As part of the interior drainage analysis for the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project, we determined that the City of Minot needed additional storm water storage capacity in order to reduce the storm water pump size needed to handle runoff from a large rain during a flooding event. Through an in-depth alternatives analysis (and some outside the box thinking), we identified the opportunity to convert Centennial Forest into Centennial Pond to create additional storm water storage capacity. Ackerman-Estvold saw this conversion of Centennial Forest as an opportunity to not only serve as a storm water detention and retention pond, but also to create an amenity for the City of Minot.

During large rain events, runoff from the 650-acre Perkett Ditch watershed will backflow into the Centennial Pond. The 45-acre-foot ponding area will detain the peak runoff during the rain event and slowly release the runoff over time. This reduced peak allows for a considerably smaller storm water pump as a part of the overall project.

The ongoing project envisions a pedestrian connection between the adjacent neighborhood and the existing trail system along the Highway 83 Bypass. Additionally, the native planting plan creates a lush wet meadow corridor attracting wildlife and increasing water quality. In total, the $3 million construction of Centennial Pond saved several million dollars in project costs relating to the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project.