So the City of Peoria has put out a request for Statement of Qualifications for the design and implementation of a new neighborhood park (which includes all aspects of design... geotech, traffic, drainage, enviro, etc. etc.).
The park is going in on a piece of land about 8 acres in size. This parcel is just off the 101 and Grand/91st Avenue, and was previously used as a maintenance operations center for the city of peoria, and was also used by ADOT during the construction of the 101. (it is the large empty piece of land just east of the 101 in the center of this aerial picture, to the left of that circular well/water tower thing.)
Among other things, it's my job right now to try to come up with "environmentally friendly practices and products" in the design of this park, which I'm assuming includes being environmentally friendly/sustainable after it is built, and maybe even during the construction itself.
Some thoughts already thrown out there include: water harvesting, solar/wind applications, low maintenance plant materials, carbon offsets, recycled materials. If anyone has better insight into the above things already mentioned that would be cool too. Do parks try to acheive LEED certification? Or is that only buildings? I think there are things all construction sites can do that are in support of LEED. (anyone?)
Due to budget constraints, I think the City would be more interested with ideas that aren't too cost prohibitive and are practical. But anything at this point is a good idea, so throw it out there, be creative! I know some of you have thought about this stuff before!
Hopefully some of you have some ideas, and would be interested in helping me, as well as helping build a pretty cool new park for the city.
I assumed people out there on SSP would be interested in building something environmentally friendly, so, any forumers from any city are welcome to bring input.
Thanks!