Fox Chapel set to restore wetlands in Hardie Valley Park

Plans for Hardie Valley Park are underway in Fox Chapel with a six-year, $3.3 million development plan that includes wetland restoration and trail relocation.

The borough purchased the highly-coveted 17-acre parcel in 2019, as it links the northern and southern tracts of the borough’s park system.

“The new park will enhance an already wonderful trail network in the borough,” landscape architect Jim Pashek said. “It also has the potential to reduce stormwater surges for downstream residents.”

The three-phased plan includes removing the house and barn, rerouting a trail, renovating a parking lot and building an interpretive plaza with benches and signs.

A hefty portion of the cost will be devoted to stormwater infrastructure, which is part of the $2.8 million third-phase of the project.

Manager Gary Koehler said the borough expects to apply for and receive grants to cover most of the stormwater retention-related work.

Of the 17 acres, the majority are wooded hillside; seven are in a floodplain.

As proposed, the green stormwater corridor will be a wide swath of meadow that can handle flood conditions in large storms. It will connect to the stream on the northeast edge of the property and wind through the valley, ending at Riding Meadow Park.

According to the plan, vernal pools would be scattered through the wetland to provide habitat for sensitive wildlife like salamanders. The corridor has the potential to hold about 1.3 million gallons of water.

A future study will generate data on other potential impacts of the proposed corridor.

Councilwoman Mandy Steele touted the wetland restoration as a boon to residents.

She sees the project as a way to alleviate some of the flooding and landslides that have been costly to the borough.

“Restoring wetlands in valley bottoms is widely regarded as a highly effective stormwater control measure,” she said. “Wetlands act like sponges and are able to capture and hold water in big rains, helping to protect stream systems from becoming overloaded.”

Hardie Valley Park, situated along Old Mill Road, will provide the missing link to the borough’s 345-acre park system, which is abundant with wooded hills and walking trails.

Steele saw it as a bigger chance to capitalize on stormwater controls as part of the massive design.

“It’s a double-win for the community,” she said.

The park system, which starts at the southern border near O’Hara’s Community Park, bisects the borough for more than four miles until it connects on the northern border with Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve along Dorseyville Road.

Hardie Valley Park boasts a stream, pond, waterfall and meadow.

Council said a primary goal is to protect the natural setting but other priorities are to realign and incorporate 5-foot wide accessible trails, provide a potential space for on-leash dogs and build a platform for access to waterfall viewing.

A house and barn on-site are recommended for removal because it would be cost-prohibitive to renovate them, but, the stone chimney will be preserved as part of the small group meeting plaza. Plans also include expanded parking near existing trails and improved crosswalks.

A community survey with more than 300 responses revealed that 97% of those who answered would like trails at the new park and 91% want development that has minimal impact on the surroundings.