North 15th Street, East 131st Avenue, Aaran's Pond

Located in the University Area where North 15th Street meets East 131st Avenue, Aaran's pond is a stormwater pond site on a large fenced off tract of land. Ownership and management of the pond falls to Hillbourough County because of the University area's status as a community underbounded and not integrated with the greater city of Tampa. Aaran's pond itself has 4 major inflows that recieve stormwater and one outflow that sends water into the adjacent stormwater system. From the local community, this pond recieves runoff from local buisnesses, streets, apartments, and homes. The site additionally serves as an important piece of green space; serving as habitat for animals such as marshbirds, alligators, turtles, insects, and more. Although it is formally closed to the public, Aaran's pond does face significant challenges not just from stormwater pollution but patterns of illegal dumping that can result in a dirty and unpleasant appearance or possibly block crucial stormwater inflows. Improving the overall health and cleanliness of local stormwater sites is not just beneficial for stormwater functions but also overall community environmental health.