Green infrastructure
Infrastructure can be defined as the physical framework of a community. In Lenexa, we divide infrastructure by function: either green or gray. Green infrastructure encompasses natural systems and open spaces preserved for ecological function, while gray, or traditional infrastructure includes buildings, roads, utilities and parking lots.

What is green infrastructure? Green infrastructure is the interconnected network of open spaces and natural systems that manages stormwater, reduces the risk of floods, captures pollution and improves water quality. The foundation of green infrastructure networks are natural elements – woodlands, wetlands, rivers, grasslands – that work together to sustain ecological functions.

In cities and other urbanized areas, that network can be extended by means of rain gardens, green roofs, tree planting, permeable pavement and other landscape-based drainage features. They restore, protect and mimic natural water flow within a man-made environment.

Benefits of green infrastructure
Paved and other impermeable surfaces increase stormwater runoff pollution, but green infrastructure reduces and treats runoff before it reaches the storm sewer system. Green infrastructure usually costs less to install and maintain when compared to conventional, gray forms of water infrastructure that rely on concrete gutters, sewers and end-of-pipe treatment.

Local research studies on green infrastructure in Johnson County shows it can capture, retain, infiltrate or evapotranspirate 90 percent or more of the rain from typical storms delivering an inch or less of precipitation. This is crucial because the majority of pollutants are carried in the first half-inch to one-inch, or "first flush" of a storm’s runoff.

Green infrastructure in Lenexa
Lenexa manages its green infrastructure to restore, enhance and maintain the native ability of the land to collect and filter rainfall before it enters our streams and drinking water supply.

Lenexa’s watershed maintenance crews utilize various disciplines in the natural resources arena, providing a solid foundation of expertise to manage the different green infrastructure components. Works focuses on preserving stream corridors, reducing gray infrastructure when appropriate and capturing and treating stormwater runoff generated by roadways and other impervious infrastructure.

By maintaining a healthy green infrastructure, we reduce the wear and tear on our gray infrastructure, which saves the city in maintenance and replacement costs.