A new stormwater filtration solution will be installed in Tondimõisa Park in the Kristiine district to treat stormwater collected from the Tammsaare tee–Pärnu maantee catchment area and reduce local flood risks.

During heavy rainfall, stormwater from the Tammsaare tee stormwater collector will be partially redirected to Tondimõisa Park. Here, the water will first be filtered through a natural filtration system, removing oil, sediment, and floating debris. It will then flow into a retention pond, where finer sediments settle, and organic matter decomposes. From there, the water is directed into a channel or, in larger quantities, onto a natural floodplain. The water in the channel then flows to an automatic monitoring well that evaluates the treatment’s impact on overall stormwater quality. From this well, water is further directed into the Nõmme tee stormwater system.

A raised boardwalk will be built over the park’s wetlands on screw piles, allowing visitors to observe and learn about this innovative solution.

“Nature-based solutions are smart solutions,” explained Tallinn’s Deputy Mayor, Pärtel-Peeter Pere. “On one hand, they reduce flood risks by capturing rainwater, and on the other, they treat stormwater before it flows into the Baltic Sea, contributing to a cleaner environment.”

This solution is part of the international Interreg MUSTBE project, which aims to improve the Baltic Sea’s health by introducing innovative stormwater management solutions. The project combines nature-based solutions with digital technology to enhance stormwater treatment and strengthen local governments' ability to monitor water quality. Seven pilot areas will be developed across four countries, promoting cross-border collaboration and supporting technological innovation and international dissemination of these solutions.

“I am delighted to see such an innovative project come to life,” said Kristiine District Governor Renata Lukk. “For years, Tondimõisa Park has been prone to excess moisture, and the old stormwater system would often overflow during heavy rains, creating icy pathways in winter. It’s great to have both a technical and engaging solution to this issue.”

A public information session on the stormwater treatment solution will be held on November 12 at 5:30 pm via Teams. The discussion will cover the completed project plan and highlight the importance of similar “smart” stormwater solutions in urban spaces. Details about the project are available on the Tondimõisa Park website, and feedback can be provided from November 5 through November 19.

Tondimõisa Park, situated between Tondi Street, Tammsaare tee, and Nõmme tee, was named after Tallinn city councilor Jobst Dunte, who established a summer estate there in the late 18th century. In the 1990s, the park was developed with playgrounds, recreational areas, and a dog walking area, and it has since become a central event venue for Kristiine district.