A big part of returning the creek to a natural state is widening the channel so that it can spread as it rises. This is a temporary situation, but very important way to prevent flooding. In many other areas, this temporary need is provided underneath other uses. For instance causeways are built over wide rivers channels. Perhaps a piered deck for a parking structure could allow use of some of the required creek channel area? Even some park area could be within the high water mark of the channel as long as there is a good way to section that off when high flows are expected. Share the space with nature and we all win.