Neighborhood Greenspace

Maintaining Common Areas in Lincoln

Download Neighborhood Greenspace Handbook (PDF, 1MB)

When you purchased your home, or the lot on which you planned to build it, one thing that influenced your decision may have been the greenspace nearby. However, with this amenity comes responsibility.

The City has developed a Neighborhood Greenspace Handbook which is designed to aid homeowners associations in the care and maintenance of their greenspace. Although the handbook is aimed toward neighborhood groups, other property owners with greenspace responsibilities may find this publication useful, as many of the same principles of planning, planting and care are also applicable to these areas.

For additional information call Transportation and Utilities Watershed Management at 402-405-2372.

The Neighborhood Greenspace Handbook for Homeowners Associations provides:

  • Tools and resources for the formation of a maintenance plan for your greenspace area
  • An explanation of the role of greenspaces in stormwater drainage systems
  • Step-by-step guided planning process with action worksheets
  • A review of different greenspace designs common to Lincoln
  • A recommended planting list
  • General information on stormwater handling structures (ponds, streams, etc.)
  • Information about mosquito and sedimentation control
Bioswale with underdrain

Properly maintained greenspaces can:

  • Reduce chances of flooding by providing a destination for excess stormwater
  • Provide year-round recreational opportunities for the entire family
  • Provide a natural method for mosquito control
  • Reduce long term cost and maintenance
  • Provide habitat for wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the greenspace near my house?
While the purpose may vary, these spaces often serve to convey stormwater along a natural drainage way.
Who is responsible for paying for maintenance of the area?
During development, it is the developer's responsibility to maintain the neighborhood greenspace. A homeowners association typically assumes responsibility after the development is completed.
Just what are our maintenance responsibilities?
Removal of trash and dead vegetation, control of noxious weeds and maintenance of drainage ways and stormwater handling structures are some of the responsibilities typically associated with neighborhood greenspaces.
Responsibilities may vary depending on the area and the type of stormwater handling structures present.
Won't ponds and wetlands increase mosquito problems?
A healthy pond or wetland ecosystem includes predators that effectively control mosquito populations.
Erosion control mat

PDF Version of Neighborhood Greenspace Brochure(PDF, 276KB)

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