ARIZONA NEWS

Peoria replacing turf with desert landscapes to conserve water

Aug 18, 2024, 7:15 AM

Sprinkler water a park with tress and baseball field in the distance....

The city of Peoria will begin removing designated turf and replacing it with landscapes that need less water. (Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX – Peoria will be replacing turf with desert landscapes to conserve water in its city parks,

The Turf Reduction Water Conservation program will remove non-programmable turf in 18 city parks and install new landscape that requires less water and maintenance. Playing fields will not be part of the reduction program.

The desert-converted landscape will feature native plants that will require less water than grass. According to a city press release, additional benefits include reducing air pollution, storm water runoff, and the heat island effect.

Peoria estimates that for every acre of turf removed, the city will save 1 million gallons of water a year.

The process will begin this week with contractors spraying the turf with a chemical that will brown and kill the grass. Crews will spray the turf twice before removing it and signs will be posted to inform the public of the work. After the spray dries, the area will be safe to walk on and will be open to visitors until crews begin to remove the turf.

Peoria said the process can only be done in the summer and fall when the grass is healthiest.

Since 2022, the city has focused on water conservation. In reaction to water shortages in the Colorado River, Peoria implemented a drought management plan that aimed to raise awareness and encourage voluntary water reduction measures.

On Thursday, the U.S. Interior Department announced Arizona will lose 18% of its Colorado River collection in 2025, as it has this year. The reduction comes after rising temperatures and droughts have decreased the water flow into the Colorado.

Which 18 Peoria parks will be effected?

  • Apache Park
  • Braewood Park
  • Calbrisa Park
  • Camino A Lago Park
  • Desert Amethyst Park
  • Hayes Park
  • Monroe Park
  • Palo Verde Park
  • Paseo Verde Park
  • Roundtree Ranch Park
  • Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park
  • Sunnyslope Park
  • Sunrise Park
  • Sweetwater Park
  • Terramar Park
  • Varney Park
  • Westland Park
  • WestWing Park

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(City of Phoenix media photo)...

Bailey Leasure

Phoenix reaches housing goal 5 years early

Phoenix announced it has reached its goal of creating or preserving over 53,000 houses throughout the city.

1 hour ago

The Mesa Library has begun installing solar panel canopies. In addition to generating energy, the s...

David Veenstra

Mesa Library installing solar panel canopies to generate energy, provide shaded parking

The Mesa Library has begun installing solar panel canopies. In addition to generating energy, the solar panel canopies will provide covered parking.

1 hour ago

Valley events calendar...

KTAR.com

Valley events calendar: Here’s a rundown of things to do around metro Phoenix

Our Valley events calendar keeps you up to date on the wide variety of activities across the Phoenix area.

2 hours ago

(Pixabay photo)...

Bailey Leasure

Investigation involving death of Phoenix woman upgraded to homicide

A case involving the death of a Phoenix woman in December has been upgraded to a homicide following an investigation, authorities said Wednesday.

8 hours ago

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced she is launching a new webpage that will monitor ...

Bailey Leasure

Arizona attorney general launches webpage to monitor federal funding issues

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced she is launching a new webpage that will monitor federal funding issues.

10 hours ago

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced it has selected a design for an interchange proj...

Bailey Leasure

ADOT announces final design for State Route 347 interchange project

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced it has selected a design for an interchange project involving State Route 347 and Riggs Road.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Peoria replacing turf with desert landscapes to conserve water