Timeline of Turf Removal in City of CG:
In 2020, the City of Casa Grande adopted its 2030 General Land Use Plan that set goals for the city for the next 10 years. This plan was historic for many reasons, one being that for the first time, the city included a water resources element with a 15% water reduction goal from projected 2030 levels. This 15% reduction goal was set to get everyone in Casa Grande, from residents to businesses to the city, to understand how important water conservation is. Casa Grande understands that water use at city facilities plays a large part in that. That’s why the city has been looking at ways to reduce its water use to help achieve that 15% goal. The following projects are city efforts to conserve water!
2019: City Court, 5,908.6 square feet turf removed
In 2019, 5,908.6 square feet of non-functional turf was removed from the Casa Grande Municipal Court building. Non-functional turf is grass that is ornamental and not utilized or used by the public for recreation or event purposes. This project has resulted in an initial water reduction of about 20%.
2019: Fire Station 501, 3,386 square feet turf removed
- In 2019, 3,386 square feet of non-functional turf was removed from Fire Station 501 and converted to desert landscaping. Non-functional turf is grass that is ornamental and not utilized or used by the public for recreation or event purposes. In 2022, eight desert-friendly plants were added to this landscape. This project has resulted in an initial water reduction of about 66%.
- On August 20th, 2022, a sign was put up at Fire Station 501 as a part of the CG Saves IT! effort to highlight this and more details about conservation at this facility. Check it out!
2021: Dorothy Powell Senior Center, 4,312.59 square feet turf removed
• In 2021, just over 4,310 square feet of non-functional turf was removed from the Dorothy Powell Senior Center. Non-functional turf is grass that is ornamental and not utilized or used by the public for recreation or event purposes. Turf removal here made a lot of sense because Peart Park, a large recreational park in Casa Grande, is adjacent to the Dorothy Powell Senior Center so the public can still access grassy recreational spaces!
• On February 5th, 2022, a sign was put up at the Dorothy Powell Senior Center as a part of the CG Saves IT! effort to highlight this and more details about conservation at this facility. Check it out!
2022: Library, 3,385.88 square feet turf removed
In 2022, the City of Casa Grande removed about 3,385 square feet of the non-functional turf at the Public Library. This was about 60% of the existing turf! Non-functional turf is grass that is ornamental and not utilized or used by the public for recreation or event purposes. Desert-adapted plants were added to the landscape to promote a natural-looking landscape in the area.
2023: Dave White Golf Course, 16.9 acres removed
The Dave White Gold Course is a premier, year-round golf course owned and maintained by the City of Casa Grande. Golf Courses provide many benefits to a community – from bringing economic opportunities in the form of jobs and income, to providing amazing recreation for residents and businesses. There are ways for golf courses to be water-conscious and practice water conservation. Here are some actions Dave White Gold Course has taken in 2023 to ensure they are responsible stewards of the watershed while maintaining the status of a thriving golf course:
– Removing 16.9 acres of unutilized turf and converting it to desert landscaping
– Installing a smart irrigation controller with weather-monitoring equipment so that irrigation practices can be adjusted appropriately
– On August 21st, 2023, a sign was put up at Dave White Gold Course as a part of the CG Saves IT! effort to highlight this and more details about conservation at this facility. Check it out!
2024: Turf removal at City Hall
Late 2021
Arizona Water Company and the City of Casa Grande met to begin reviewing the city properties with the highest water usage. One of the top three properties was City Hall, so staff from both organizations began brainstorming ways to reduce water use here, keeping in mind that this facility is a focal point for the city.
February 2022
Arizona Water Company and the City of Casa Grande staff presented to Casa Grande City Council. This presentation was to get approval to remove non-functional turf at City Hall and convert it to desert landscaping and a demonstration garden.
Early 2023
City of Casa Grande staff put together a plan with a landscape architect for a $350,000.00 project for City Hall to:
- Remove turf
- Add desert landscaping and plants
- Redo the irrigation system
- Create a space for the public to enjoy
Late 2023
City of Casa Grande staff applied for an additional $150,000.00 in grant funds from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) to complete this turf removal project to scope.
Early 2024
City of Casa Grande was awarded the grant from WIFA.
September 2024
Bids were received, and one was selected for working on the turf conversion project at City Hall.
October 2024
City staff will go to the council again for final approval for the contract to commence construction.
November 2024
Contract signed with Tri-Valley Landscaping to conduct the turf conversion and irrigation project at City Hall. The owner of this company, Dominick DePadre, grew up in Casa Grande and went to High School at the City Hall building before it was purchased by the city!
December 2024
Construction starting at City Hall for the Turf Removal Project. The first steps are removing the grass and rock. The next step is doing the earthwork, which means cutting and grading the landscaping to help manage rainwater flow and set the foundation for the desert landscaping. Irrigation and concrete work will also happen in late December.
Press release: https://page.alertsense.com/content/2049/43398
January 2025:
The plants have been added to the landscape and the irrigation has been set up. Some of the plants added are Ironwood Trees, Blue Aloe Vera, and Baja Fairy Dusters, and much, much more! The pathway has also been installed as well as some nonfunctional turf was removed in other areas of City Hall to make maintenance on light poles and overall watering more efficient. The seating wall is also completed so people can relax in the space!
February 2025
Benches and garbage cans have been added, decomposed granite rocks were added to the desert landscaping, and just a few more plants were planted. With just a few minor details and touchups remaining, the project has been completed to scope! Stop by and enjoy the new walkable landscape at City Hall!
What's to come:
Keep an eye out for the project ribbon cutting event! The team will add educational signage in the future to educate people on the plants and techniques used for this project.
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More Information
If you have customer service questions for Arizona Water Company, please contact them directly:
Phone: 602-240-6860 | Email: savewater@azwater.com | Website: www.AZWATER.com
Questions for the City of Casa Grande can be directed to:
Phone: 520-421-8600 | Website: www.CASAGRANDEAZ.gov