Exploration of the Dorwyck Ditch

07/23/2019

Good News! The Northfield VFW Post #6768 received a $20,000 grant from the Summit County Executive’s Office to help address issues with stormwater that has plagued the Wyck’s area for years. Kudos to the Northfield Center Stormwater Committee and Ditch Avengers who were instrumental in obtaining the grant.

Today, excavation started by removing obstructions in the Mitchell Ditch that had created a bottleneck previously identified by the Summit County Engineer’s Office as a problem area. Just another example of our Northfield Center community coming together to solve problems that impact so many of our residents.

07/23/2019

07/14/2019

Do not blow leaves in ditch this fall. Get a jump on clearing potential blockages now by putting on some muck boots and removing branches and other obstructions. A clean ditch is a healthy ditch!

03/25/2019

Message from the Ditch Avengers:

Spring is here which means the forecast calls for rain. If you have a ditch or swale that runs along your property please inspect it for branches and/or clumps of leaves and debris. These items block the flow of the ditch and contribute to the back up and flooding of the area. If you maintain your part of the ditch and other drainage areas on your property you can prevent flooding and the possible damage it can bring. Muck boots can be purchased at tractor supply and used to walk into the ditch and remove branches and debris. If you are unable to do this yourself, please call upon neighbors to assist you in this annual maintenance of the ditch. If you have any problems and live in the Wycks just ask any of the Ditch Avengers for help.

Also make sure you do not place any obstruction in your swales or ditch that could impede the flow between houses that carry the water to the ditches. This would include bridges, landscape beds, sheds, fences, and patios. If you must put something in the swale, you will need to make other arrangements to carry the water around the obstruction. (i.e. regrading or install a french drain). We have all seen swales clog up in early spring that contribute to flooding. Be sure to clear out blockages from swales on your property before heavy rains to prevent possible flooding in our yards. The more each home owner can do to help keep the ditch and swales clear the better chance we all have to avoid being flooded.

The Ditch Avengers

06/04/2018

Thank u neighbors for keeping your part of the ditch cleaned!

04/27/2018

Thank Tim Cohn

04/17/2018

Heavy rains this weekend and the maintained ditch saved the Wycks from flooding! It also helped that: 1) people are not blowing their leaves in the ditch; 2) swales are being cleaned; 3) residents are walking the road and cleaning the drainage grates; 4) residents are digging out high spots in the ditch; 5) residents are removing trees that fell during the storms out of the ditch.

09/23/2017

After several months of obtaining donations, permission to access the ditch and working with Neighbors the Ditch Avengers have finished cleaning the Ditch South of Marwyck (East of Dorwick -almost to the VFW); North of Marwyck (running West to Bayberry) and between Marwyck and Kenwick. The ditch has been widened, deepened (in parts) and cleaned out to the clay bottom. The newly created banks have been seeded and the grass is coming in long and green. All homeowners in the area had granted access and assisted in some way, either by giving donations, helping set grade or by bringing water or lemonade to the people who were working. Special thanks to Rick Patz, Tim Cohn and Rick Youel who worked together with neighbors to solve a problem that has been discussed but never addressed for over twenty years! If you see them out and about please give them a smile and a thumbs up for a job well done.

07/16/2017

In addressing the clean-up of blockages and build-up of sediment in the ditches of our neighborhood, we (residents of the Wycks), believe we should get as many people involved as possible. The Nextdoor neighbor app can keep people apprised of the progress, request volunteers and donations. If you know neighbors emails you can email an invite to the Nextdoor app.

We are looking for volunteers to assist in cleaning those portions of our ditch system that need to be cleaned out. It is surprising how much can be done in 45 minutes with 4 guys. The other day we cleaned 110 feet of the ditch that goes South East under Dorwyck Dr., towards the main ditch. (See pictures) Last week 3 guys cleaned the ditch North West of Dorwyck Dr., another 100 feet or so. (see pictures with this post) We understand that not all residents can get in their portion of the ditch to dig it up, However, picking up sticks and keeping leaves out of the ditch helps greatly. The key is not to obstruct the flow of water. A month or so ago 6 guys and a little girl removed the first pipe and from what I understand 15 feet of pipe has been cleaned and removed closer to the VFW several weeks ago. EVERY LITTLE BIT OF WORK IN CLEANING THE DITCH HELPS!

This past weekend we had scheduled for the rental and delivery of a small backhoe/excavator with ditch bucket to clean out the ditch and remove high spots on areas of the ditch South, North and North West. The total cost of the machine was $485 with tax and delivery. I spoke to Rick Youel (who is donating his time to operate the machinery), and he stated he plans on spreading what is pulled out from the ditch and spreading it out on the wood side while keeping water ways/swales on either side of the ditch open. I have obtained permission from the property owners for access to the ditch from their properties North of Marwyck (4 houses) Northwest of Olde 8 (2 houses) and Bill Hanna, owner of the Karate studio. Due to all of the rain this weekend we had to postpone the rental. At this time we have collected $550. It must be pointed out that everyone in our neighborhood benefits from keeping the ditches clear of debris even though they may not be having any water issues.

The following people have already stepped up and assisted in contacting each other and setting dates and times to tackle certain areas in our ditch system. If you would like to volunteer or donate money please send your information to the following email address(es): [email protected]; '[email protected]'; [email protected]; [email protected]; '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; [email protected]”. Someone will get back to you quickly.

We would also like to thank the people who have already helped out with their efforts including donations including, Tim, Ted, Chip, Connie, Angela, Jim, Jason, and Rick.