated project budget was $2.2M. The 2018 land acquisition costs were $592,000. The project was funded through utility bonds and the Storm Water Fund, plus small contributions from other agencies.