Christ the King Church Rain Garden
City
New Brighton, Minnesota
Completion Date
2025
Cost
$19,000
Phase
Complete
Benefitted Water Body
Long Lake
Funding Sources
Christ the King Church- New Brighton, Ramsey County Soil & Water Conservation Division, RCWD
Partners
Christ the King Church- New Brighton, Ramsey County Soil & Water Conservation Division
RCWD awarded $10,000 through its Water Quality Grant program to support this work, Ramey County awarded a grant, and the church contributed the remaining costs and in-kind labor and materials.
This project improved stormwater management at Christ the King Church in New Brighton through the installation of two curb-cut raingardens in the church parking lot. Stormwater runoff from the church’s large parking lot and roof had previously flowed untreated into the storm sewer system, contributing to water quality issues in Long Lake. The new raingardens now capture and treat runoff before it enters the storm drain system, significantly reducing the volume of water and pollutants entering the lake.
These rain gardens treat approximately 26,074 square feet of drainage area and are estimated to reduce annual runoff by more than 20,000 cubic feet, total suspended solids (dirt in water) by 69 pounds, and total phosphorus by 0.38 pounds. The church community played an active role in the project by contributing volunteer labor and native plants.
Rather than being planted by a contractor, the rain garden was installed by the church community. The church and Growing Green Hearts coordinated a major community planting event where church members, local students from nearby schools, and neighbors helped install hundreds of native plants. These plants help slow and soak up stormwater, provide habitat for pollinators, and beautify the church grounds.
Earlier that year, Growing Green Hearts led educational workshops with the church to teach participants about native plants and water stewardship. Church members started growing native plants from seed, learning firsthand how these plants support healthy soil, pollinators, and clean water. Many of these plants were later incorporated into the new rain garden and other areas across the church campus.
The church and the surrounding community planted the rain gardens in September 2025. The project now serves as a lasting example of how community partnerships can improve local water quality while creating habitat and enhancing the landscape.
Design and technical support were provided by the Ramsey County Soil & Water Conservation Division, and the project will also serve as a valuable education and outreach opportunity for nearby schools, including Highview Middle School and Bel Air Elementary.
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