Building a Resilient Kearny United States of America
Arizona PHOENIX
Gila River
GILA RIVER KEARNY
ARIZONA
Kearny
Located near the Gila River in the Copper Basin area, “Building a resilient Kearny” worked hand-in-hand with the Town of Kearny, Arizona and key stake holders to develop a sustainable restoration and community development plan. A thorough investigation of dynamic interactions of social and ecological structure and functions of the Gila River and the Town of Kearny, aided the design in an attempt to mitgigate extreme fire and flood hazards. With an emphasis on community workshops and site analysis, the project was broken down into four systems; Hydrology, Habitat, Recreation, and Trails. Combined, these four systems created a natural balance between social, environmental, and economic outlooks, geared towards a resilient and sustainable design.
Located near the Gila River in the Copper Basin area, “Building a resilient Kearny” worked hand-in-hand with the Town of Kearny, Arizona and key stake holders to develop a sustainable restoration and community development plan. A thorough investigation of dynamic interactions of social and ecological structure and functions of the Gila River and the Town of Kearny, aided the design in an attempt to mitgigate extreme fire and flood hazards. With an emphasis on community workshops and site analysis, the project was broken down into four systems; Hydrology, Habitat, Recreation, and Trails. Combined, these four systems created a natural balance between social, environmental, and economic outlooks, geared towards a resilient and sustainable design.
Hydrology
R
E
V
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R
A
L
I
G
Flood Mitigation & Improving Water Quality
Habitat
Re-Linking Potential Wildlife Corridors
G
Recreational Providing Passive and Active Recreational Space
8
1 4 6 3 2 5
7
Trails Fire Breaks and Trails
AA
B
D
Kearny Masterplan All 4 Systems Incorporated into Building a Resilient Kearny
Highway 177 Highway 177
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I
L
A R
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V
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SYSTEMS
Hydrology Waste Water Treatment Plant Constructed / Stormwater Wetlands
Constructed Wetland Depth 12 in
12 in
Emergent Wetland
18 in
18 in
Sediment Basin
24 in
24 in
Macrophyte Zone
36 in
36 in
Outlet Pond
36 in+
Sponge Park + Retention Pond + Retention Golf Course
25 Year Flood
G
Sand Dune Beach
I L
50 Year Flood
A
R I V E
Constructed Wetlands
R
Constructed Wetlands 100 Year Flood
N
N 25 yr
50 yr
D
J
Waste Water Treatment Plant
F
O
M
S
A
Pipe to Wetlands
100 yr G I L A
R
A
Current Floodplain
Amended Topography Floodplain
J
J
M
Monsoon Season
I V E R
Stormwater Runoff
Effluent Water Flow
Current Floodplain
Amended Topography Floodplain
Monsoon Season
Stormwater Runoff
Effluent Water Flow
Scene A: Constructed Wetlands / Stormwater Wetlands The series of wetlands serves as a secondary treatment for effluent water. The wetlands are operated by gravity, and allows water to percolate through purification stages and storm events.
POST TREATMENT Water can be stored and used for irrigation or released back into the natural system.
OUTLET POND A deep open-water area of the wetland that allows water to sit before exiting the system. Here exposure to the sun’s UV helps destroy harmful pathogens.
MACROPHYTE ZONE This is the area where most of the water treatment occurs. bands of mixed vegetation slow and filters water while creating habitat for biofiltration microbes.
SEDIMENT BASIN Particles are allowed to settle here reducing silt build up in the wetland system.
The topography allows the wetland to be operated by gravity flow.
Due to heavy mining, wetland plants aggresively remove metals from wastewater streams through deep roots and percolation.
EMERGANT WETLAND
Due to heavy mining, wetland plants aggresively remove metals from wastewater streams through deep roots and percolation.
Habitat URBAN ECOLOGY
G
il
a Ri
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
ve
r
HABITAT CATEGORIES Riparian Wetland Conservation Development Missing Linkages
POTENTIAL LINKAGES
*areas of high ecological importance
Open Space
*undeveloped natural habitat
RIPARIAN RESTORATION
WETLAND Riv e
r
Gila
N
HUMAN USE:
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
WETLAND
RIPARIAN
HUMAN USE:
LOW INTENSITY
LOW INTENSITY
HUMAN USE:
HIGH INTENSITY
POTENTIAL LINKAGE AREAS HUMAN USE:
ZERO - LOW INTENSITY
WILDLIFE USE: HIGH INTENSITY
WILDLIFE USE: HIGH INTENSITY
WILDLIFE USE: MEDIUM INTENSITY
WILDLIFE USE: MAXIMUM INTENSITY
1. Trap Sediment + Reduce water flow before reaching the water course.
Wetlands are riparian areas work together to increase biodiversity,
2. Filters pollution-causing nutrients from run-off 3. Maintains local water tables through groundwater recharge 4. Sustains biological diversity
create habitat and support wildlife; this habitat category also contributes to local water table levels and water quality makes
Conservation development areas are those which house a variety of recreational amenities to the community. These
Areas of most importance lie within the potential linkages within and outside Kearny. These areas should have little to no human interference in order to preserve
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
these habitats high in ecological importance.
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
areas fall outside of the missing linkage zones and wildlife “hot spots” and are most suitable for development with environmental sensitivity.
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
biodiversity.
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
1. Trap Sediment + Reduce water flow before reaching the water course. 2. Filters pollution-causing nutrients from run-off 3. Maintains local water tables through groundwater recharge 4. Sustains biological diversity
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
Wetlands are riparian areas work together to increase biodiversity, create habitat and support wildlife; this habitat category also contributes to local water table levels and water quality makes
Conservation development areas are those which house a variety of recreational amenities to the community. These areas fall outside of the missing linkage zones and wildlife “hot
these habitats high in ecological importance.
spots” and are most suitable for development with environmental sensitivity.
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Tam O’Shanter Peak
Rive
8
ACCESS ROAD
Gi
Ripsey Hill
r
la
Rive
Tornado Peak
4
6
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
la
Rive
r
TORTILLA MOUNTAINS Crozier Peak
2
Gi
Ripsey Hill
r
TORTILLA MOUNTAINS
0 MILES 1
r
6
ve
4
Ri
la
Crozier Peak
2
a
Crozier Peak
RIPARIAN
Gi
Ripsey Hill
r
Copper Canyon
Tornado Peak
TORTILLA MOUNTAINS
0 MILES 1
r
Rive
Gil
ve
la
Copper Canyon
Tornado Peak
TORTILLA MOUNTAINS
8
WETLANDS
Ri
GILA RIVER
6
a
4
Gi
Ripsey Hill
r
Tam O’Shanter Peak
Gil
Rive
Copper Canyon
r
la
Crozier Peak
2
ve
r
Crozier Peak
RIPARIAN
Gi
Ripsey Hill
r
TORTILLA MOUNTAINS
0 MILES 1
Ri
ve
r
r
Rive
a
Ri
ve
ve
la
TORTILLA MOUNTAINS
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Tam O’Shanter Peak
Gil
a
Ri
Ri
Gi
Copper Canyon
Tornado Peak
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Tam O’Shanter Peak
Gil
a
a
Copper Canyon
Tornado Peak
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Tam O’Shanter Peak
Gil
Gil
Copper Canyon
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
DRIPPING SPRINGS MOUNTAINS
Tam O’Shanter Peak
Tornado Peak
Ripsey Hill
Mineral Creek-Gila River Watershed
Tiger Mountain
Areas of most importance lie within the potential linkages within and outside Kearny. These areas should have little to no human interference in order to preserve biodiversity.
8
Crozier Peak
0 MILES 1
KEARNY LAKE
2
4
6
TRAIL
8
0 MILES 1
2
MISSING LINKAGES
4
6
8
Recreational
Outdoor Gathering Space
Bird Watching Platform Landscape Buffer Bike / ATV Trail Pedestrain / Educational Trail
Sensory Garden
Gila River
Tilbury Park
Golf Hills
Level Three: 100 Yr Flood Terrace Park
Level Two: 50 Yr Flood
N
Shake Dr.
r. yD r bu Til Ha r tf o
Level One: 25 Yr Flood
Inspired by the motion of the Gila River, Tilbury Park is a unique space that cultivates the needs of the community of Kearny with a touch of the natural world. This 11.5 acre park is not only a space for social comfort but also an asset for storm water management. Designed to store water from a 25, 50, and 100 year flood, Tilbury Park turns the process of hydrology into an interactive experience through a series of accessible canals and retention basins, storing water from storm water runoff from the city’s downtown core green streets. The park is split into three main areas; ecological recreation, community square, & active recreation. With an emphasis on community engagement, the park provides its users an array of amenities including a large event space, a playground, junior size
Level Two: 50 Yr Flood
N
Level One: 25 Yr Flood
Rd .
Up ton
r. yD ur b Til Ha r tf or d
Dr.
Shake Dr.
Inspired by the motion of the Gila River, Tilbury Park is a unique space that cultivates the needs of the community of Kearny with a touch of the natural world. This 11.5 acre park is not only a space for social comfort but also an asset for storm water management. Designed to store water from a 25, 50, and 100 year flood, Tilbury Park turns the process of hydrology into an interactive experience through a series of accessible canals and retention basins, storing water from storm water runoff from the city’s downtown core green streets. The park is split into three main areas; ecological recreation, community square, & active recreation. With an emphasis on community engagement, the park provides its users an array of amenities including a large event space, a playground, junior size basketball courts, an educational/passive trail that leads into the one of a kind botanical desert garden, and plenty of pockets for private and group settings. Along with those amenities, the park is designed with intentions to strengthen the bond of its community as well as anyone new to Kearny, with a culture/visitor center.
GILA RIVER
Art Sculpture / Follies
Passive Trails
INTERESTS POINTS
Interative Desert Garden / Retention Basins
Education Nodes
A
Saguaro (1), Mesquite (2), Palo Verde (3), Lavender (4), Brittle Bush (5), Agave Parryi (6), Prickly Pear Cactus (7), Queen of the Night Cactus (8), Gopher Plant (9), Agave Variegata Americana (10), Fairy Duster (11), Soaptree Yucca (12)
(25 YEAR FLOOD)
CIRCULATION
Flood Canal / Ecological Compass
Native Vegetation Grove
Basketball Courts
Cultural Center
B
(50 YEAR FLOOD)
CONNECTIVE PULSE
Outdoor Seating
Playgrounds
Event Space Lawn
Kearny Library
C
(100 YEAR FLOOD)
Tilbury Park in essence, is a water plaza. This solution contributes to the quality of public space and uses technical systems to manage storm-water. The water plaza is divided into different areas for playing, set at different levels. For 90% of the year, the space is dry and used for passive/recreation activities. The space changes its function only during heavy rain: then water flows visibly into the designated flood areas- starting in the canals near the event space area (A), filling into the carefully arranged hollows in the ground, gradually filling in the retention basins on site (B). If the rain last long enough, the whole park fills up (C), allowing time to discharge storm water. Not only does Tilbury Park aim to innovate water solutions but also enhance the urban quality of the city of Kearny.
(4), Brittle Bush (5), Agave Parryi (6), Prickly Pear Cactus (7), Queen of the Night Cactus (8), Gopher Plant (9), Agave Variegata Americana (10), Fairy Duster (11), Soaptree Yucca (12)
(25 YEAR FLOOD)
(50 YEAR FLOOD)
(100 YEAR FLOOD)
park fills up (C), allowing time to discharge storm water. Not only does Tilbury Park aim to innovate water solutions but also enhance the urban quality of the city of Kearny.
Trails SYSTEMS Trailhead
Fire Break
Floodable Aggregate Trail A
Paved Trail Labyrinth Trail Existing Trails Combined Trail & Fire Break
B
Fire Break Vegetated Fire Break
Floodable Trails
D
3’ Labyrinth Aggregate Trail 4’ Wooden Deck Trail
2’ Green Strip
3’ Bike Lane
2’ Green Strip
Points of Interest
4’ Aggregate Trail
There are floodable trails that are useable during different flooding events. The design of the trail system is also to create a seasonal and transitional recreation. Many of the trails act as fire breaks due to the amount of wild fires Kearny has experienced throughout history.
Natural Landscape Gila River
4’ Equestrian Trail
25 Year Flood
OD)
(100 YEAR FLOOD)
park fills up (C), allowing time to discharge storm Vegetated water. Not only doesFire Tilbury BreakPark aim to innovate water solutions but also enhance the urban quality of the city of Kearny.
Floodable Trails
Fire Break
Trail
D A
Trail
ails
Trail k
B
3’ Labyrinth Aggregate Trail 4’ Wooden Deck Trail
2’ Green Strip Floodable Trails
3’ Bike Lane
2’ Green Fire StripBreak
D
There are floodable trails that are useable during different flooding events. The design of the trail system is also to create a seasonal and transitional recreation. Many of the trails act as fire breaks due to the amount of wild fires Kearny has experienced throughout history.
Natural Landscape Gila River
4’ Equestrian Trail
3’ Labyrinth Aggregate Trail
Points of Interest
4’ Aggregate Trail
4’ Wooden Deck Trail
2’ Green Strip Floodable Trails
3’ Bike Lane
2’ Green Strip
Points of Interest
4’ Aggregate Trail
There are floodable trails that are useable during different flooding events. The design of the trail system is also to create a seasonal and transitional recreation. Many of the trails act as fire breaks due to the amount of wild fires Kearny has experienced throughout history. 25 Year Flood
Natural Landscape Gila River
strian l
Points of Interest
ate Trail
There are floodable trails that are useable during different flooding events. The design of the trail system is also to create a seasonal and transitional recreation. Many of the trails act as fire breaks due to the amount of wild fires Kearny has experienced throughout history.
25 Year Flood
25 Year Flood
50 Year Flood
50 Year Flood
100 Year Flood