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Studio 27 celebrates source water protection at nearly completed Beaverdam Reservoir Park

This innovative park is designed to celebrate source water protection. The buildings and landscape work together to highlight the flow of rainwater into the reservoir.

The Goose Creek Watershed provides water for half of Loudoun County. Beaverdam Reservoir is a drinking water storage facility for Loudoun Water. When the creek flow is high, water from Goose Creek is pumped into Beaverdam Reservoir to be stored until the creek flow is low. Then, it is released back into Goose Creek to supplement the in-stream flow and maintain a consistent supply.

The pavilions’ roofs capture and direct rainwater into rain basins. The rain basins slowly release the water into bioretention areas, which filter the water and allow it to enter the groundwater, reservoir, and eventually Loudoun’s drinking water.

The same features that are designed to protect our drinking water will delight visitors. The dynamic roofs that collect water will provide shade and shelter for picnicking. The bioretention areas planted with native vegetation will beautify the walk along the arced boardwalk. The reservoir itself will provide access to aquatic recreation with kayak rentals and practicing crew teams.

Beaverdam Reservoir Park offers a new model for community projects providing both a place for recreation and a public service. Studio 27 cannot wait to share this special place with the community where recreation and source water protection are interlinked.