Through scientific expertise and unwavering vision, environmental engineers can turn a deteriorated street garage into a vibrant community park. See how V3 is converting a Lebanon brownfield into a new green space that benefits people and the planet.
Finding brownfield funding
Nestled within a suburban Indianapolis neighborhood sits a former street department facility that is not only an eyesore but had the potential for on-site contamination. Designated as a brownfield—a site with the presence or potential of environmental contamination—this deserted site is the ideal location for a public park, yet after years of underutilization, it needs comprehensive assessment and planning to realize its potential.
The City of Lebanon partnered with V3’s Environmental team in 2022 to secure an EPA Brownfield Assessment grant to help redevelop this unused property. Given to communities struggling with the cleanup of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants, this funding can make all the difference in creating safe gathering spaces for all to enjoy.
Applying for these grants is a meticulous, competitive process that takes expert guidance. Our team dug into the comprehensive reporting and administrative support needed to secure funding, and thanks to our work, the City was awarded $150,000 to get things rolling.
Funding in hand, our environmental engineers got to work testing the site’s soil and groundwater for contaminants. We also assessed all long-term environmental impacts from the street garage, including how the building materials should be handled during demolition. (Because the site was built in 1965, asbestos and lead-based paint are potential concerns.)
Planning the possibilities
As part of our grant submission, we ensured the City would receive funding not only for Phase 1 due diligence but also for planning activities. This is an underutilized funding component that brings incredible value to a project, allowing communities to start mapping out what the site could become.
V3 is currently developing the future park’s master plan, which weaves site data and community feedback into one cohesive design. Our engineers are exploring green remediation techniques to create a safe recreation space, working within current restraints to get the most benefit. For example, brownfield “hot spots” can be turned into parking lots so there’s no chance of exposure or further contaminant spread.
We’re also involved with community outreach efforts to discover what residents would like to see in the upcoming park. Since the garage is surrounded by neighborhood on three sides, residents are excited to have a green space to gather together. The master plan is scheduled to be presented to the public in early winter 2024, with an estimated groundbreaking in 2026. When it’s done, this 3.4-acre park will have completely transformed the neighborhood.
We are currently assisting the City in applying for 2025 EPA Brownfield Assessment funding in order to assess and transform additional sites within the City.
“This project will improve the quality of life for this Lebanon community. By removing an eye sore and adding green space, we’re adding value where there was none. I love being able to help benefit communities and the people who live there. It’s always exciting to see these transformations come together.”
Julie Schilling, Indianapolis Environmental Services Leader
Work with V3’s Environmental experts
Our multidisciplinary team has the talent and technical know-how to transform brownfields and other environmentally blighted properties into useful community spaces. Contact us to learn more.