One Tree at a Time

exploring equity in landscape architecture through incremental change

ONE TREE AT A TIME

master of landscape architecture report • university of arizona • CAPLA 2019 • jon choi

a master’s report by jon choi submitted to the faculty of the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Landscape Architecture The University of Arizona 2019 To the faculty and leadership in the Landscape Architecture Department at the University of Arizona. Thank you for the challenges and all of the support.

Lauri Macmillan Johnson, MLA Margaret Livingston, PhD Kelly Cederberg, MLA Kirk Dimond, MLA Jennifer Patton, PLA Shujuan Li, PhD Travis Mueller, MLA Philip Stoker, PhD Helen Walthier, JD, MLA Bo Yang, PhD, PLA

A NOTE

Beyond the research intentions of this master’s report, this project has been a personal exploration of design ethos versus design ego, community design and public process. How can we more effectively engage with community members and what is the role of the designer in this process? How do we balance our expertise, inherent bias, and privilege within a process that at is core seeks to move away from prescriptive design? The time and work devoted to these explorations has also allowed for personal reflection on the process of acquiring an education in landscape architecture. It has been a great privilege to be fortunate enough to devote the past three years to developing a deeper and more informed understanding of what landscape architecture really is. This project has helped to illustrate that even as students we have the tools and the capacity to be involved with and impact the change that we want to see in our communities.

“ Incremental change through small projects is often more manageable, more feasible, less daunting and more adaptable to local needs and values. When coordinated, incremental changes can have a far reaching effect. Solutions need not be comprehensive, but the understanding of the problem must be. “ -Anne Whiston Spirn, The Granite Garden

CONTENTS

Abstract and Research Question

1

Introduction

5

Site Context, Historic Context, Goals and Objectives

Literature Review

13

Participatory Design, Environmental Gentrification, Tactical Urbanism

Case Reviews

23

Case Reviews, Key Takeaways, Design Implications, Patterns Identified

Site Assessment

43

Site Assessment Strategy, Community Engagement, Site Scale Analysis

Design Application

65

Concept Development, Project Narratives, Final Plans, Design Resources

Conclusion

93

Final Thoughts, Project Updates

Works Cited Literature, Case reviews, Images, Appendices A,B,C,D

97

ABSTRACT

The field of Landscape Architecture has been increasingly focused on issues surrounding equity, equitable development and equitable access to green space. Rightfully so, given that low income and minority communities statistically have inequitable access to green space when compared to their more affluent neighbors and suffer from increased exposure to the harmful effects of pollution and extreme weather (Gould & Lewis 2017, Byrne, Wolch & Zhang, 2009; McConnachie & Shackleton 2010). Strategies to address these issues range in scale and approach and are often associated with words like ‘green growth’, ‘sustainable development’, ’urban greening’ and ‘urban revitalization’. While this ambiguous language presents its own challenges, addressing equity in landscape architecture is not necessarily any clearer.

Through a process of literature review, case studies, research and community engagement, this project explores issues of equity in the Oracle area neighborhoods in Tucson, Arizona. Final outcomes will include two neighborhood improvement project proposals informed by community engagement and the development of resources to aid communities seeking their own neighborhood improvements.

Process and outcome reflection will provide thoughts on addressing equity in landscape architecture but given the uniqueness of each community and their circumstances, definitive solutions will not be provided. It is through continued questioning that the process of promoting equity within our communities will grow, evolve and improve.

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RESEARCH QUESTION

How can we promote equity in our communities?

definitions we equity equality

: students and practitioners of landscape architecture : measures justice through equal impacts : measures justice through fair access

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4

INTRODUCTION Miracle Mile and the surrounding Oracle area neighborhoods were once a bustling tourist destination, the home of diverse and thriving neighborhoods, and a proud gateway into Tucson.

Post World War II initiatives enacted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower that led to the Highway Act of 1956 had devastating impacts on this area. The construction of Interstate 10 in 1958 effectively severed this area from downtown Tucson and Miracle Mile no longer served as the gateway into town. Increased gasoline taxes to fund the Highway Act compounded with the 1973 Oil Crisis lead to sharp declines in auto-related tourism. In the subsequent decades Miracle Mile and the Oracle area neighborhoods begin to decline. Present day conditions are characterized by low neighborhood densities, high rates of poverty and crime, severe flooding, exacerbated heat island effect and tree canopies that are well below average for Tucson.

This historic pattern of investment followed by disinvestment is all too common in cities across the country. This research examines these conditions locally and seeks action oriented solutions to the often overwhelming issue of equitable development practices, more specifically through the lens of landscape architecture.

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site context The Oracle Area neighborhoods are located in Tucson, Arizona. The geographic site boundaries include Miracle Mile Road to the North, Stone Avenue to the East, Speedway Boulevard to the South and Fairview Avenue to the West. The area lies Northwest of Downtown Tucson and in close proximity to Interstate 10, the Santa Cruz River and the University of Arizona. This area has been prioritized by the City of Tucson with revitalization efforts dating back to 2008.

Casas Adobes

0

e1 tat ers Int

Saguaro National Park

Tucson

South Tucson

Pima County

Davis Monthan Air Force Base

San Xavier Indian Reservation

Tucson

6

Stone Ave.

Oracle Rd.

0

1 ate rst

Inte

Fairview Ave.

Miracle Mile

Grant Rd.

Speedway Blvd.

Oracle Area city council : tucson ward 3 councel member : paul durham site area : approx. 5 square miles

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historic context

Old Spanish Trail established. Tucson sees rise in tourism

Rise of Automobile related Tourism

8

U.S. Highway 80 is established and connects Tucson to the rest of the Country

Vida’s Place at 2412 Oracle is the first Motor Court in the Oracle Area

Miracle Mile is established connecting Tucson to the junction of Highways 80 and 89

1940’s

1937 1930’s

Auto Camp tourism in Tucson transitions to the Motor Court Motel

1931

Tucson’s first automobile is delivered by rail

1926

Court Street City Cemetery closes and Oracle area neighborhoods begin to develop

1916

1899

Tucson Sunshine Climate Club is launched to promote tourism in Tucson

1920

Transcontinental railroad arrives in Tucson

1909

1880

The Oracle area historic context timeline illustrates the sequence of events that have contributed to the current state of the Oracle area neighborhoods in Tucson. Much of the focus has been placed on the growth and decline of tourism throughout the 1900’s as well as effects of the construction of Interstate 10 on the area. This focus does not intend to ignore the diverse and important cultural aspects of the area’s collective community history.

Oracle area continues growth through WWII.

Oracle Area Growth, Motor Courts, Neighborhoods

The 1973 Oil Crisis and reductions in leisure travel have detrimental impact on Oracle area

Interstate 10 and Impacts on Oracle Area

2018 2008

Oracle Area Revitalization Plan is introduced

Tucson House renovations complete establishing 100 subsidized apartments

2017

Tucson segment of Interstate 10 opens

HUD Grant allows Tucson to purchase the declining Tucson House

1986

1976 1963

Tucson House is constructed as high rise luxury apartments

1973

1958

1956

The Federal Highway act of 1956 is passed under President Eisenhower

Tucson receives $1.3 million grant through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Programs for work in the Oracle area

Arizona State School of Social work receives $1 million Community Based Crime Reduction Grant

Revitalization Initiatives

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goals and objectives In order to structure the project development while addressing the stated research question, a broad set of goals have been formulated.

Associated objectives provide more detail related to specific activities required to meet each goal. Final outcomes will be illustrated in the design application section.

project goals

associated objectives

1

establish a deeper understanding of the Oracle area community’s concerns, needs and desires

• perform multi- scaled site analysis • engage directly with community members to ask questions, listen, learn and observe • participate in ASU community engagement events including vision sessions, cleanups and festivals

2

work with Oracle community members to develop tangible neighborhood improvement proposals

• identify community leaders and establish working relationships • target locally available grant funding for community based projects • develop design proposals to address community needs

3

promote community ownership in the design and development process

• outline the community development process • create informational resources to support community led neighborhood improvement projects

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... and how?

In the Spring of 2018, our Design Studio IV was introduced to the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Social Work and their Community Based Crime Reduction (CBCR) project. Through grant funding from the United States Department of Justice, (ASU) had initiated a data driven site assessment of the Oracle area neighborhoods in the interest of promoting crime reduction within the community. Our studio supported this work with a detailed study of the built environment that culminated with a master plan and grand vision of revitalization for the area.

Internally, several questions arose regarding this work and its impact on the Oracle area community. It was important to question the appropriateness of an arguably cursory site assessment and revitalization plan that had been started and completed over the course of just half a semester. Deep rooted issues of equity cannot be addressed in a cursory manor, many planning and revitalization initiatives have taken this approach under the guise of sustainable development only to result in detrimental impacts on the communities they claim to serve.

This project continues an exploration of equity issues identified within the Oracle area neighborhoods but utilizes a different approach.

Furthering the partnership with ASU School of Social Work and Nadia Roubecek their CBCR project coordinator, this project applies an explorative process-of-doing to more cautiously generate design directions and process methodologies. Community engagement is at the heart of the process and project outcomes seek to support community visions for improvements within the Oracle neighborhoods.

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LITERATURE REVIEW Literature review played an important role in narrowing the scope of this project and research. Early iterations for the project’s direction aligned with broad master planning strategies to address equity issues faced in the Oracle area neighborhoods. With further reading it became apparent that given the severity and extent of the challenges faced in the project area, broad strokes, while not without value, were not the final direction for this work. Much of the literature written on environmental justice and environmental gentrification has promising leads regarding strategies to address these issues. However, in many cases, development even when informed by environmental justice principals, often led to harm in the communities that were intended to be protected and served. For this reason it was critical to approach this project with caution and respect for the community and its stakeholders.

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Public Process / Participatory Design: Roles in Placemaking Introduction Placemaking in landscape architecture and planning has increasingly shifted from serving an undefined public to purposefully engaging the public in a community centric design process (Van Herzele, 2004). This public engagement process aids in moving away from prescriptive design to a more democratic approach. The origins of the participatory design process can be traced back to the 1960’s as a participatory approach was adopted by the fields of planning, political science, public administration, social and environmental psychology, architecture and landscape architecture (Sanoff, 2000). Other fields across the globe were also experimenting with community driven design. For example, Scandinavian countries introduced partnerships between labor unions and the government aimed to incorporate workers inputs into the design and implementation of new computer technologies in the workplace. Prior to these efforts labor unions experienced new technologies from a top down perspective and were forced to accept and adapt to these changes without opportunity for inputs (Spinuzzi, 2005).

Landscape architects, planners and community designers continued to adapt this participatory approach into urban design and placemaking.

Pioneers of Participatory Design Public process and participatory design in landscape architecture would not be as prominent today had it not been for the work and research of two pioneering figures in the field, Lawrence Halprin and Randolph Hester. Lawrence Halprin’s RSVP cycles began as a study of scores and their role in creative processes. Halprin expresses in The RSVP Cycles that scoring makes the creative process visible, they are symbolizations of processes that extend over time. This visibility of the design and planning process in landscape architecture writes Halprin acts as “…a vehicle to allow many people to enter into the act of creation together, allowing for participation, feedback and communications

(Halprin, 2014).” Rather than goal or thing oriented design, scoring focuses on the process and its ongoing nature. The continuing or “in progress’’ implications of process oriented design presents opportunities for community interactions and inputs that move from a more prescriptive design approach to a participatory approach.

In Randolph Hester’s book Design for Ecological Democracy he introduces the term “ecological democracy”. This is in response to municipal development practices in which “insecure and unrooted individuals make insecure and unrooted cities” (Hester, 2006, pg.3). Ecological democracy employs elements of the democratic process that are underscored by ecological thinking. It involves government by the people with actions influenced by study of local natural process, societal context and environmental context. Like Halprin, Hester’s approach moves away from top down design and into a more process oriented participatory approach. Hester and colleagues introduce twelve interactive steps for participatory and community design; 1. Listening - place knowing 2. Setting Goals - place knowing 3. Mapping & Inventory - place knowing and place understanding 4. Introducing the community to itself - place knowing and place understanding 5. Getting a Gestalt - deep place understanding and place caring 6. Drawing Anticipated Activity settings - deep place understanding 7. Idiosyncrasies Inspire Form - deep place understanding 8. Developing a Conceptual Yardstick - deep place understanding 9. Spectrum of Plans - deep place understanding and place caring

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10. Evaluating Costs and Benefits - place caring 11. Transferring Responsibility - place caring and hands on stewardship 12. Evaluation after Construction - deep place understanding The community design process offers opportunity to re-introduce a community to a sense of place and encourage stewardship and ownership (Hester, 2006). As the community is involved in each of Hester’s twelve steps they become more likely to take responsibility and ownership of the spaces that are designed, which becomes a critical component to creating a sense of community and success in placemaking. Landscape architects, planners and community designers must rely on this participation of the community as they can only play an individual role in designing the physical space where people come together. It is the process of community involvement and working with neighbors that can build a social bond, which transcends the physical design implementation (Hester, 1989).

Accessibility in Participatory Design Accessing the public to partake in a participatory design process can take on many forms and approaches. Some examples of these forms could be workshops, questionnaires, interviews, brainstorming sessions or games. The designer plays a critical role in mediation and also provides any necessary technical assistance that aids in the community developing plans or objections to plans (Sanoff pgs 67-68, 2000). In Sanoff’s book Community Participation Methods in Design and Planning he classifies the range of techniques needed to enable professionals and the community to collaborate effectively into five categories, awareness methods, indirect methods, group interaction methods, open-ended methods and brainstorming methods. Each of these methods manifests in multiple ways however some critics of these traditional participatory design methods argue that true democratic representation is difficult 16

if not impossible to achieve for a variety of reasons.

Designers and planners can play a role in stifling public participation in a variety of unintended ways, outside interest groups may intimidate the average citizen, non-verbal communication and many other factors all can contribute in limiting the effectiveness of the participatory design process (Brabham, 2009). Additionally, physical impairments, age, health and other circumstances can all play a role in limiting representation of certain groups or demographics. It is in response to this that Brabham suggests the medium of the Web as a viable alternative to more traditional “in person’ methods. Brabham then identifies that the web in its anonymity can offer a participatory forum that is free from influence resulting from body language, identity politics and interpersonal power dynamics.

Web based participatory forms like crowdsourcing are being introduced as a model in planning and urban design to allow for more voices to be heard, encouraging creative input and producing plans through a democratic process that may align more appropriately within our modern landscape.

Traditional methods of participatory design should not be undervalued and blindly replaced with webbased tactics. It may be that the participatory process benefits from a hybrid approach involving both web and in person techniques.

Conclusion As we continue to examine the process for which landscape architects, planners and urban designers approach community design, the participatory approach will undoubtedly be held in high regard.

Traditional methods of participatory design should not be undervalued and blindly replaced with webbased tactics. It is through this collaborative process that designers have the opportunity to work alongside the public in creating not just the forms and spaces that make a physical place but also the connections and bonds within communities that are an integral part of placemaking.

Social Equity, Environmental Justice and Environmental Gentrification Introduction As manufacturing has continued to move outside of the urban core, postindustrial neighborhoods have increasingly been a topic of discussion for redevelopment strategies across the United States.

Often, cities contain numerous brownfield sites where industry once took place. Neighborhoods adjacent to these sites that once housed factory workers and their families may also be run down and underutilized. Many practitioners, planners and developers consider this to present an excellent opportunity for sustainable redevelopment strategies and urban infill (Dale and Newman, 2009). Given that neighborhoods adjacent to these brownfield sites tend to be comprised of poor and minority individuals who statistically lack access to urban greenspace, green growth and sustainable development is further justified (Gould & Lewis 2017, Byrne, Wolch & Zhang, 2009; McConnachie & Shackleton 2010). Additionally, funding for this sustainably oriented growth and is often made available through government mandates and tax incentives. These publicly funded environmental improvements to brownfield sites can act to increase neighboring real estate values, capital gains to developer’s and tax revenues for municipalities (Gould and Lewis, 2017). The resulting economic growth may be considered beneficial by some individuals but the tendency to displace existing communities and populations that originally suffered as a result of industrial development is far too common (Banzhaf and McCormick 2007). This noted displacement of strained communities under the guise of sustainable urban development leads many to questions whether these “sustainable strategies� are a mere window dressing for traditional, economy driven capitalist redevelopment agendas (Agyeman and Evans 2004; Sze 2006; Pearsall et al. 2012;Dale & Newman, 2009; Gunder, 2006;Luke, 2005). This cause and effect relationship between sustainable development and low income and minority population displacement can be termed green

or environmental gentrification. Environmental gentrification is defined as greening initiatives that aim to create or restore environmental assets, that result in making neighborhoods more attractive to wealthier residents. This then leads to increased real estate prices and effectively forces out lower income residents (Gould and Lewis pg. 23, Cowell and Thomas 2002, Curran and Hamilton 2012, Checker 2011).

Environmental Justice The inequitable distribution of greenspace as well as exposure to pollutants experienced in lowincome minority communities is recognized as an environmental justice and public health issue (Dai, 2011; Jennings, Johnson Gaither, & Gragg, 2012). Environmental justice literature that primarily focuses on this intersection of environmental ills like air and water pollution with race and class can run the risk of oversimplifying the solution as a distribution issue that can be solved with urban greening initiatives and sustainable development (Anguelovski, 2013; Gould and Lewis, 2012). This oversimplification of environmental injustices can be associated with environmental gentrification (Wolch, Byrne, Newell 2014). Resulting strategies to make low-income, minority and typically older industrial areas more livable, healthy and attractive may include the proposal of environmental amenities like large parks and trails, increased walkability, and high-density development. These environmental amenities often result in an increase in rental and housing prices that force existing neighborhood residents out while making it harder to attract a diverse mix of renters and homeowners to move in, resulting in a less diverse and more affluent demographic (Immergluck and Balan).

Examples: ATLANTA BELTLINE, 606 CHICAGO The 606 is a 2.7 mile trail network sited on a disused rail line that connects four northwest neighborhoods in Chicago. In response to a lack of greenspace, neighborhood residents alongside 17

non-profit groups advocated for the reuse of the old Bloomingdale rail line as a linear bike and pedestrian trail. A partnership between the Trust for Public land and the City of Chicago’s park district was formed to lead the project. Between 2001 and 2014 the TPL led significant public process and engagement efforts prior to the realization of the 606 in 2015. The projects focus on securing much needed greenspace in the park poor communities surrounding the 606 overshadowed the potential for environmental gentrification as a result of increased investment and real estate interest. Neighborhoods adjacent to the 606 have seen an influx of capital as a result of real estate speculators and investors.

The Atlanta Beltline is touted as a sustainable urban redevelopment project connecting 45 Atlanta neighborhoods across a repurposed train line that spans 22 miles. The project includes four trail networks, seven parks, streetcar expansion, affordable workforce homes, an arboretum, public exercise classes and an urban farm (Atlanta Beltline inc. 2007). Funding for the project was made available through an enabling ordinance that allowed for the establishment of the Beltline Tax Allocation District. The Beltline TAD increases then redirects property tax revenues towards projects within the TAD (Immergluck and Balan). Planners of the Atlanta Beltline included provisions for new affordable housing within the original scope of the project, however there were no provisions included to protect existing homeowners and renters from increases in rents and property taxes associated with real estate investments and speculation (Immergluck and Balan). While the TAD has continually failed to produce their projected number of affordable housing units, approximately 20,000 new luxury apartments were constructed between 2012 to 2014 (Immergluck et al., 2016). The Atlanta Beltline is perceived by some as a success in regards to the cities property tax base. However, the impact of rising rental costs and property taxes has placed disproportionate burden on Atlanta’s low income minority populations.

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Avoiding Environmental Gentrification?

Given the knowledge of this complex, precarious relationship between sustainable development strategies and vulnerable neighborhoods the question arises; Can greening and environmental development initiatives occur without initiating environmental gentrification? Several researchers point to the importance of early policy intervention alongside sustainable or green development to secure affordable housing, promote home ownership for low income residents, stabilize rent, and protect community diversity (Gould and Lewis, Wolch et al, Persall, Immergluck and Balan).

Additionally, design and scale of green space can play an important role in protecting communities from environmental gentrification. Wolch et al. found that small-scale environmental projects had less potential to attract large scale outside development. Curran and Hamilton’s promising study of Newtown Creek in Brooklyn, NY suggests that one possible solution to this paradox may lie in the “Just Green Enough” approach. This approach directs environmental cleanup and greening efforts towards existing communities as opposed to new development and works to preserve and strengthen a neighborhoods industrial base. This strategy was further supported through the states Brownfield Area of Opportunity (BOA) program that provides grants for local government and community groups for Brownfield redevelopment.

Neighborhood activism and leveraging of the states BOA program allowed community groups in partnership with the Newtown Creek Alliance, Riverkeeper, and the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center to democratically generate a vision for sustainable redevelopment. Rather than focusing on the transformation of vacant Brownfield sites, the vision prioritizes remediation and clean up efforts in viable working class neighborhoods to not only protect public health but also to preserve and strengthen existing industrial character and use (Curran and Hamilton, 2012).

Conclusion While researchers have made progress in slowing the effects of environmental gentrification, the detrimental cause and effect relationship associated with environmental design strategies in strained communities is still all too prominent. In relation to design, project scale and community involvement in all phases plays an important role in protecting from environmental gentrification. It is also critical that policy must be initiated or in place to secure affordable housing, promote home ownership for low income residents, stabilize rent, and protect community diversity.

Tactical Urbanism: Roles in Community Design Introduction Tactical urbanism (TU) often referred to as guerilla urbanism, pop up urbanism, DIY urbanism, planning by doing, urban acupuncture or urban prototyping can be defined as individual, civic minded, bottom up small-scale improvements to urban spaces that are often community driven and sometimes unsanctioned. This approach allows new concepts to be tested while avoiding costly political and financial investments (Lydon, 2012). New York based urban planner Mike Lydon is credited with coining the term and in his 2012 book Tactical Urbanism 2 Short Term Action, Long Term Change he associates the following characteristics with TU driven projects; • A deliberate, phased approach at instigating change • An offering of local ideas for local planning challenges • Low risk with possibility of high reward • The development of social capital between citizens and the building of organizational capacity between public and private institutions, non profits/NGOs, and their constituents Origin of Tactical Urbanism Lydon traces the origins of (TU) to the 15th century

with the Bouquinistes in Paris, France being early practitioners. These unsanctioned booksellers gathered along the Seine selling books to pedestrians and passersby. In Oli Mouds article “Tactical Urbanism: The New Vernacular of the Creative City”, Mould questions the Bouquinistes as the origin of (TU) given the many market vendors and mobile street vendors throughout history. Other scholars have traced (TU) practices and similar DIY urbanist efforts to the 19th century as a response to rapid growth, congestion and disorder in American cities (Talen, 2015). Talen describes a “many changes by many hands” approach taken by civic improvement groups, art societies, settlement house workers, neighborhood guilds and a wide range of people with the aim of making cities more livable.

For example in Chicago during the late 19th century rapid urbanization and implementation of new transportation systems led to congested and hostile city settings. Planning efforts of the time were focused on disease control, water quality, sewer system improvements and generally maintaining minimum living standards (Talen, 2015). As a result early DIY urbanist took action with goals of city beautification in the forms of municipal art, civic improvement and outdoor art (Peterson, 1976). These movements sought to beautify and humanize the city as acts of “activated urbanity” in contrast to longer term and larger scale planning strategies of the time (Peterson, 1976). In Douglas’ article “Do it Yourself Urban Design: The Social Practice of Informal Improvement Through Unauthorized Alteration”, he suggest that the origins of contemporary practices in DIY and tactical urbanism can be traced to the 1960’s and 1970’s with the dawn of the neoliberal era.

Why Tactical Urbanism Typically, we view cities to be the result of organized planning efforts by professionals but the reality is that many cities are shaped through unplanned changes often initiated by citizens. Where “form follows function” urban design approaches led to zoning, city patterns and buildings layouts that did 19

not reflect how people actually use urban spaces, TU offers the potential to provide new and fresh insights into the urban planning and design process. Many TU actions like Park(ing) day or Pavement to Plaza promote change in public space by occupying it and have resulting effects in the influence of spatial concepts within our cities. Citizens adapt preexisting spaces into new uses bringing attention to alternate ways to design space (Silva, 2016). Lydon identifies three trends that have influenced the rise in TU, The Great Recession, Shifting Demographics and the Internet as a tool for building civic economy.

The recession in North America in 2008 led to a decrease of growth across American cities as well as a decrease in funding opportunities for public works.

This forced citizens to take matters into their own hands with creatively funded small-scale incremental efforts. Another result of the recession was a shift in demographics with a variety of people moving into more affordable smaller neighborhoods. Lydon discusses the effectiveness of TU initiatives in relation to the scale of the neighborhood. He notes;“…the best examples are consistently found in compact towns and cities featuring an undervalued/underutilized supply of walkable urban fabric. We believe this calls attention to the limited social, economic and physical resiliency found in sprawling, auto centric environments. It seems that human-scaled places, where social capital and creativity are most easily catalyzed, area a prerequisite for tactical urbanism” (Lydon, 2012). Lydon’s last point is related to the rise of online tools that assist in the sharing and spread of TU projects. Groups like Team Better Block, Rebar and Depave are using the Internet as a tool to share TU guides and project manuals with the intention of inspiring citizens across the globe.

Challenges and Criticism While Tactical Urbanism initiatives have the potential to initiate change in the urban fabric, they also present challenges in terms of uncertainty with results, lack of programming and formal integration into the planning and landscape architecture process. Additionally, the 20

risk of losing the spirit of tactical urbanism presents itself with the consideration of TU methodology as a component of the spatial planning structure (Silva, 2016). Lydon expresses the importance of sanctioning with municipalities and institutions for the success of TU initiatives. In many ways this contradicts the origins of TU as unsanctioned, unplanned community driven civic interventions (Lydon, 2012). It is however a desire of Lydon and other proponents of TU to initiate greater change resulting from community driven projects through collaboration with appropriate parties. Silva attributes interest in TU strategies in municipalities and planning professionals to the post 2008 recession’s austerity measures that increased the need for more temporary, low cost means of urban development (Silva, 2016). Silva then argues that as TU becomes more sanctioned, it begins to lose tacticalness and runs the risk of simply becoming urbanism. Further criticisms of TU highlight that these strategies may be better suited for application within white and affluent communities. In contrast when communities of color attempt TU strategies, there may be added risk of persecution or criminalization (Wilson, 2018).

Others have connected TU and DIY urbanism to the process of gentrification which then runs the risk of countering the initial goals of these urbanists efforts for spatial justice (Deslandes, 2013).

Conclusion Tactical Urbanism presents many opportunities for citizens to initiate small-scale improvements to urban spaces that may also have the potential to initiate change at greater scales. With this opportunity, there are also associated risks as mentioned in the previous section. Integration of TU or DIY urbanism into professional planning and design strategies may present challenges but the ethos of action oriented, experimental and bottom up interventions should still be considered a valuable tool.

key takeaways While much of the literature and research has not proven entirely conclusive, some key takeaways have been garnered through the literature review process. This has helped to inform the final process strategies and design approach which values small-scale incremental change informed by community engagement in an effort to promote equity through community design.

topic

takeaway

Public Process / Participatory Design: Roles in Placemaking

Public process can help shift from prescriptive top down design to a more participatory and process oriented approach . This can help to establish ownership and stewardship within the community while also building social capital through increased community interactions. True democratic representation within participatory design may present challenges and this should be considered throughout the public process.

Social Equity, Environmental Justice and Environmental Gentrification

The inequitable distribution of greenspace as well as exposure to pollutants experienced in low-income minority communities is recognized as an environmental justice and public health issue.

Often urban greening and sustainable development strategies can oversimplify these disparities as a mere issue of distribution. This runs the risk of setting off rounds of environmental gentrification (EG). Small scale environmental projects are less likely to be associated with EG and additional community protections can be provided through policy initiatives.

Tactical Urbanism: Roles in Community Design

Tactical Urbanism (TU), guerilla urbanism, DIY urbanism or planning by doing strategies can promote low-risk, high-reward, locally driven ideas for planning challenges. An increase in social capital can result through collaborations between citizens and public and private institutions. TU can also help to involve and engage citizens in the planning process allowing citizens to bring new and fresh ideas to the table. Sanctioning TU with municipalities is encouraged but critics believe that this may undermine the spirit of DIY urbanism. TU is also associated with projects in more affluent communities and has been connected to gentrification.

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CASE REVIEWS Key takeaways gathered through the literature review process have helped to inform the selection of the following case reviews. These takeaways include the importance of community involvement in the development process, project scale (more specifically smaller scale projects) and how this impacts the community, and the value of action oriented strategies in community design. Each case review provides specific examples related to these takeaways in the interest of developing a better understanding of the steps involved in successful community driven projects at the neighborhood scale. The case reviews also highlight diversity in project direction, location and approach to further inform specific design direction when moving into the design application phase.

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phx renews Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

PHX Renews Phoenix, AZ 2011-2017 Urban Agriculture 15 acres Private Developer Barron Collier

Who: City of Phoenix, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, Smithgroup, International Rescue Committee ASU, UofA, Other local Non-profits and community members What: PHX Renews was an Urban Agriculture project located in downtown Phoenix. The site was once part of a boarding school for Native American Children. The school and adjacent lot sat vacant from 1990 until 2012 when the mayor of Phoenix, Greg Stanton proposed to utilize the space as a living laboratory in transforming vacant lots to public space. The land owner, developer Barron Collier agreed to lease the land to the city for one dollar a year. Local non-profit Keep Phoenix Beautiful lead the project with pro bono design from Smithgroup. With the support of 15 other non profit groups the site was transformed into community gardens, therapy gardens, a farmers market venue, outdoor theater, art gallery and spaces for the city to demonstrate the benefits or recycling, rainwater harvesting and solar energy.

How: • City led initiative and partnership with local non-profit Keep Phoenix Beautiful • Leasing agreement with land owner Barron Collier and City of Phoenix - $1/year • Efforts from 15 other local non-profit groups Funding: • Early Funding from $40,000 Steele Foundation Grant and $100,000 Wells Fargo Grant • Pro Bono Design from Smithgroup

More Info: Keep Phoenix Beautiful : http://www.keepphxbeautiful.org/ International Rescue Committee : https://www.rescue.org/united-states/phoenix-az

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Design Implications: PHX Renews provides an excellent example of a temporary project that established a much needed vibrant community space in the downtown vicinity of Phoenix. Barron Collier, the land owner provided a nearly free lease to the city to support the Mayor’s idea of transforming this longstanding vacancy into a network of gardens, galleries and demonstration projects. This large scale project was made possible through grant funding, pro bono design and several non-profit groups in collaboration with the city of Phoenix. This is an example of building community capacity through diverse stakeholder collaborations to meet an end goal designed to serve the neighboring community.

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vacant to vibrant Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

Vacant to Vibrant Gary, IN, Cleveland, OH, Buffalo, NY 2014 - present Neighborhood Scale Green Infrastructure Varies Vacant Parcels, Public Ownership

Who: Cleveland Botanical Garden, University At Buffalo, Implement Design, PUSH Buffalo, Ketner Sustainability Office, Cleveland Sewer Authority, Community Organizations, Cleveland Land Bank What: Vacant to Vibrant is a neighborhood scale stormwater management project that is currently operating in three ‘shrinking’ cities surrounding the Great Lakes. The project tranforms vacant lots in struggling neighborhoods into community Green Infrastructure spaces that aim to enhance the neighborhood socially and environmentally.

Many of these communities rely on outdated combined stormwater and wastewater systems that overflow during heavy rain events sending pollutants to the Great Lakes. Through continuous monitoring Vacant to Vibrant seeks to understand the effectiveness of small clustered urban greening initiatives in stormwater management. Additional project goals include restoring vacant land to productive use and environmental justice for urban residents.

The following is a sample of criteria used to inform site selection: Stormwater Management Target Area, Neighborhood Stabilization Target Area, Green Zoning, Parcel Ownership, Soils, Sewershed, Current land use, Adjacencies, Resident Feedback, Crime, Topography How: • Initiated through work ofSandra Albro, a research associate in applied urban ecology at the Cleveland Botanical Garden • Engaged a diverse group of community leaders to generate ideas in addressing vacant urban land and environmental issues • Community engagement to gather resident input and feedback • Used temporary signage prior to construction to provide project details and contact information • Online tools for collecting community feedback Funding: • $862,000 grant from Great Lakes Protection Fund • Average Project Cost : $18,000 More Info: Vacant to Vibrant Blog : http://www.cbgarden.org/lets-learn/research/vacant2vibrant.aspx

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Design Implications: Vacant to Vibrant projects transform socially and environmentally unproductive spaces into opportunities for recreation that provide additional ecological services. These neighborhood scale community projects improve access to green space in traditionally underserved communities while also improving public health through green infrastructure. Due to the small scale of these projects, it is unlikely that environmental gentrification would result. Installations also present opportunity to provide education to the neighboring communities on topics like green infrastructure and its role in improving public and environmental health. This project was the result of research oriented grant funding, community engagement and collaborations between municipalities, nonprofits, the Cleveland Botanical garden and academic partners.

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parasite diy skatepark Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

Parisite DIY Skate Park New Orleans, LA 2010 - present DIY Skate park 45,000 SF State of Louisiana

Who: Transitional Spaces, Collectivo, City of New Orleans, New Orleans Recreation Department, Spohn Ranch, Redbull, Tony Hawk Foundation, Drews Bees Foundation, Tulane School of Architecture What: Parisite DIY started in 2010 as a skateboarder built unofficial skatepark on vacant space under the I-610 overpass in New Orleans. In 2012, the skatepark which was built illegally was demolished by the city. The skateboarders began building again at a site just a few hundred yards away. In an effort to formalize their skatepark the skaters established the non profit Transitional Spaces which worked with the city and state to advocate for New Orleans first public skatepark. Parisite was officially opened in 2013 with obstacles built by both the skateboarders and Spohn Ranch Skateparks. Tulane School of Architecture volunteered to design and build the entry to the site.

The land under the freeway is owned by the State of Louisiana and leased by the City of New Orleans. It has been officially designated as a skatepark recreation area.

How: Grassroots DIY efforts, Non profit collaboration with City of New Orleans and Louisiana, Partnership with Tulane School of Architecture, Crowdsourced funding through Kickstarter Campaign, Additional Funding through various donations Funding: • Spohn Ranch Skateparks donation of Skatepark design and construction • Tulane City Center landscape and entry design and construction • Additional funding raised through Kickstarter Campaign • No City Funding

More Info: Transitional Spaces : https://transitionalspaces.wordpress.com/ Collectivo : https://colectivonola.com/Torrent-Gardens-at-Parisite Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design : http://small.tulane.edu/project/parisite-skate-park/ 28

Design Implications: Parasite diy skatepark is a testament to the notion of asking for forgiveness as opposed to permission.

Skateboarders began constructing their beloved skatepark without permission in response to the need for a safe and vibrant space for skateboarders to enjoy in New Orleans. Without any funding from the City, this project eventually became sanctioned through the efforts of non-profits (some that were started by the skateboard community), the City’s Recreation department, Tulane School of Architecture and funding through a Kickstarter Campaign. Even with limited to no resources the right collaborations coupled with a diy ethos can result in beautiful community space.

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treedom Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

Treedom Memphis, TN Jun 2018 - Mar 2019 Art Installation, Community Space 1.14 Acres St. Jude Hospital

Who: Memphis Medical District Collaborative, Atelier YokYok, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ALSAC, Memphis Area Transit Authority, the Memphis Police Department’s North Precinct, artist Cat Pena and community members What: Treedom is a temporary art installation and public gathering space installed in a vacant lot on A.W. Willis Avenue between Second and Third Streets in Memphis. The installation aims to raise awareness to the revitalization efforts in the medical district and surrounding neighborhoods. The abstracted tree form incorporates built in seating to encourage neighbors and visitors to interact with the site. MMDC collaborated with St Jude employees, residents, business owners and other community groups in identifying priorities for the vacant lot.

These included beautification, functional art and a flexible space for community events.“Treedom symbolizes the interconnectedness and beauty that can come from collaboration in the City. Ultimately, we want people to come together, share the space, and enjoy an area of the District that they may have never explored before,” MMDC Vice President Abby Miller.

How: St. Jude and ALSAC approached the Memphis Medical District Collaborative in the interest of activating a vacant space that connects St. Jude and the Uptown Neighborhood. A coalition was formed including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ALSAC, as well as the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, Memphis Area Transit Authority, the Memphis Police Department’s North Precinct, Cat Pena, and area residents and business owners. Through a public outreach process including multiple visioning sessions neighborhood priorities for the space were defined including, beautification, functional art and flexible community space. The coalition received community support for Treedom Memphis inspired by an original iteration of the project in Budapest, Hungary.

Funding: • $40,000 Event Grant from Memphis Medical District Collaborative More Info: Memphis Medical District Collaborative : https://www.mdcollaborative.org/ Treedom Memphis Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TreedomMemphis/

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Design Implications: Treedom is a temporary art installation and community space that highlights the capacity for art to activate underutilized spaces. The simple wooden tree form draws community members into the otherwise unused lot and seating and shade encourage usage and community interactions. The temporary nature of the project coupled with programming and outreach events presents great opportunity to interact with and engage the local neighborhoods. This could help in accessing the public and presenting opportunities for feedback in response to plans for future development.

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pullman peace park Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

Peace Park Chicago, IL 2018 to present Playground Renovation N/A Chicago Park District

Who: Chicago White Sox, Chicago Park District, Chicago CRED, KaBOOM!, Pullman Neighborhood volunteers, F.H. Paschen What: Pullman Peace Park is a community built playground renovation on the Southside of Chicago in the Pullman neighborhood. The park idea was born out of neighborhood frustrations with gang rivalry and violence. What started as a conversation between concerned residents blossomed into a partnership involving the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Park District, Construction company F.H. Paschen, Chicago CRED (Create Real Economic Destiny) and KABOOM!. Together these groups alongside neighborhood members negotiated for a peace treaty between rival gangs. On August 10th project partners, community groups and rival gangs joined forces to build Pullman Peace Park in just one day. The park building day celebration included a job fair, voter registration booths, free children’s health care, backpacks and school supplies for children, music and food. Park materials and construction oversight were donated by F.H. Paschen. The community considers this park as a symbol of community prosperity.

How: Community member initiated conversations and efforts to end gang violence that led to the formation of a partnership with the nonprofit Chicago CRED, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Park District, KaBOOM! and F.H. Paschen.

Funding: • Playground Grant funding through KABOOM! • Pro Bono construction materials and oversight from F.H. Paschen

More Info: Chicago CRED : https://www.chicagocred.org/ F.H. Paschen : https://www.fhpaschen.com/pullman-peace-park/ KABOOM! : https://kaboom.org/

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Design Implications: Pullman Peace Park exemplifies that even in dire situations something beautiful can be born of community collaborations. Discussions between frustrated residents, gang members and police resulted in an end to gang violence in exchange for a safe place that neighborhood children could play. This simple project represents a much needed symbol of hope in the Pullman Neighborhood. Community involvment in the construction process further secures stakeholder buy-in and community ownership of the park. This project is the result of diverse collaborations and unlikely community partnerships.

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urban arboreta Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

Urban Arboreta Philadelphia, PA 2015 - Present Urban Reforestation, Community Space, Education Varies City Parks Association of Philadelphia

Who: Matthew Langan and Tim Baird (Penn State), Philadelphia City Parks Association, The Knight Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts What: Urban Arboreta is the result of Penn State student Matthew Langan, Professor Tim Baird and Deenah Loeb’s project proposal to the 2015 Knight Cities challenge. Urban Arboreta proposes to repurpose Philadelphia’s abundance of vacant land as tree nurseries. Trees would then be installed in city streets, parks and important riparian corridors enhancing urban tree canopy and better managing urban waterways. The project also includes a strong community focus with a ‘for profit’ nursery model that incorporates job training and work experience for interested residents. Nursery space would double as much needed park and open space for the neighborhood residents to enjoy.

Professor Tim Baird of Penn State believes that Urban Arboreta will lead to a “broader system of green infrastructure that includes stormwater management, bicycle and pedestrian circulation, soil production and composting operations, and remediation processes, along with active and passive recreational programming.”

How: Urban Arboreta: Tree Nurseries Transform Vacant Land, was the winner the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Cities Challenge and will share the $5 million dollar prize with other winning submissions for project implementation.

Funding: • Knight Cities Challenge award in 2015 • Support from the Knight Foundation • Support from the National Endowment for the Arts More Info: City Parks Association Urban Arboreta : http://www.cityparksphila.org/projects/urban-arboreta/ Knight Foundation : https://knightfoundation.org/articles/urban-arboreta-philadelphia Urban Arboreta Twitter : https://twitter.com/urbanarboreta

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Design Implications: With the abundance of vacant urban land, Urban Arboreta proposes to transform vacancies in Philadephia to tree nurseries. The nurseries would provide access to green space and improve public health while generating job opportunities and training for the community with a ‘for profit’ nursery model. Non-profit, municipal and Academic partnerships supported by prize money from the Knight Cities Challenge helped to initiate the project’s implementation. This project highlights novel strategies to address environmental inequities while also providing economic growth for the community and it’s members.

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blue moon community garden Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

Blue Moon Community Garden Tucson, AZ 2012 to present Community Garden 42,500 SF City of Tucson

Who: Tucson House, City of Tucson, Gina Chorover, Drachman Institute, University of Arizona College of Landscape Architecture, Norris Design What: The first fully handicap accessible community garden in Tucson. The Blue Moon Community Garden is located next to the Tucson House which at the time was subsidized housing for elderly and handicapped residents.

The gardens include 36 garden beds, rainwater harvesting cisterns, citrus grove, pollinator garden, gathering areas with a shade ramada and a looping trail. The City of Tucson also designated the garden as a Tucson Water Demonstration Garden which includes signage and demonstration features to educate the community.

How: The Blue Moon Community Garden is the result of municipal planning efforts associated with the 2008 Oracle Area Revitalization Project (OARP). Residents of the Oracle area identified a need for access to affordable fresh produce. This need was confirmed through environmental assessments undertaken by the Drachman Institute that identified the area as a food desert . Community Gardens were determined to be part of the solution to this need and the City of Tucson designated a large parking lot adjacent to the Tucson House for the Blue Moon Community Garden. Early design concepts were developed in a studio course within the College of Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona and the final design work was completed by Norris Design.

Funding: • CCBG Grant • Tucson Water Grant • Housing and Community Development Grant • Communities Putting Prevention To Work funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

More Info: ACGA : https://communitygarden.org/find-a-garden/gardens/blue-moon-community-garden/ Pima County LID Case studies : http://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=65263 Zocalo Magazine : http://www.zocalomagazine.com/blue-moon-community-garden/

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Design Implications: The Blue Moon Community Garden is an example of design that was truly intended to serve its community.

The Garden is adjacent the The Tucson House, which is the largest low-income housing in Tucson who’s residents are primarily elderly or handicapped. Given the resident’s limitation in mobility the gardens are designed to be fully ADA accessible. This area is also considered a food desert, so the garden provides an important healthy food resource for the community. Multiple grants and collaborations between the City of Tucson, University of Arizona and community partners have led to the success of this project.

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c2e : conserve to enhance Project: Location: When: Project Type: Size: Land Ownership:

C2E : Conserve to Enhance Tucson, Flagstaff, Yavapai, AZ 2011 - present Water conservation, Community action, Environmental Varies Varies, Municipal and public

Who: The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC), Tucson Water, The Sonoran Institute, Watershed Management Group (WMG), Community Participants What: Conserve to Enhance (C2E) is a program developed by the University of Arizona Water Resources and Research Center that connects voluntary community water conservation efforts to grant funding for environmental enhancements. Using an online calculator, participants track their monthly water savings and donate accrued funds to grants for community led environmental enhancement projects. The C2E website contains tips for reducing water usage indoors and outdoors, information about local water supply and watersheds, links for municipal rebate programs and information on water saving retrofits.

How: The C2E program was developed and is managed by The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center. Using their Water Use Dashboard Tool, community members and participating businesses track their monthly water usage and savings. Savings are then pooled for distribution through C2E’s grant program. Project funds prioritize sustainability, green infrastructure, wash restoration and wildlife habitat establishment. The C2E Advisory Council guides program development and distribution of grant funds.

Advisory Council: Tucson Water, Sonoran Institute, PAG, Borderlands Brewing, Center for Pima Basin Sustainability, Watershed Management Group, Trees for Tucson, Pima County Waste Reclamation, WRRC, The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Funding: • Community participant donations • Business partner donations • Municipal utilities partnerships • Tax deductible donations More Info: C2E : https://conserve2enhance.org/ WRRC : https://wrrc.arizona.edu/ WMG : https://watershedmg.org/advocacy/c2e 38

Design Implications: Conserve 2 Enhance is a unique program developed by The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center alongside municipal, non profit and community partners to promote better residential water practices and quantify associated savings. Savings are then connected to community projects that promote environmental enhancements through green infrastructure, wash restoration and wildlife habitat establishment.

Through online tools C2E allows participants to track savings associated with water use reduction then donate those savings towards grant funds for environmental enhancement projects.

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... patterns identified Diverse Community Collaboration In each of the case reviews project success was heavily reliant on a diverse group of community partners, stakeholders, non-profits, municipalities, design professionals, students, artists and businesses. This diversity of partners highlights the importance of building collective capacity. Each participant brings a unique perspective and skill set to the project. Also when more groups and entities are involved, the project sees the benefit of increased community stewardship and ownership. Unlikely collaborations, as illustrated in the Pulllman Peace Park, can make for highly impactful community projects.

Feasible Project Scale Project scale can play a critical role in community impacts as well as feasibility. Smaller scale projects are less often connected to gentrification and rent or housing market increases. In some cases they also have the added benefit of faster turnaround and results. Often when engaging in a public planning process, results or impacts may be many years away. Community members may begin to feel that their efforts are unrewarded and this can result in planning exhaustion. Quick and nimble community projects can help to avoid this while establishing tangible results that can preserve participant momentum.

Resourceful Funding Initiatives Many of the case reviews had little to no funding provided through their respective municipalities. When generating revenue and funding for these projects, community stakeholders were highly resourceful.

Often, national or local grants and donations from local businesses led to project success. In the C2E project, a highly innovative approach connected voluntary community water conservation efforts to grant funding for environmental enhancements. Often funding is available and it is a matter of connecting the community to funding through creative project framing, donation seeking and grant writing.

Healthy Sense of Optimism In many communities it can be too easy to focus on the negatives and often daunting issues regarding equity and equality. Each of these case reviews benefits from a collective sense of optimism within the community stakeholder groups. In some cases like the Parasite DIY skatepark, skateboarders in a very optimistic manner, began building without permission. Their continued efforts, positivity and establishment of a non-profit were rewarded when the City of New Orleans officially mandated the park and further design support was provided through the Tulane School of Architecture.

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diverse community collaboration

feasible project scale

resourceful funding initiatives

healthy sense of optimism

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SITE ASSESSMENT In order to establish a better understanding of the Oracle area, it’s residents and their needs, a two-part site assessment was performed. Data collection and analysis began to tell a story of the circumstances within the project area and community engagement allowed for either confirmation or disproval of this story. Given the familiarity of the pattern of disinvestment that led to current circumstances in the area, specific points of data related to common environmental and social equity issues were prioritized in data collection. A combination of engagement opportunities provided by partnership with ASU School of Social Work’s Community Based Crime Reduction initiative and involvement in local neighborhood group meetings allowed for the opportunity to develop a first hand account of community issues. Initiating community engagement throughout the site assessment phases allowed for a more genuine understanding of the circumstances and issues while also beginning the process of developing trust and forming relationships within the community.

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site assessment strategy Through site assessment that combines data collection and analysis with community engagement, the goal of developing a deeper understanding of the Oracle area was achieved. Traditional site analysis strategies that rely solely on data to establish project understandings and narratives run the risk of biased assessments.

Community engagement can help to avoid strictly data driven narratives. By involving the community in site assessment, community engagement efforts are initiated prior to the design application phase. This can help to build trust in the community and ultimately a more sincere public process.

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Data Collection

Community Engagement

starts to tell a story

deeper understanding

Historic Context

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Demographics

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Data Collection : Neighborhood Demographics The Neighborhood Demographic maps intend to establish an understanding of the population density, race and average household income levels of the Oracle area communities. This information can help to develop a general understanding of the needs of the community. While this general understanding of community needs can help inform site selection and design, it is critical to engage personally with the community prior to solidifying specific design strategies or site selection. The data illustrated in this section has been sourced from the 2010 Census at the block group level.

Median Household Income Oracle area: $19.7 k Median Household Income Tucson : $46.8 k National Poverty Level Household Income : $24.6 k

Fairview Ave.

Stone Ave.

Oracle Rd.

Miracle Mile

46

Grant Rd.

low medium high highest

Stone Ave.

Oracle Rd.

0 te 1 rsta Inte

Block Population This map illustrates ranges in population density within the blocks that make up the Oracle area neighborhoods. Much of the blocks to the south of Grant road show lower to medium population levels. The highest densities are seen in areas with either subsidized housing, apartments or senior care facilities. It is worth noting that during the 2010 Census, the block where the Tucson House is located tallied 706 residents establishing itself as the most dense block in the area.

Speedway Blvd.

3.6% black

15.7% white

25.7% white 9.7% black Miracle Manor

$ 20.8 K

$ 30 K

Adelanto

65.6% hispanic

57.1 % hispanic

9.9% asian 1% black

25.7% white

Balboa Heights

$ 13.3 K

25.2% white

7.3% black

$ 19.7 K

Old Pascua

65.6% hispanic

53.7 % hispanic

2.9% black 25.7% white

36.9% white

5.5% asian 3.6% black

Barrio Blue Moon

$ 17.7 K

65.6% hispanic

$ 16.8 K

Ocotillo Oracle

38.3% hispanic 47

Data Collection : Neighborhoods and Community Assets The Neighborhoods and Community Assets map highlights many of the diverse members of the Oracle area.

Eight Oracle area neighborhood groups have been highlighted and each has rich history that can help to inform future design decisions. The Community Asset list includes non-profits, schools, churches, businesses, restaurants and shops. These community members may be further explored when considering partnerships, volunteer opportunities or fundraising for neighborhood improvement projects.

Oracle Area Neighborhoods 1. Pima Community College 2. Barrio Blue Moon 3. Adelanto Neighborhood 4. Old Pascua Community Assets 1. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community 2. Catholic Community Services 3. Pima Community College Downtown 4. Shell Food Store 5. Temple Baptist Church 6. Tucson House 7. Chicanos Por La Causa 8. Baps Tucson Temple 9. KVOA 10. La Fuente Restaurant 11. Maya Tea 12. Tucson Indoor Sports Center 13. Sonic Drive Inn 14. Habistore 15. Pascua Center 16. Santa Rita Landscaping 17. Richey Elementary School 18. Checkerboard Cafe 19. Circle K Market 20. Catalina Mart

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5. Ocotillo Oracle 6. Miracle Manor 7. Balboa Heights 8. Coronado Heights

21. Grant-Stone Supermarket 22. Hope Community Services 23. El Guero Canelo 24. Arts for All Inc. 25. Tucson Tabernacle 26. Teen Challenge of Arizona 27. C Nash Elementary School 28. PSE Archery Factory 29. St. Michael Ukranian Catholic Church 30. La Parilla Souza 31. Sonoran Aikikai 32. Ghost Ranch Lodge 33. Gospel Rescue Mission 34. Monterey Court 35. Artemis Design 36. Caring Ministries 37. Sharing Ministries Basptist Church 38. Santa Rosa Mission

Miracle Mile 32

34

33

35

8

31 29

26

Oracle Rd.

0

Fairview Ave.

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7

27

25 24 23

22 21

Grant Rd. 13

14

16

ta San

15

12

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36

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38

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Stone Ave.

6

Oracle Rd.

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Stone Ave.

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28

30

3 2

Speedway Blvd.

site boundary

.25 MI

.5 MI

N 49

Data Collection : Parks and Play The purpose of the Parks and Play map is to identify the existing municipal parks in the Oracle area neighborhoods.

Inventory of park features is also included to help in further identifying needs within the community associated with open space, park access and access to play or recreational equipment. A quarter mile radius from park center is added to illustrate park accessibility from surrounding neighborhood context.

1. Francisco Elias Esquer Park - 278,871 SF (1) Sport Court (1) Shaded Playground (1) Shaded Ramada

*Prop 407 Improvements New walking path with bridge Resurface Sport Court $327,340 investment

2. Manuel Valenzuela Alvarez Park - 9,164 SF (1) Playground

Shade structure for playground $48,150 investment

3. Richey Elementary School Park - 13,961 SF (2) Sport Courts (1) Playground 4. Balboa Heights Park - 76,230 SF (1) Sport Court (1) Playground (1) Splash Pad

Shade structure for playground $48,150 investment

5. Jacinto Park - 53,797 SF (1) Sport Court (1) Playground

Renovate Sport Court surface Repair Irrigation System $23,445 investment

6. Laguna Park - 7,950 SF (1) Shaded Playground

* Proposition 407 is a 2018 bond that will generate $225 million for improving City park amenities over the course of nine years from 2020 to 2028.

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Miracle Mile

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Stone Ave.

Grant Road Wash

4

Oracle Rd.

Fairview Ave.

0

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5

Grant Rd.

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Bronx Wash

Stone Ave.

1

Oracle Rd.

uz

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2

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Speedway Blvd.

parks site boundary

.25 MI

.5 MI

N 51

Data Collection : Tree Canopy, Brownfields and Extreme Heat Vulnerability The following map highlights areas across the project boundary that have tree canopy densities ranging from zero to seven percent. According to Pima Association of Governments priority green infrastructure tools, target tree canopies for Tucson should be at densities of 20 percent. Given the lack of tree canopy within these neighborhoods, populations may be more vulnerable to the effects of urban heat island, severe flooding or other extreme weather events. The area also has several EPA brownfield sites that may represent negative impacts to public health for the adjacent neighborhoods. A 2000’ boundary is added in reference to studies at University of Cincinnati that found a reduction in property values associated with proximity to brownfield*. Blocks outlined in pink represents extreme heat vulnerable populations as identified by the Arizona Department of Health. These are typically elderly or young individuals living in poverty.

Brownfield Site - on the parcel directly south of the Tucson House, highlights typical conditions of historic industrial use - highly impervious and lacking significant vegetation.

* Research from the University of Cincinnati just published in the March 2018 issue of the Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management measures the impact of brownfields on nearby residential property values in the City of Cincinnati. (Brownfields are abandoned business or industrial sites with either potential or proven on-site pollutants.)

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Stone Ave.

Oracle Rd.

0

e1 tat ers Int

Fairview Ave.

Miracle Mile

Grant Rd.

ta San

r

Stone Ave.

Tucson House Brownfield

Oracle Rd.

uz

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Speedway Blvd.

heat vulnerable population EPA brownfield 0-7% tree canopy site boundary

.25 MI

.5 MI

N 53

community engagement Several community engagement opportunities were made available through partnership with the Arizona State University School (ASU) of Social Work and their Community Based Crime Reduction (CBCR) project.

Participation in these community meetings and events helped in developing a better understanding of the Oracle area neighborhood groups and establishing community connections.

rd 3 Wa

ash • Tina Hanselb en hli / N e /B bH arr o B i

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Listening Asking questions Being there

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Site assessment through community engagement ASU School of Social Work Partnership In Spring 2018 Design Studio 4 at CAPLA was introduced to the ASU School of Social Work’s CBCR project. Continuing this relationship post studio provided the opportunity to for involvement in the public processes associated with ASU’s CBCR community outreach. Attendance at (4) visioning sessions located to engage members from the various neighborhood groups, (2) community cleanups and the Fall festival at Nash Elementary school were an invaluable opportunity to interact with, listen to and learn from the Oracle area neighborhood groups.

Conversations and introductions to various community members became the foundations for the community engagement component which led to the final site selections, assessments and design proposals.

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Making Community Connections After initial introductions to the various stakeholders listed above I continued to reach out, stay in touch and further the conversations that had been initiated. I was careful to clearly express my intent, which was to work alongside community members to propose small scale, attainable community improvements that sought to respond to community feedback relating to wants, needs and concerns. In an effort to avoid planning exhaustion within the community, I sought out a small group of community leaders with whom I hoped to work with more closely in the early planning, ideation, resource identification and site selection phase of the community design proposals. It was important to me that the designs had tangible outcomes prior to extending engagement to a larger group.

Ba rr i

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Identify resources Goals and objectives Design ideas Site identification

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Finalize design Evaluate design Process Reflection Transfer responsibility

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Site selection and design process Project Development / Site Selection Weekly and monthly one-on-one meetings, and Tucson House, Miracle Manor and Barrio Blue Moon neighborhood group meetings presented opportunities to discuss potential community improvement projects. In researching possible resources for project implementation, theTucson Clean and Beautiful (TCB) Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Grant was identified.

The Grant provides neighborhood groups with funding for stormwater harvesting, tree canopy and pedestrian improvements. The idea of framing our proposed improvement projects to meet the goals of TCB’s grant was well received by community leaders . Aligning the early phase of the project proposals to TCB’s grant helped establish the desired tangibility and feasibility of the proposals.

Next Steps / Future Phases Final designs associated with this project represent early phasing of final community visions. Funding acquired through TCB grants will support the construction of phase one for both sites. Ideally this will be the initiation of projects that can grow and evolve into truly unique and special spaces alongside the community members who will act as stewards and leaders of the sites. This will require transferring some responsibility from myself, the designer, into the hands of the community stakeholders. This transfer of ownership has proven difficult but the process is initiated through partnerships with ASU School of Social Work, City of Tucson Housing and Community Development, Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood, Tucson House and Miracle Manor Neighborhood.

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Community Engagement : Resource Identification, Design Direction, Site Selection

Resource Identification Tucson Clean and Beautiful’s (TCB) Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Grant is made available to community groups in Tucson with funding of up to $45,000 available in each ward.

Grant proposals are evaluated based on positive impacts to human health, environmental health, and community well-being. Specifically, the grants fund projects that help to manage stormwater, mitigate urban heat island effect, establish tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, restore urban wildlife habitat and promote pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Design Direction The identification of TCB’s Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Grant helped to narrow and focus design direction. Green Infrastructure (GI) projects offer a host of benefits that can address many of the environmental issues identified through site assessment.

Layering GI design strategies with enhancements to social well being through increased active and passive recreational opportunities would also respond to many of the community identified issues discussed during ASU visioning sessions and neighborhood group meetings.

Site Selection Site selections were based on community inputs and in response to community identified needs. Working with residents from the Tucson House and Miracle Manor, two sites were chosen for grant applications. Adjacent to Tucson House, Francisco Elias Esquer Park was selected as an opportunity to improve safety, comfort and environmental health. The southern block of Nash Elementary School was also selected and presents opportunities to introduce much needed shade, capitalize on stormwater flows, improve pedestrian experience and establish a beautiful community space.

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Francisco Elias Esquer Park : 1331 N 14th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Nash Elementary School Southern Walkway : 515 W Kelso St, Tucson, AZ 85705

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site scale analysis V1. Francisco Elias Esquer Park Site Photos A photo inventory of the park helps to identify site constraints and opportunities. The roject proposal will be focused on the back section of the park adjacent to the existing seating area.

Tucson House

Bronx Wash

Tucson House Access

Area Used for Dogwalking

Bailey’s Fabrics

Seating Area

V2. View from park entry Site lines towards back of park are obstructed by vegetation and buildings.

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V3. Native Vegetation Undisturbed areas adjacent to Bronx Wash are lush with native vegetation and wildlife.

V4. Trash in Bronx Wash Bronx Wash is littered with trash, clothing and other pollutants.

V1. Nash Elementary Southern Sidewalk Site Photos The Nash Elementary sidewalk site photos highlight potential pedestrian connections to Jacinto Park, opportunities to improve student pickup experience and establish new community space.

Nash Schoolyard

Student Pickup Area Non ADA Walkway

V2. Jacinto Park Walkway is directly adjacent to Jacinto Park entry and Miracle Manor neighborhood sign.

V3. Flood damage Entry to Nash Elementary parking lot shows signs of flood damage.

Compacted Soil

School Bus Stop

V4. Unshaded walkway Walkway that spans nearly 500’ is hot, unshaded and uncomfortable for pedestrians.

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Site Scale Analysis : Francisco Elias Esquer Park Community Leaders : Community Partners :

Lonnie Lee Bailey, Marianna Collins, Tina Hansleben Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Tucson House, Barrio Blue Moon Tucson Police Department (TPD), Ward 3 , Arizona State University

Key Assessment Takeaways • Pima Association of Governments (PAG) identified critical wash area • (PAG) identified 12% tree shade canopy • runoff flows from Tucson House, Bailey’s Fabrics across site causing erosion • shaded seating area heavily used by Tucson House residents • limited visibility in NE corner of park due to Bailey’s Fabrics location • dead end path at seating area discourages circulation to back of park • TPD crime hotspot V3

Area of Interest • high use from Tucson House residents • Tucson House residents feel unsafe in this section of the park • runoff flows present opportunity for GI enhancements • opportunity to encourage increased circulation, park usage and wildlife habitat

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on Br

N. 15th Ave

area of interest park access circulation stormwater flow

h

as W x

W. Mabel St

Southwest Key Program Casa Oracle

V4

Tucson House

ea s

seat

V1

d

ha d e

ing ar

Bailey’s Fabrics and Supply

Blue Moon Community Garden

N. 14th Ave

V2

100 FT

200 FT N 61

Site Scale Analysis : Nash Elementary School Southern Sidewalk Community Leaders : Community Partners :

Isabel Walker. Christina White Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Miracle Manor Neighborhood, EC Nash Elementary, Ward 3, Arizona State University

Key Assessment Takeaways • (PAG) identified priority GI location • (PAG) extreme heat vulnerability • (PAG) identified 0-7% tree shade canopy • runoff from Jacinto st causes flooding and erosion • southern walkway lacks shade and vegetation • important pedestrian connection to Jacinto Park and Nash Area of Interest • opportunity to engage community and Nash elementary students • runoff flows present opportunity for GI enhancements • opportunity to improve circulation and connection to Jacinto Park • create shaded area in close proximity to school bus stop and student pickup • improve ADA accessibility of sidewalk

N. 15th Ave

Jacinto Park s n ak

area of interest circulation stormwater flow

62

pture

c e s ul

* Flooding issues at driveway

V2

W. Jacinto St V3

EC Nash Elementary School

N. 14th Ave

* School Bus Stop

V4 V1

50 FT

100 FT N 63

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DESIGN APPLICATION Arriving at the design application phase of this project has been the result of a long and at times indirect community engagement process spanning from Spring of 2018 to Spring of 2019.

Opportunities to engage with a diverse range of community members and stakeholders were made available through several ASU CBCR events, smaller one-on-one meetings, neighborhood group meetings and community celebrations. While this form of community engagement may be non-traditional, it allowed for the development of sincere, personal relationships with community members that informed and influenced the final design directions. This was intended to experiment with ways that we as designers can engage with the community to inform a ‘less prescriptive than usual’ design approach. The following sections highlight the design concept development, final designs and community resources associated with the Francisco Elias Esquer Park and Nash Elementary School proposals.

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concept development

Problems safety concerns high crime rates drug use urban heat island flooding pollution ADA accessibility lack of recreation lack of vegetation

Framework social opportunities

recreation, community capacity building and community engagement

health benefits neighborhood, human and environmental improvements

aesthetic enhancements cues to care, community pride and improved maintenance

Problems and Framework After completing data analysis and community engagement, several patterns of issues identified within the Oracle neighborhoods emerged. Residents repeatedly expressed concerns related to safety, high rates of crime, homelessness and drug use. Data analysis and community conversations also highlighted many additional environmental issues like flooding, heat vulnerability, urban heat island effect and tree canopy deficiencies. In an effort to propose layered design solutions that address these problems, a framework was developed to help distill the issues. The framework criteria respond directly to community identified and data driven issues while providing a necessary structure for the design concept elements. First the design concept should promote social opportunities that help in building community capacity. Next it should improve neighborhood, human and environmental health. Lastly, aesthetic enhancements can highlight community ownership through the concept of cues to care while building community pride and stewardship.

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Concept Solution stormwater harvesting urban wildlife habitat community art community collaboration passive recreation ADA improvements

grant alignment + project tangibility

increased tree canopy

Concept Solution and Additional Considerations Concept solutions directly and indirectly respond to community identified and data informed issues while also meeting the three framework criteria. Additional considerations in the final concepts were that the proposals needed to align with Tucson Clean and Beautiful’s Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Grant and the project goal of tangibility. Each project proposal concept features stormwater harvesting, urban wildlife habitat creation, native tree canopy enhancements and pedestrian improvements meeting all criteria for the TCB grant. To address the concept of tangibility, the project scales have been intentionally small when compared to the extents of the project boundaries. These projects are intended to generate initiative and momentum within the community. Through incremental changes we can begin the process of achieving larger scale visions of community improvement. When realized, these projects will serve as demonstrations and precedents that can hopefully help other community members in their efforts to impact planning and design in their neighborhoods.

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project narratives

Francisco Elias Esquer Park : Project Narrative The Francisco Elias Esquer Park proposal seeks to respond to community needs for an enhanced and safer community space, additional passive recreational opportunities and improved environmental health.

The specific improvements are proposed in the northern section of the park which is directly connected to the Tucson House, the largest subsidized housing complex in Tucson. Many of the residents at the Tucson House are elderly or disabled, so the park is an important social and recreational amenity and opportunity to connect with nature. Park improvements will include a newly defined ADA accessible walking trail that will create a returning loop to existing park circulation, stormwater harvesting, enhanced bird habitat and other elements to improve aesthetics and provide public education. Green infrastructure elements will capture and filter stormwater flows from adjacent parking lots prior to daylighting into the Bronx wash. Additional enhancements address public safety by focusing on increased recreational amenities to promote positive activities and further engagement for the Tucson House community, Barrio Blue Moon neighborhood and all other park users.

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Nash Elementary School Walkway : Project Narrative Located on the Southern walkway of the Nash Elementary School block, this project proposal introduces pedestrian enhancements, stormwater harvesting and wildlife habitat within a new linear park like setting.

With direct adjacency to Jacinto Park and Miracle Manor neighborhood, the linear park serves as an improved pedestrian connection and establishes a much needed and beautiful community space. Simple low-cost seating boulders will allow pedestrians to stop and rest in the shade. Stormwater harvesting elements include six curb cuts and large basins that will be planted with native shade trees and understory plantings to promote pollinator habitat. Basins are capable of harvesting up to 3000 gallons of stormwater which will help to mitigate some of the flood damage that is occurring downstream from the site. Given the proximity to Nash Elementary, the project proposes to engage school students in monitoring, stewardship and further phases. The Nash Elementary schoolyard chain link fence can also serve as a weaving platform for student and community art projects. Additional accessibility improvements include a proposed ADA accessible inlet to the walkway and highlighted street crossings.

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final plans Project Site: Community Leaders: Community Partners :

Francisco Elias Esquer Park Lonnie Lee Bailey, Marianna Collins, Tina Hansleben Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Tucson House, Tucson Police Department (TPD), Ward 3 , Barrio Blue Moon Neighborhood Association, ASU

Project Goals • Harvest runoff from adjacent buildings to improve water quality and create bird habitat • Improve park experience for Tucson House, Barrio Blue Moon and general public • Encourage more recreational activity in North East section of Esquer Park Proposed Park Improvements 1. Stormwater harvesting basins with plantings to establish bird habitat 2. Looping stabilized ADA accessible decomposed granite walking path 3. Community Art mural on Bailey’s Fabrics northern wall Associated Activities Walking, dog walking, birdwatching, community group meeting spaces, stormwater harvesting, gardening, community art, neighborhood park programming

7’ ADA Walking Path

Bird Habitat Plantings

Stormwater Harvesting Basins

Connection to Tucson House Connection to Park Trail

Existing Seating

Mural Wall

70

200 l.f. looping trail enhances park circulation

TA T

2000 s.f. bird habitat creates birdwatching opportunities

CO

E HABI

M

NITY ART M MU AL

Community Art Mural brings more users to site

sh Wa x n

Bro

Tucson House Parking

ite

ct s

je pro

Stormwater Basins

ist

ing

Pa th

Existing Seating

Ex

STO R

W

LIF ILD

UR

ALKING AW PA AD

TH

G

+ 7,500 gal. stormwater harvesting capacity

IN ST

M

TER HARV E WA

Mural wall

Bailey’s Fabrics and Supply

stormwater flow drainage pipe 30 FT

N

Final Plan Details : Francisco Elias Esquer Park

ct se

6.

ion 4.

3.

1.

2.

5.

Section and Typologies The following section helps to clarify spatial relationships of the newly proposed path, stormwater harvesting basins and bird habitat to existing park amenities. Typologies provide further detail to the proposed elements within the design, highlighting community collaboration and engagement within the process.

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Riparian Buffer

New 7’ Path

1. Wildlife Habitat Work towards establishing Audubon certified bird habitat promoting new park usage and public education.

2. Water Harvesting Collect runoff from Bailey’s parking and roof for new plantings and improved water quality.

3. Community Collaboration Work with community from design process into installation to promote ownership and pride.

4. ADA Walking Trail Accessible walking trail to enhance existing park circulation and provide new walking loop for community use.

5. Community Art Mural Work with artists from Tucson House and Barrio Blue Moon to design mural for Bailey’s wall.

6. Passive Recreation New seating along trail to expand passive recreation opportunity and bring users closer to wash.

Bird Habitat and Water Harvesting

Existing Seating Area

Mural Wall

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“ Increasing the abundance and diversity of desirable wildlife in the city need not be expensive and need not be undertaken for the sole benefit of wildlife. The design and use of an area for wildlife habitat is compatible with many other urban functions like flood control and sewage treatment, climate modification and air quality management, erosion prevention, forestry and recreation. “ -Anne Whiston Spirn, The Granite Garden

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final plans Project Site: Community Leaders : Community Partners :

Nash Elementary School Walkway Isabel Walker, Christina White Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Miracle Manor Neighborhood, EC Nash Elementary, Ward 3, ASU

Project Goals • Harvest runoff from W. Jacinto street and introduce native shade trees and pollinator plants • Establish new linear pedestrian connections to Nash Elementary and Jacinto park • Engage diverse neighborhood stakeholder group in installation, monitoring and stewardship of proposed ‘linear park’ Proposed Sidewalk Improvements 1. Stormwater harvesting basins to aid in stormwater management and water quality 2. Planting to establish shade canopy, pollinator habitat and neighborhood education and engagement 3. Linear pedestrian corridor linking Nash Elementary and Jacinto park to broader neighborhood 4. ADA accessibility improvements and highlighted street crossings

N

W

E HABI

TA T

Native plants build pollinator habitat

Existing Solar Panel

project site Connection to Jacinto Park

stormwater flow 76

N CONNE RIA C T S

350 l.f. shaded corridor improves neighborhood connectivity

NS

12 new native trees improve site health and comfort

LIF ILD

PE D E

NA

SHADE CA

TIO

G

+ 3,000 gal. stormwater harvesting capacity

VE TI

Y OP

M

TER HARV E WA IN ST

STO R

Associated Activities Walking, gardening, plant and stormwater education, community group meeting spaces, butterfly gardening, stormwater harvesting, community art, neighborhood park programming

Native Shade Tree Shaded Pedestrian Corridor

Rock Edging

Stormwater Harvesting Basin Deep Hardwood Mulching

Pollinator Habitat

Curb Cut

5 FT

Connection to Nash Elementary

W. Jacinto St

N. 14th Ave

Nash Elementary Lawn and Playground

40 FT

N

Final Plan Details : Nash Elementary Southern Walkway

Street Inlet

2’ Setback

Rock Lined Basin

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Nash School Yard

section

Section and Typologies The sidewalk section illustrates proposed basin depth of 6”- 10” below street level, as well as the width of adjacent walkway. Given the limitations in sidewalk width, tree species and understory selections must be prioritized based on growth form. Typologies help to provide further detail to proposed elements and visualize community design ideas.

6’ Wide Pedestrian Path

4.

2. Fence Art Explore ways to enhance Nash Elementary’s chain link fence with community art.

3. Community Seating Informal landscape elements that are designed to promote community comfort and congregation.

4. Community Collaboration Work with community from design process into installation to promote ownership and pride.

5. Pedestrian Improvements Highlight and improve accessibility of pedestrian crossings between project site, Jacinto park and school.

6. Community Message Board Create space for Miracle Manor Community group to post and share information.

N. 14th Ave

1. Wildlife Habitat Work toward establishing pollinator habitat and Monarch Waystation with community and school.

2.

3.

6.

1.

W. Jacinto St

5.

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“ To many, observing the activities of wildlife, their foraging and eating, their mating and nest building, is an entree to the mysteries of the natural world. As such, that door must not be closed. “ -Anne Whiston Spirn, The Granite Garden

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design resources Following the project proposals and grant applications, additional resources have been developed to support the realization of community design visions. This is intended to promote accessibility and engagement throughout all aspects of the design process. Native plant selection guides can help community members in selecting appropriate plants and to introduce some of the common Sonoran desert pollinator or bird species.

Landscape layering provides definitions and design guidelines throughout the planting phases. Additional details are intended to provide examples of ways in which we can educate the community while instilling further ownership and understanding in the construction process.

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NATIVE PLANT SELECTION GUIDE : BIRD HABITAT The bird habitat plant selection guide provides resources to assist in selecting native, drought tolerant and beautiful plants that will aid in the development of bird habitat. A selection of common urban birds highlights the exciting bird species that community members could expect to see in their landscape.

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COMMON BIRDS

Cardinal

Cactus Wren

UNDERSTORY

MIDSTORY

CANOPY

Plant

Curved Bill Thrasher

Verdin

Resource

Gila Woodpecker

Lesser Gold Finch

Exposure

Cooper’s Hawk

Vermillion Flycatcher

Water

Gambel’s Quail

Albert’s Towhee

Seasonality

Acacia constricta Acacia greggii Celtis reticulata Chilopsis linearis Condalia warnockii Dodonea viscosa Olneya tesota Parkinsonia florida Parkinsonia microphylla Prosopis velutina

full sun full sun sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial full sun sun / partial full sun full sun

May - August April - October March - April April - August March - April February - October May - June April - May March - May April

Atriplex canescens Baccharis sarothroides Celtis pallida Cylindropuntia fulgida Cylindropuntia versicolor Fouquieria splendens Larrea tridentata Lycium fremontii Opuntia engelmannii Ziziphus obtusifolia

full sun full sun sun / partial sun / partial full sun full sun full sun sun / partial full sun sun / partial

July - August September - February February - May April - May May March - June March - April January - March April - June May - September

Anisacanthus thurberi Baileya multiradiata Calliandra eriophylla Encelia farinosa Epilobium canum Justicia californica Justicia candicans Penstemon parryi Thymophylla pentachaeta Zinnia acerosa

sun / partial full sun sun / partial full sun sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial full sun

February - May March - October October - May November - May June - December February - May February - October March - April March - September March - October 85

NATIVE PLANT SELECTION GUIDE : POLLINATOR HABITAT The pollinator habitat plant selection guide provides resources to assist in selecting native, drought tolerant and beautiful plants that will aid in the development of pollinator habitat. A selection of common urban pollinators highlights a range of pollinators from butterflies, to birds, to moths and other insects.

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POLLINATORS

Monarch Butterfly

Cloudless Sulphur

Pipevine Swallowtail

Queen Butterfly

UNDERSTORY

MIDSTORY

CANOPY

Plant

Lesser Long Nosed Bat

Yucca Moth

Pollinator

Sphinx Moth

Carpenter Bee

Exposure

White Winged Dove

Anna’s Hummingbird

Water

Seasonality

Acacia greggii Carnegia gigantea Celtis reticulata Chilopsis linearis Eysenhardtia orthocarpa Hyptis emoryi Olneya tesota Parkinsonia mycrophylla Prosopis velutina Yucca elata

full sun sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial sun / partial full sun full sun full sun full sun

April - October May - June March - April April - August May - October January - December May - June March - May April May - July

Agave parryi Anisicanthus thurberi Baccharis sarothroides Celtis pallida Cylindropuntia bigelovii Dasylirion wheeleri Ferocactus wislizenni Fouquieria splendens Larrea tridentata Opuntia engelmannii

part shade sun / partial full sun sun / partial full sun sun / partial full sun full sun full sun full sun

June - August February - May March - May February - May February - May May - August July - September March - June March - April April - June

Asclepias linaria Asclepias subulata Calliandra eriophylla Dalea pulchra Lupinus arizonicus Penstemon parryi Senna covesii Sphaeralcea ambigua Thymophylla pentachaeta Zinnia acerosa

sun / partial full sun sun / partial sun / partial full sun sun / partial full sun sun / partial sun / partial full sun

March - November April - October October - May February - May January - May March - April April - October Year round March - September March - October 87

PLANTING DESIGN : A LAYERED LANDSCAPE The landscape layering diagram provides simplified information regarding planting design, ecosystem services as well as strategies to provide appropriate habitat for target wildlife. Information provided will help to further engage community members throughout the design process while providing educational opportunities regarding the importance of vegetation, habitat and wildlife in our urban landscapes.

CANOPY • provide shade and mitigation of urban heat island effect • intercepts, captures and infiltrates stormwater • pollution mitigation and carbon sequestration • serves as wildlife habitat for nesting and shelter • wildlife food and forage resource

MIDSTORY • also can be described as the shrub layer • provides coverage, nesting, shelter and food resources for wildlife • intercepts, captures and infiltrates stormwater • at eye level - good opportunity to introduce accent plantings • accent plantings can help to build structural diversity

UNDERSTORY • provides coverage, nesting, shelter and food resources for wildlife • seasonal interest can be promoted with the use of wildflower seed mixes • root structure can improve stormwater infiltration • help to stabilize loose soils in areas where erosion may occur.

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COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION DETAILS : Masonry Bench This simple masonry bench can be constructed using a variety of different materials and techniques to achieve the desired finished product. The bench illustrated below is constructed using CMU blocks mortered on top of a concrete footer with a precast concrete cap bench surface.

6’

20�

Materials Needed

Tools Needed masonry twine

cmu block

trowel concrete

level

rebar mortar 90

shovel

cast concrete bench cap

cmu block course two 3/8” mortar joints cmu block base course rebar 6” concrete footer

Construction Steps 1. Clear and prepare the area. Ensure level ground and appropriate location for bench. Dig a trench for the concrete footer at a depth ranging from 4” to 6”. Pour concrete footer and set rebar.

2. Once concrete has cured, apply morter layer for base course of cmu block at a 3/8” thickness. Install first block and continue to apply 3/8” mortar between blocks. Once base course is complete, use a level to verify a level base course.

3. Continue mortaring process with cmu block course two. Once complete, fill cmu block cavities where rebar is located with concrete.

4. The final step will be to mortar cast or precast concrete bench cap into place on top of cmu block courses.

Additional Information https://www.landscapingnetwork.com/walls/retaining-block.html https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-seat-wall/

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CONCLUSION Issues of equity are inherently complex and often deeply rooted historically and socially. It was the intention of this work to first, identify and understand issues of equity in the Oracle neighborhoods, then to work with members from the community through a non-traditional public process in proposing small-scale community projects to address these issues. Through this exploratory process many lessons have been learned. First, in most instances there are resources available to help support struggling communities but the issue lies in connecting those resources to the individuals in need. The design professional can play an important role in framing community needs to align with available resources like grants or non-profit initiatives. Next, it is important to understand that sometimes we do not understand. We are often outsiders within the communities that we are working and while we may live just miles away, the disparities can be vast. For this reason it is important to approach with empathy and caution to develop a deeper and more holistic understanding and approach. Lastly, community engagement and public participation is complicated at times, but when sincere can lead to more comprehensive and more sustainable design solutions. There is much work to be done in seeking strategies to more effectively, democratically and honestly engage with communities through participatory design. Each community and their history is unique and as such, community engagement should respond to and embrace this singularity. Continued dissatisfaction and questioning within the processes associated with participatory design will be a key tool in evolving the practice.

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final thoughts Research Question and Definition Revisited In exploring the question of ‘How can we promote equity in our communities?’, this was specifically addressing the role and responsibility of the landscape architect in this process. Upon reflection of the process associated with this project, it is clear that while landscape architecture plays an important role, successes associated with the two project proposals are more accurately attributed to the many active and engaged stakeholders involved in the work. For this reason it is important to re-define the ‘we’ in the research question to include the following individuals: Nadia Rubicek ASU School of Social Work CBCR Project Coordinator

Katie Gannon Tucson Clean and Beautiful Program Director

Lonnie Lee Bailey Tucson House Community Leader

Tina Hanselben Barrio Blue Moon President

Marianna Collins Tucson House Resident Council President

Bob Hehli Nash Elementary Principal

Isabel Walker Miracle Manor President

Sarah Launius Ward 3 Council Aide

Christina White Miracle Manor Resident

Officer Pope Officer Ashley Tucson Police Dept.

Allison Miller Housing and Development Lead Planner City of Tucson

Kelly Cederberg Assistant Professor University of Arizona CAPLA

It is with sincere and heartfelt gratitude that I would like to recognize each of these individuals. You have selflessly shared your time, knowledge and skills in a collective effort to see change within the Oracle communities. The lessons learned from each of you have been impactful in their applications to this project and work. It is through a process of working together and sharing our knowledge and our tools that we can begin to promote equity in our communities. Even if incremental, there is great value in embracing the small.

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project updates Both projects have been submitted and accepted for funding through Tucson Clean and Beautiful’s Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Grant. The Nash Elementary School Project is scheduled for Phase One construction in early June 2019. This will include 12 shade trees and the construction of six large stormwater harvesting basins. The Amphi School District facilities department has generously donated an irrigation system to support the project. Future phasing discussions are currently underway. The Francisco Elias Esquer proposal has yet to move into construction scheduling. Lead Planner at the City of Tucson’s Housing and Development Department Allison Miller has written for additional grant funding through AARP program that supports quality of life and health improvements for seniors.

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Cole Bradley | Thursday, June 07. “Treedom Transforms Vacant Lot and Grows Community in Uptown-Pinch.” High Ground, www.highgroundnews.com/features/TreedomUptown.aspx.

Holstein, Amara. “Phoenix Renews.” Build a Better Burb, 25 July 2017, buildabetterburb.org/phoenix-renews/.

“Low Impact Development.” Low Impact Development - Pima County, webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=65263.

“MMDC.” MMDC, www.mdcollaborative.org/.

“On the South Side, a New Playground Is a Symbol for Peace.” Chicago CRED, www.chicagocred.org/south-sideplayground-gang-truce/.

“Oracle Area Revitalization Plan (OARP).” Official Website of the City of Tucson, 30 Oct. 2015, www.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/ oracle-area-revitalization-plan-oarp.

“Parisite DIY: The Struggle for New Orleans First Public Skatepark.” Juice Magazine, 19 Apr. 2015, juicemagazine.com/home/ parisite-diy-the-struggle-for-new-orleans-first-public-skatepark/.

“Penn State Landscape Architecture Professor Wins Knight Cities Challenge.” Penn State University, news.psu.edu/ story/350745/2015/03/31/academics/penn-state-landscape-architecture-professor-wins-knight-cities.

“Pullman Peace Park Build Day Community Event - Englewood Portal.” - Englewood Portal, www.englewoodportal.org/ calendar/15899.

Webster, Richard A. “New Orleans Parisite Skatepark Gets City Planning Commission Approval.” Nola.com, Nola.com, 6 June 2014, www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/06/new_orleans_parisite_skatepark.html.

Zachry, Emily. “Treedom: New Art Installation Coming to the Medical Arts District.” Choose901, 29 May 2018, choose901. com/treedom-new-art-installation-coming-to-the-medical-arts-district/.

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Images

Unless listed below, all other images are those of the author.

Case Studies Section PHX Renews https://kjzz.org/content/431817/project-leaders-share-stories-about-shuttering-phoenix-community-garden http://buildabetterburb.org/phoenix-renews/ http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/arts/report/120413_community_gardens/more-than-veggies-growing-communitygardens/ Vacant to Vibrant https://landscapearchitecturemagazine.org/2018/08/02/lots-of-opportunity/ Parasite DIY Skatepark https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parasite-diy-skatepark http://small.tulane.edu/project/parisite-skate-park/ Treedom http://www.highgroundnews.com/features/TreedomUptown.aspx Pullman Peace Park https://www.fhpaschen.com/pullman-peace-park/ Urban Arboreta http://www.cityparksphila.org/projects/urban-arboreta/ Blue Moon Community Garden http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article-a.php?number=16952 http://www.zocalomagazine.com/blue-moon-community-garden/ Conserve 2 Enhance https://uanews.arizona.edu/story/ua-program-promotes-smart-water-use-in-arizona-and-beyond https://conserve2enhance.org/tucson

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Appendix A : TCB Grant Information Pamphlet

www.tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org tcb@tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE STORMWATER HARVESTING PROGRAM

Who We Are Tucson Clean & Beautiful Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and improve our environment, conserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of life throughout the Tucson metropolitan area. The organization’s educational and hands-on, volunteer-driven programs enable area residents to join together to build community and create visible, sustained improvement to our unique desert environment.

Each year the organization’s staff provide tools and resources to support the efforts of a diverse base of more than 300 volunteer groups who together represent thousands of volunteers in our community. These groups are helping every day to recycle, clean up litter, remove buffelgrass and other invasive species, plant native and desertadapted shade trees, and harvest and conserve water. Join us today!

Like us on our social networks to stay informed.

(520) 791-3109 tucsonaz.gov/water/nsgi youtube.com/tucsonwater Scan

Esta información está disponible en Español. Por favor llame al (520) 791-4331

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NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE STORMWATER HARVESTING PROGRAM

For More Information

Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting The Program Tucson Water has partnered with Tucson Clean & Beautiful (TCB) to have TCB administer a neighborhood stormwater harvesting grant program. This program is to provide neighborhoods with resources to plan and implement neighborhood-scale stormwater harvesting installations within a City of Tucson public area, such as roadway rights-of-way, parks and open space (including Homeowners Association common areas).

Neighborhood stormwater harvesting, when coupled with vegetation plantings, provide community benefits by increasing urban tree canopy, providing stormwater management, mitigating urban heat island effects, and enhancing neighborhood walkability and safety through traffic calming.

Selection Process

Background & Additional Resources

Projects will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee for the following elements:

Mayor and Council approved funding for a Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting program in 2016 utilizing funds from the Water Conservation Fee. Tucson Clean & Beautiful (TCB), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, with a history of managing community-based projects, has been contracted to provide administrative oversight of the selection and implementation of projects. A separate selection committee will review, score and award projects. TCB will develop a list of qualifying landscape contractors and match projects with contractors. TCB, working with the selected neighborhood group, will provide contract management and oversight for completion of projects.

•

Human health: mitigation of urban heat islands, increasing tree canopy, underserved/heatvulnerable neighborhoods;

•

Environmental health: stormwater management, restore and increase urban environmental habitat, water conservation;

•

Community safety/welfare: neighborhood beautification, traffic calming for pedestrian/bicyclist safety; and

•

Develop capacity for neighborhood pride and commitment for long term maintenance.

Funding available for initial round of projects: maximum $45,000 per Ward, plus Mayor’s selection; single or multiple projects. TCB available to assist with grant application and/or feedback on project site selection.

Application materials are available at www.tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org or call (520) 791-3109 to obtain an application packet.

The neighborhood scale stormwater projects shall feature passive water harvesting techniques. Additional information about these techniques are listed in the •

City/County Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one. aspx?pageId=65263) and also in

•

City Water Harvesting Guidance Manual: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/transportati on/206WaterHarvesting.pdf

Proposal Requirement Checklist Requirement

Completed

1. Location: Within City of Tucson public areas & Tucson Water service area

3

2. Total budget not to exceed $45,000

3

3. Letter of Support from project area Ward office (Council, Mayor)

3

4. Letter of support from other governing entity/ managing department (HOA, Parks, School, Transportation)

3

5. Signed consent by abutting property owner (if applicable)

3

6. Blue stake project area to check for utilities 7. TCB Adopt-A-Street/Area application completed 8. Completed Neighborhood Stormwater Harvesting Program Application

3 3 3

Apply Today!

Informational meeting dates can be found online at: www.tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org Questions call us at (520) 791-4331 or email: tcb@tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org

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Appendix B : TCB Grant Request for Proposal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 2019 NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE STORMWATER HARVESTING PROGRAM Introduction Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Inc. by formal agreement with the City of Tucson Water Department invites registered neighborhood associations, community/neighborhood groups (including non-profit organizations) and incorporated homeowner associations within the Tucson City limits to submit proposals for neighborhood scale green infrastructure project grants. Registered neighborhood associations are those officially registered with the City of Tucson. Neighborhood scale stormwater harvesting program grants are available within each Tucson Council Ward. Maximum grant award for each ward is $45,000. Multiple smaller awards up to $45,000 may be awarded.

The overall objective of this program is to provide neighborhoods with appropriate resources to plan and implement neighborhood scale stormwater harvesting installations within a City of Tucson public area or homeowner association common area – roadway right of way, park, or open space. The benefits of neighborhood scale stormwater harvesting, when coupled with tree/vegetation plantings include: carbon offsets; energy conservation; enhanced recreation and walkability; increased property values; improved air quality; enhanced quality of life; neighborhood sense of place; pavement preservation; restored ecosystems/increased habitat; increased shade/tree canopy; mitigation of urban heat islands; stormwater management capturing small event runoff; and neighborhood safety through traffic calming.

Project evaluation and final selection will be reviewed for the following elements: (1) human health: mitigation of urban heat island, increase tree canopy, underserved and heat vulnerable neighborhoods; (2) environmental health: stormwater management, restore and increase urban environmental habitat, water conservation and (3) community safety/welfare: neighborhood beautification, traffic calming for safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, and (4) develop capacity for neighborhood pride and commitment for long-term maintenance. The neighborhood scale stormwater harvesting projects shall feature passive water harvesting techniques to achieve stated goals. Techniques for stormwater harvesting and low impact development are listed in the City/County Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual (https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=65263) and also in the City’s Water Harvesting Guidance Manual (https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/transportation/2006WaterHarvesting.pdf).

Background Mayor and Council in 2016 approved funding a Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Program utilizing funds from the Water Conservation Fee. Tucson Clean and Beautiful (TCB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to preserve and improve the environment, conserve natural resources, and enhance the quality of life in the City of Tucson and eastern Pima County. TCB has been contracted to provide administrative oversight of the funds, and will coordinate and manage the

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process, selection and implementation of applications for neighborhood projects. TCB has a long history of successfully managing community-based programs.

Neighborhood, groups and homeowner associations will need to define their projects and submit a completed application. A separate Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Program selection/oversight committee will review, score, and award projects. TCB will do a separate request for proposals to develop a list of qualifying landscape contractors from which TCB will match contractors with projects and provide contract management for the implementation of selected neighborhood projects.

Proposal Requirements The Neighborhood Scale Stormwater Harvesting Program will focus on enabling neighborhood, local groups and homeowner associations in the City of Tucson build neighborhood capacity while raising community awareness about outdoor water efficiencies that include green infrastructure, water harvesting, and associated project maintenance.

1. The proposed project must be located within a City of Tucson public area - roadway right-ofway, park, open space; within the Tucson Water service area, 2. Project budget, may not exceed $45,000 per Council Ward, 3. Proposals require a letter of support from the association’s Council Ward office, 4. Letter of support from any other governing jurisdiction (HOA, park, school, etc.), 5. Completed consent form signed by each abutting property owner, 6. Blue stake of project area, 7. Completed and approved TCB Adopt-A-Street project application for project area, and 8. Completed Neighborhood Stormwater Harvesting Program application form.

Although it is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that you attend a free Proposal Workshop at one of the City Ward Offices. The workshops dates and times at each of the Ward offices are attached. At the workshop, the goals of the program, the application items, and application guidance will be provided. Questions regarding the proposal process can be addressed to tom.ellis@tucsonaz.gov .

Proposal Due Date: • Anticipate to select first round of projects by mid-July, • Project implementations to start in July •

Applications will be accepted after the due date if no applications were submitted in the relevant ward, or if additional funds are available in that ward during the 2017 fiscal year.

Depending on anticipated additional submittals, a second date will be set for the Project Selection/Oversight Committee for project reviews.

For workshops, please RSVP to tcb@tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org

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Appendix C : Stormwater Harvesting Details Rock-edged basin, A back-of-curb practice Site selection

Allen Denomy

• Follow site selection guidelines for curb cuts (see handout GI-2) and vegetation (see handout GI-1).

• Minimum width of the right-of-way from the curb to the property line must be 9’.

• Width of earthen area between the curb and sidewalk/path must be at least 6’ wide in areas with on-street parking (5’ without parking).

• Avoid streets with slopes greater than 5%.

• Maintain setbacks from above- and below ground utilities as required by local codes.

• Maintain setbacks from drive ways and street corners to maintain visibility.

Design and construction

Dean Alexander, Blue Agave Designs

• Excavate bottom of basin 10”-12” below the surface of the street and backfill with 2”-4” of mulch. Basins must not allow standing water deeper than 8”. Excavating deeper and backfilling with mulch allows greater stormwater capacity. The top of the mulch must be at least 2” below the curb cut inlet.

• In areas where the slopes of the basin exceed 33%, the edges of the basin must be lined with rock to prevent erosion.

• Basins should be no longer than 20’ in length, with 5’ spacing between basins.

• Maximize the area of level bottom within site constraints to maximize stormwater infiltration.

• In areas with on-street parking, preserve an 18” step-out zone of slightly sloped (1% toward basin) soil or gravel next to curb to allow passengers to step in and out of vehicles.

• Preserve a 1’ slightly sloped (1% toward basin) area next to pedestrian pathway • If sidewalks are not present, preserve a minimum 4’ pedestrian pathway sloped 1% toward the basin in the right-of-way (ROW).

• Curb cut should be both the inlet and the overflow outlet of the basin. To achieve this, the bottom of the curb cut should be at least 4” below any other point along the top edge of the basin down slope from the curb cut.

Continued on back Green infrastructure is a constructed feature that uses natural processes to provide environmental services.

GI-3

Continued from inside

This step is imperative to ensure that overflow exits back onto the street and not onto adjacent properties. The more a site is sloped, the shorter the basin must be to maintain these levels.

• Create planting shelves (raised terraces) along the basin to support native trees and shrubs. Be sure planting shelves do not block flow of storm water along the basin length.

• Use organic mulch (see GI-1) in basin wherever possible. If street experiences severe flooding, gravel mulch may be necessary.

Green Infrastructure for Public Right-of-ways A back-of-curb practice: Rock-Edged Basin Purpose: To collect and infiltrate stormwater from city streets within the right-of-way. Rocks are used to prevent erosion along the steeply sloped sides of the basin.

• It is the adjacent property owner’s responsibility and liability to maintain the right-ofway.

• Observe basin during rain events to evaluate function and make adjustments.

• Periodically remove accumulated trash.

• Add organic mulch to maintain maximum ponding depth of 8” below street surface (annually).

• If rock mulch is used, remove plant debris from mulch surface (1-2 times per year).

• Remove sediment from bottom of basin to retain designed depth. In areas with high sediment loads, consider using sediment traps (see handout GI-2, “Sediment Traps”).

• Check inlet apron, slopes, and edges for erosion and repair/reinforce (annually).

• Prune vegetation to preserve visibility and prevent obstruction of travel lanes and pedestrian pathways.

• Remove undesirable and invasive plants (weeds) on a regular basis.

Adapting the practice to your site • In ROW areas without on-street parking, reduce step-out zone to a minimum of 6”.

• If utilities cross the ROW perpendicularly, use these areas as raised pathways for pedestrians to cross the ROW between basins.

Allen Denomy

Maintenance

• In areas where the ROW is not wide enough, consider creating smaller basins without curb cuts to capture runoff from adjacent sidewalk/path and properties.

PO Box 65953 Tucson, AZ 85728 520.396.3266 www.watershedmg.org City of Tucson, Department of Transportation 201 North Stone Ave, 4th Floor 520.791.5100 dot.tucsonaz.gov Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through the State of Arizona Forestry Division - Urban & Community Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service. (c) 2010 Watershed Management Group

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A green infrastructure practice developed by Watershed Management Group in coordination with City of Tucson Department of Transportation.

Shallow-sloped basin, A back-of-curb practice One option for using curb cuts in areas with wide (9’ or wider) earthen areas between curb and sidewalk is to create basins with shallow slopes that are not lined with rock. These basins are similar in structure and function to basins with rock-lined edges (see handout GI-3), the main difference being the use of sloping sides. Gently sloping sides are generally safer for pedestrian environments and do not require being lined with rock.

Site selection

Allen Denomy

• Follow site selection guidelines for curb cuts (see handout GI-2) and vegetation (see handout GI-1).

• Width of earthen area between the curb and sidewalk/path must be at least 9’ wide in areas with on-street parking (8’ without parking).

• Avoid streets with slopes greater than 5%.

• Maintain setbacks from above- and below ground utilities as required.

• Maintain setbacks from drive ways and street corners to maintain visibility.

Design and construction

Dean Alexander. Blue Agave Designs

• Excavate bottom of basin up to 12” below the surface of the street and backfill with 2”-4” of mulch. Basins must not allow standing water deeper than 8”. Excavating deeper and backfilling with mulch allows greater stormwater capacity. The top of the mulch must be at least 2” below the curb cut inlet).

• Basins should be no longer than 20’ in length, with 5’ spacing between successive basins.

• Maximize the area of level bottom within site constraints to maximize stormwater infiltration.

• In areas with on-street parking, preserve an 18” step-out zone of slightly sloped (1% toward basin) soil or gravel next to curb to allow passengers to step in and out of vehicles.

• Preserve a 1’ slightly sloped (1% toward basin)area next to pedestrian pathway or sidewalk.

• If sidewalks are not present, preserve a minimum 4’ pedestrian pathway sloped 1% toward the basin in the right-of-way (ROW).

• Curb cut should be both the inlet and the overflow outlet of the basin. To achieve this, the bottom of the curb cut should be at least 4” below any other point along the edge of the basin. This step is imperative to ensure that overflow exits back onto the street and not onto adjacent properties. The more a site is sloped, the shorter the basin must be to maintain these levels.

Continued on back

Green infrastructure is a constructed feature that uses natural processes to provide environmental services.

• If utilities cross the ROW perpendicularly, use these areas as raised pathways for pedestrians to cross the ROW between basins.

• If no or very little pedestrian access across the ROW is needed, consider making basins into an elongated swale to increase stormwater capacity.

Allen Denomy

Continued from inside

• Create planting shelves (raised terraces) along the basin to support native trees and shrubs. Be sure planting shelves do not block flow of stormwater along the basin length.

• To preserve visibility, do not plant trees or shrubs that will encroach into travel lanes. A tree canopy may extend over a parking area at a min height of 8’-9 ’, or travel lanes at 14’ .

Materials • Use 4”-8” rock as an inlet apron around curb cuts to reduce erosion.

• Spread 2”-4” layer of organic or rock mulch across basin, including bottom and slopes.

Adapting the practice to your site • In ROW areas without on-street parking, reduce step-out zone to a minimum of 6”.

Green Infrastructure for Public Right-of-ways A back-of-curb practice: Shallow-sloped Basin

Purpose: To collect and infiltrate stormwater from curb cuts from city streets within the right-of-way. Shallow slopes can increase pedestrian safety in high use areas.

Maintenance • It is the adjacent property owner’s responsibility and liability to maintain the right-ofway.

• Observe basin during rain events to evaluate function and make adjustments.

• Periodically remove accumulated trash.

• Add organic mulch to maintain maximum ponding depth of 8” (or designed depth) from street surface (annually).

• If rock mulch is used, remove plant debris from mulch surface (1-2 times per year).

• Remove accumulated sediment from bottom of basin to retain designed depth. In areas with high sediment loads consider using sediment traps (see handout GI-2).

• Check apron, slopes, edges etc. for erosion and repair/reinforce as needed (annually).

• Prune vegetation to preserve visibility and prevent obstruction of travel lanes and pedestrian pathways.

• Remove undesirable and invasive plants (weeds) on a regular basis.

GI-4

PO Box 65953 Tucson, AZ 85728 520.396.3266 www.watershedmg.org City of Tucson, Department of Transportation 201 North Stone Ave, 4th Floor 520.791.5100 dot.tucsonaz.gov Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through the State of Arizona Forestry Division - Urban & Community Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service.

A green infrastructure practice developed by Watershed Management Group in coordination with City of Tucson Department of Transportation.

(c) 2010 Watershed Management Group

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Appendix D : Stakeholder Letters of Support

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Tucson Arizona January 17, 2019

Tucson Clean and Beautiful To whom it may concern, On behalf of the Miracle Manor Neighborhood association I am writing to express support for the proposed Nash Elementary storm water harvesting basins, shade trees and pollinator plantings.

This project will help introduce much needed trees to the neighborhood while creating an important walking corridor to better connect the school and neighborhood to Jacinto Park.

We are also excited for opportunity to engage neighborhood volunteers in building a beautiful space to be proud of.

Respectfully,

Isabel C Walker / President Miracle Manor Neighborhood Association

Phone: (520) 882-5222

Cell: (520) 954-6874

E-fax:

877-870-720-6776

E-mail: miraclemanor05@gmail.com

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Appendix D : Stakeholder Letters of Support

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“ We commit to equitable access and distribution of landscape resources...their costs, benefits, and joys. We will create places that welcome all segments of society, not just the privileged few. We will provide open space equally in every neighborhood.. “ -Randolph Hester, The Declaration of Interdependence