To the editor:

As of Friday, April 29 Clinton has a new rain garden at the Clinton Community Hall.

The new rain garden will filter the storm water that flows across the parking lot on the hall property. The water will now be channeled through a grass-lined swale to a sunken basin that is being planted with native plants that will serve to filter the oils and other contaminants in the stormwater before entering the ground and flowing to Puget Sound.

Additionally, a new crushed rock pathway was installed linking Humphrey Road and the hall parking lot. The new pathway replaces the dirt path that had been created  by extensive public use but was also a corridor for stormwater exiting the hall parking lot.

The above projects were accomplished through funding provided by the Whidbey Island Garden Tour, the South Whidbey Garden Club, the Clinton Progressive Association and Steve Burr. Rob Halbauer of the Whidbey Island Conservation District provided advice and the design for the rain garden project. Several local businesses provided equipment, labor and materials essential for site preparation and materials installation, including Island Asphalt, RL Construction and Whidbey Telecom. The following individuals provided outstanding labor services, shoveling, raking and pounding over a two-day period: Jean and Doug Zook, Bruce Livingstone, Phil Wright and Lynne Lynch. Norm Brocard did his usual job of pruning the dogwood tree in front of the entrance to the hall. It was a team effort that produced results that all can be proud of.

Some additional work still remains to be done. More native plants will be installed in the rain garden basin later in the summer or early fall. A sign designed by the Whidbey Island Conservation District and funded by the Island County Marine Resources Committee will be installed describing how rain gardens function.

It is wonderful to see so many organizations, both public and private, and individuals come together to accomplish projects that continue to make Whidbey Island such a special place to live.

Jack Lynch

Landscape Chairman

Clinton Progressive Association

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