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What is the Green Infrastructure Project?
In March 2022, Ashley Hullinger of the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) and Raluca Mihalcescu of Arizona Water Company (AWC) applied for and received a $12,000 grant from the WaterNow Alliance and River Network on behalf of the Town of Superior. The goal of the grant is to increase the collective impact of our organizations while developing a project that would support the water management and environmental goals of both the Town and AWC.
With guidance from Queen Creek Working Group and non-profit partners in the area, a green infrastructure pilot project was identified to be a beneficial use of the funds. Green infrastructure is designed to work with nature, the water cycle, and the environment to help reduce flooding and erosion, improve water quality, preserve natural wildlife, and more. Green Infrastructure increases a community’s capacity to manage water stormwater, can help filter pollutants out of stormwater, and allows more water to filter into the ground.
With the help of a new Technical Advisory Committee, the Township Lot on Coleman Alley was selected as a prime location for a Green Infrastructure Demonstration site. This lot sees a lot of rainwater flow during rain events which adds to the heavy rain experienced on Main Street. The goals of this site are to:
• Capture rainwater in constructed basins and tanks to irrigate native plant and tree species
• Help slow down stormwater and reduce flooding on Main Street
• Transform the empty lot into a beautiful public space and amenity
Project Timeline
March 2022:
Representatives from WRRC and AWC applied for and got into the WaterNow Alliance and River Network Grant program
September 2022:
Grant funds delivered to the Town of Superior for the Green Infrastructure Project from WaterNow Alliance and River Network
December 2022:
Coleman Alley Lot was selected for the site of the Green Infrastructure Project. Town Of Superior Council Approved using the lot for the project.
March 2023:
Landscape Architect Kaylee Colter of Eighty-Eight Acres was selected for the project and began creating conceptual designs for the lot.
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- Coleman Alley had Blue Stake services performed on-site to identify utility lines
- A percolation test was conducted at Coleman Alley to determine how well the water would soak into the ground when the rain garden was installed
Coming Up
Designs of the Green Infrastructure Demonstration Site are being reviewed and revised by the Town Council and Queen Creek Working Group. Once finalized, the designs will be posted here so that residents of Superior can know what the lot will look like once completed.
Interested in getting involved? Free public workshops will be held in Fall 2023 so that you can help this project get completed! We need help planting, installing mulch and rocks, and other earthworks so that water will flow into and stay in the lot. Follow the Sustainability.Elevated Facebook page to get details on the workshops and see how you can volunteer!
