Greenspace Project is Complete: Adding Environmental Stewardship to OHOW’s Campus
Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin is happy to announce the completion of a greenspace infrastructure project on the main hospital campus.
OHOW visitors may have noticed changes to the hospital campus over the past two years. In early 2023, demolition of the original hospital building, located directly across from the current hospital, began. Now, the area has transformed into a lush green space. The space not only adds a natural prairie with walking paths, benches, and a patio but also provides an element of environmental stewardship on OHOW’s hospital campus.
How OHOW Protects Lake Michigan
The new green infrastructure is created in collaboration with Greenprint Partners, an award-winning planning, design, and engineering firm that delivers inspired green infrastructure as a part of the Fresh Coast Green Communities program.
At the heart of OHOW’s new greenspace lies an innovative bioretention basin, which collects and filters rainwater runoff from the parking lot. The water filters through layers of soil, stone, and sand to clean it before soaking back into the ground or being released slowly into our sewer system. This system prevents pollutants and excess water from reaching the Milwaukee River and, ultimately, Lake Michigan. This project manages almost 230,000 gallons, plus 30 new stormwater trees managing 750 gallons, and over 2 acres of native landscaping managing 36,000 gallons, during every major rain event.
This basin is surrounded by plants native to the Milwaukee area that enhance the hospital’s landscape, naturally filter stormwater, reduce environmental impact, and preserve local water quality. Managing stormwater on-site, OHOW contributes to cleaner rivers and lakes, showcasing commitment to sustainable practices while creating a serene space for patients, visitors, and staff alike.
OHOW’s Campus in Bloom
This addition to OHOW’s landscape represents The OHOW Difference —an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and patient health, now extended to sustainable environmental practices.
At OHOW, we understand that access to green space and fresh air can provide patients and staff with a more relaxing environment. We hope that providing a space for our patients to interact with the outdoors offers a serene, restorative place that encourages a positive outlook on their medical journey. By nurturing overall wellness in this way, we aim to enhance the healing experience at every step.
The greenspace project is ready to enjoy as the plants begin to bloom in the spring and summer season.