Nichols Hills, a community in northern Oklahoma City, is renowned for its scenic parks and walking trails. A prominent feature of this area is a large channel that runs adjacent to the homes, parks, and trails, making its appearance crucial to maintaining the area’s aesthetic appeal. However, the channel faced significant erosion issues due to high-velocity stormwater flows, leading to slope failures.

The City of Nichols Hills required a solution that not only addressed the erosion problem but also preserved the natural beauty of the area. Previously, the city had installed architectural features like boulders to enhance the channel’s integration into the park-like setting and wanted to maintain this feature. HydroTurf® was chosen for its ability to provide a natural look while offering robust erosion protection.

The city had experimented with High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats (HPTRM) and a concrete pilot channel, but these solutions failed to withstand the strong stormwater forces, resulting in embankment washouts and slope failures. The landscape architect prioritized maintaining a natural appearance, making HydroTurf the ideal choice. It combines the aesthetics of natural vegetation with high-performance erosion control.

The project needed to be completed on a limited budget, with minimal disruption to the surroundings, while preserving the natural look of the area. HydroTurf not only fortified the high-erosion areas but also seamlessly integrated with existing architectural features, providing a quick and almost seamless transition.

HydroTurf was installed rapidly with minimal impact on the environment, using lightweight construction equipment. The system offers significant long-term maintenance cost savings compared to traditional armoring products like articulated concrete blocks and rock riprap. Additionally, HydroTurf® has a reduced carbon footprint, offering a 75-85% reduction compared to other hardened revetment solutions. The project demonstrated HydroTurf’s ability to withstand flow velocities of up to 40 ft/s without instability or damage.

The Nichols Hills project exemplifies how HydroTurf can effectively address erosion challenges while maintaining the natural beauty of an area. Its successful implementation in Nichols Hills highlights its potential as a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solution for similar projects.