DC Water to participate in “PARK(ing) Day” to promote benefits of green infrastructure

September 17, 2014

DC Water joins the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and numerous District organizations during national PARK(ing) Day this Friday as they turn metered parking spaces into mini-parks for the day. DC Water’s space will feature examples of green infrastructure that reduce stormwater runoff by promoting infiltration, thus keeping rainwater out of the District’s stormwater and sewer systems.

DC Water’s parking space near 1227 Wisconsin Avenue, NW—in front of the Apple store—will showcase native rain garden plants, green roof plantings, and pervious pavers. In addition to adding beauty for the day, it will serve an educational purpose, with a miniature three-dimensional model of a green roof system and literature highlighting the purpose and benefits of green infrastructure.

“DC Water is committed to the use of green infrastructure. The benefits are huge—reducing runoff to the stormwater and sewer systems, adding local, sustainable jobs in GI maintenance, reducing the heat island effect and creating a vibrant, green city,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins.

“Friday’s event is a great opportunity to celebrate the environmental benefits green infrastructure can have in the District,” added Carlton Ray, DC Water’s Director of the DC Clean Rivers Project. “Visitors to our parklet can learn more about how our Clean Rivers Project improves the health of the District’s waterways as well as what they can do on their property to manage stormwater.”

Launched in 2005 in San Francisco, California, the annual PARK(ing) Day event has spread to cities around the world, as residents and businesses create temporary parks in metered parking spaces. PARK(ing) Day is open to anyone seeking to sponsor a six-hour temporary park. The parks are limited to metered parking locations without time-of-day restrictions.

For more information about DC Water’s temporary park, please contact Pamela Mooring at 202-787-2089 or Pamela.Mooring@dcwater.com.

For more information about the District’s PARK(ing) Day, please visit ddot.dc.gov/page/parking-day.

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