CITY OF CASA GRANDE | STRONGER UNITED

510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85122
www.CasaGrandeAZ.gov

Contact:

Heather C. Kennedy
Public Information Office
(520) 421-8600 ext. 2530
PIO@CasaGrandeAZ.gov

December 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF CASA GRANDE UNVEILS DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPING INITIATIVE AT CITY HALL.

The City of Casa Grande, in partnership with Arizona Water Company (AWC), has launched a drought-tolerant landscaping project to revitalize the City Hall campus at 501 E. Florence Boulevard. This $347,000 initiative is funded through a $10,000 grant from the Lincoln Institute/Babbitt Center, a $150,000 grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority's Water Conservation Grant Fund, and $197,000 from the City's Capital Improvement Project (CIP) fund. Work on the project began on Monday, December 3, with completion anticipated by the end of January. 

The initiative aims to replace the outdated irrigation system at City Hall with advanced, water-efficient technology and convert non-functional turf areas into sustainable desert landscaping. The result will reduce water consumption while enhancing the campus's aesthetic appeal. 

Tri Valley Landscaping, a locally owned business, won the bid for the project. 

Supporting Long-Term Water Conservation Goals

This project is part of the City’s “Water Wise Outside” campaign, a cornerstone of Casa Grande’s commitment to reducing water usage by 15% citywide as outlined in its 2030 General Land Use Plan. In partnership with AWC, Casa Grande’s SAVE IT! Integrated Demand Management program, launched in April 2022, works to promote responsible water use among residents and large commercial properties. 

City Hall was selected as a pilot project due to its high potential for water savings. This initiative sets a clear example of the City’s dedication to conserving resources and safeguarding the community’s environmental future. 

Plans for an Educational Demonstration Garden

A future phase of the project includes developing Casa Grande’s first Demonstration Garden, a unique educational space designed to showcase the principles of desert landscaping and water conservation. Planned features include: 

• Interactive Signage: Informative displays on water-saving techniques and watershed management. 
• Design Elements: Walking paths, shaded seating areas, and innovative stormwater-capturing features like gabions. 
• Native Plants: A vibrant display of drought-tolerant plants demonstrating the beauty and practicality of xeriscaping.

The garden will serve as a community destination for education and inspiration, integrating local history and cultural elements to enhance its appeal. 

Key Benefits 

• Reduced Water Usage: Modern irrigation systems and desert landscaping will significantly lower water consumption. 
• Cost Savings: Decreased water use and reduced maintenance will lead to long-term savings for the city. 
• Community Engagement: Public outreach will encourage residents to adopt similar sustainable practices at home.

“This project is a milestone in our efforts to conserve water and educate our community about sustainable practices,” said Danny Gallegos, Director of Community Services. “By transforming City Hall, we’re setting an example for others and creating a resource for learning and inspiration.” 

For information about water conservation in Casa Grande, Save It | Creating A Sustainable Community One Step At A Time. 

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