Kearny: Resilient Design Solutions

kearny RESILIENT DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Vincent Chung | Melissa Hernandez | Francisco Rosales | Eva Zambrano | Dr. Chingwen Cheng MAY 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS acknoweledgements executive summary history + location CURRENT CONDITIONS Opportunities + constraints analysis case studies community workshops Vision, goals, objectives masterplan hydrology habitat parks trials evaluation plan appendix

1 2 3 5 15 17 21 27 31 35 37 45 51 59 65 66

01

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Arizona State University Landscape Architecture undergraduate team would like to express acknowledgement and appreciation to the Town of Kearny, AZ for their input and guidance in the design process of the masterplan. The opportuniy given to the Landscape Architecture team to work on a community service learning project as part of the ASU Landscape Architecture Design program allowed the development of a solid foundation of planning and ecological research, context mapping, and analysis necessary to complete a cohesive and integrative masterplan. This ďŹ nal report document is provided by the students of the program listed below. If any issues need to be addressed, please contact the professor,

ASU Landscape Architecture team Vincent Chung Melissa Hernandez Francisco Rosales Eva Zambrano

Landscape Architecture Professors + Advisors Dr. Chingwen Cheng

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Town of Kearny has approached our ASU Landscape Architecture team to resolve the ecological issues that have progressed over the past decade. The community has experienced two wildfires (the most recent being in 2015), a flooding history that has created a number of damages, and a collection of the invasive Tamarisk that has continued to spread along the Gila River. It is the responsibility of our team to create design strategies that slow the growth of the invasive species, control the natural systems of the Gila River to prevent future damages, avoid or slow any possible future wildfires, and create outdoor recreational amenities while restoring the habitat corridors that once existed before these issues. Furthermore, if the town accepts our design proposal, Kearny will become an iconic and thriving community through the redesign and sustainable restoration of the town’s natural systems that will create a number of comfortable areas of interests for all residents and outside visitors to enjoy.

To ensure the success of the restoration project, we looked closely at ecological and social systems to create an overall masterplan that allows each system to intertwine and work with one another to deliver the best possible solution. These systems include research on the following:

A. Hydrology Hydrology delves into the issues regarding flooding, mentioning various solutions relating to the use of terracing to control 50, 100, and 200 year floods.

B.Habitat Habitat highlights the variation of species found in Kearny to find the appropriate vegetation and strategies to restore the corridors that once thrived within the town.

C. Parks The parks system takes the unique features of Kearny and designs appropriate open spaces that celebrate and improve the ecological systems that take place.

D. Trails and Fire Mitigation Lastly, the trails and firebreak system focuses on the terrain, unique features, flood patterns, and wildfire patterns to design a trail system as well as a firebreak system that are easily adaptable and multifunctional during any ecological processes Kearny undergoes.

Together, these combine to control and mitigate natural processes that have caused previous damage in Kearny. Establishing these design strategies will create a resilient ecological system that will flourish under controlled, but sustainable means.

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TOWN OF KEARNY

03

history Establishment History The history of Kearny is heavily involved with mining, as it is today, and has since then created the current town. Explorers from Spain in the 17th and 18th century settled within the area claimed by Apache Indians, creating constant rivalry, forcing most Spaniards to leave the area. Closer to the mid-1820s, the first Americans began to settle within the region, making it a place for trappers from Taos and New mexico. After General Kearny’s passage through Arizona, Americans began to frequently search the area for silver and gold. The town grew quickly as troops stayed in this area to keep watch for the Apaches that were in search of these natural sources. Once the establishment was made and Americans could no longer be prevented from staying in the Apache region, a massacre between both cultures emerged until the Apaches refrained from losing anymore of their people. Afterwards, many American people began settling in the region. Fast-forwarding to the late 1950s, Kearny was finally established when the older towns of Ray, Sonora, and Barcelona were demolished to make way for Kennecott Copper Company’s open pit mine. To move these affected people to another area, Kenecott Mining Company created a planned community named Kearny in 1958 to accomodate them. While many houses were already existing within the town, more houses were added to the official community to provide a place to stay for the people that were forced to move and the mine employees.

Natural Disaster History Fires have been currently common within Kearny. More specifically, a wildfire took place in 2013 and two years later in 2015. The 2013 wildfire took over 300 acres of land near the Gila River. The cause was due to a lightning strike that slowly began a spreading fire. The 2015 wildfire is said to have been due to a man-made cause. This wildfire took place on June 17, 2015 and took over 400 acres, spreading 15 miles per hour and taking down two nearby residencies north of the Gila river.

Floods have also occured within the town during 1983 and 1993. The 1983 flood covered over 7 inches of rain in five days while the 1993 flood was the largest flood covering the land, taking over the 100 year floodplain.

KEARNY, AZ

LOCATION

ARizona

kearny

04

CURRENT CONDITIONS

DEMOGRAPHICS With 2,017 people, Kearny is the 143rd most populated city in the state of Arizona out of 442 cities.

HISPANIC

52.8%

white

Gila Bend FALLS BEHIND with 2,001 people and Red Rock Cdp with 1,980.

43.9%

ASIAN

05

2.2%

46.7

AVG MEDIAN AGE

50.8%

49.2%

MALES

FEMALES

CURRENT CONDITIONS

CLIMATE

The average temperatures for Kearny consist of more warm days, ranging from 50 degrees during the winter, 70 degrees during spring and fall and 80 to 100 degrees during the summer. Wind speed is generally less pervasive than the average US wind speed, staying below 8 miles per hour, the most. The least we will see is 6 mile per hour during the winter months.Precipitation is less common than the US average as well, ranging from 1 to 2 inches of rain during winter, late summer, and fall months. Rain is under one inch during the summer months and reaches 2 inches during monsoon season (mid July and August). Snowfall remains at a stagnant zero inches throughout the year compared to the rest of the US. The most cloudy days in Kearny are more common during winter months, showing a 30% chance of clouds. Partly cloudy skies seem to be a median, with high chances (50%) during winter and monsoon seasons. A 40%-100% chance goes to clear sky days year round within the town. Humidity during the morning is more prevalent with a 30%-60% chance throughout the year. Humidity in the afternoon only has a 0%-30% chance, staying at 0% during the summer months. Sunshine is 30% above the US average, averaging to 80% during the winter months and 95% during the summer months.

06

CURRENT CONDITIONS

07

flood hazard

Dripping springs Mountains 177

gila river

Kearny, az

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

CURRENT CONDITIONS

fire history KEY

Dripping springs Mountains 177

gila river starting location of fire

Kearny, az

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

08

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Transportation

09

Dripping springs Mountains

177

KEY highway

gila river

local

Kearny, az

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

CURRENT CONDITIONS

trails

Dripping springs Mountains 177

gila river

Kearny, az

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

10

CURRENT CONDITIONS

11

land ownership

Dripping springs Mountains 177

gila river

KEY

Kearny, az

state trust

us forest service

other

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

plant communities KEY

CURRENT CONDITIONS Dripping springs Mountains 177

gila river desert (scrub) grassland

Kearny, az

mixed palo verde cacti communities

mesquite bosque

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

12

CURRENT CONDITIONS

wildlife linkages

13

Dripping springs Mountains 177

gila river

KEY

Kearny, az

habitat blocks

potential linkage zone

177

gila river 0

1 mile

2 miles

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Habitat “HOTSPOTS” Gila Chub

Southwest Willow Gila Flycater

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Endangered species as well as wildlife listed as species of “greatest conservation need” are overlapped to map areas of high conservation and potential wildlife linkages within Kearny.

Ocelot

Lesser Long Nose Bat

Bald Eagle

Jaguar

G

il

a

Riv

e

G i l a Riv 0 MILES

0.25

0.5

1

CURRENT CONDITIONS

15

opportunities + constraints

CURRENT CONDITIONS

opportunities + constraints

16

OPPORTUNITIES + CONSTRAINTS Opportunities for Kearny include: Opportunities for trails to follow along the north washes heading south. The trails could potentially lead towards the mountains.

Wildlife linkage zones can create an opportunity for the restoration of the vegetation and the riparian areas near the river to bring back the habitat corridors that once existed before the fires and invasive species took over.

The Gila River is a unique feature in Kearny itself that can be used as a recreational attraction. Possible trails and open spaces can be designed near the river to bring residents up close to the natural feature.

The floodplain allows for a terracing design that can double as an area that provides various recreational amenities on each level.

The fires also leave the opportunity to experiment with various firebreak methods, including vegetated firebreak installations.

Constraints for Kearny include: The flood hazard spreads towards the community, putting people’s homes in risk.

The previous fires have varied in the locations they have began or spread, as well as how they were started. These different wildfire experiences do not give us a clear idea on what problem areas to focus on.

Close design to the river can possibly disturb any natural systems supporting the river.

The slope can prevent ideal design solution placements.

Some areas have been affected by both wildfires and flooding.

THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN ALL

SOILS + SLOPE + PLANT COMMUNITITES

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ANALYSIS

Native vegetation and appropriate plant communities are crucial to ensure prevention than invasive species (Tamarisk).

Mesquite Bosques are areas that receive a larger amount of water than its surrounding plant communities. The dense vegetation in these areas create habitat for birds and other wildlife.

179

The variety in slope gives the opportunity for outstanding views; however, it is important to be cautious for high risks of

C

I A analyzing proper vegetation design and

G B D

179 Vegetation and native ground cover help

E

from steep slopes.

H

F

HYDROLOGY + FIRE + VIEWS

19

ANALYSIS

With the overlaying of these maps we are able to see key areas of impacts. Just south of the city core and north of Gila River.

This also allows us to reintroduce native planting in “stepping� phases.

Building terraces to accommodate for

179

possible water routes and green irrigation practices.

Fire hazard outline provides insight

179

water access. Their location can matter in establishing an improved water system.

MINGHU WETLAND PARK

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CASE STUDY I Liupanshui, guizhou, china

landscape firm Turnscape

issues

Water Pollution

goals

Recovery of Mother River Flood and Storm-water inundation Creation of public Space Restore Habitat

design features to achieve goals

Wetlands Terracing Pavillions

SHANGHAI HOUTAN PARK

CASE STUDY II Shanghai, China

landscape firm Turnscape

issues

Brownfield Pollution

goals

Demonstrate Green Technologies Waterfront Park Improve Flood Control

design features to achieve goals Wetlands

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NINGBO ECO-CORRIDOR

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CASE STUDY III NINGBO, CHINA

landscape firm SWA Group

issues

Water Pollution Water Quality Endangered Wildlife Hard Edges

goals

Restore Ecosystem Create “living filter” Synergy between humans and wildlife

design features to achieve goals

Network of Hills for “living filter”

REBUILD BY DESIGN

CASE STUDY IV NEW JERSEY, USA

landscape firm Sasaki

goals

Resillience Connectivity Ecological

design features to achieve goals Community input Barrier Islands Headlands Inland Bay

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case study + takeaways 25

[NINGBO ECO CORRIDOR] Adding vegetation can:

+ re-establish diverse plant life + support wildlife habitats

Addition of eco-corridor: + + + +

creates healthy habitats nhances public health creates recreational spaces supports sustainablity

[MINGHU WETLAND PARK] Reviving natural water systems can: + revitalize riparian ecology + restores native habitats

Terraced habitats can: + speed nutrient romaval from water

APPLICATIONS TO THE SITE

CASE STUDIES [SHANGHAI HOUTAN PARK] Green infastructure can:

+ Restore the degraded environment + Help revive the lost ecological corridor + Allow adjustment to water levels

[REBUILD BY DESIGN- SASAKI] Green infastructure can: + control wind patterns

+ improve mitigation of contamination

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27

Community Workshop Landscape Architecture students from Arizona State University were adamant about community involvement and community feedback. One of the exercises conducted by this particular group were to note the human experience within Kearny and its residents.

This group’s workshop was split into two different interview sections. One exercise was mapping while the other exercise included a video/audio interview.

Mapping: The mapping exercise consisted of asking the participants to map the following three questions on a map on Kearny. Each colored pin signifies a specific question and then each participant was asked to connect their 3 pins to create a triangle. A blue string was given to male participants and a red string was given to female participants.

There were a total of 4 rotations each rotation with a varying amount of participants.

RED = Where do you live?

WHITE = Where do you like to spend time outdoors?

BLUE = What area would you like to see developed in the future?

Video/ Audio Interview: The purpose of the interview process what to get a feel of the wants and needs of the community on a more personal level. Through a series of interview questions and written transcripts, popular phrases and most used words were incorporated in the design process as areas of focus. Right is a collage of the words used the most often within the interview process across participants in all 4 rotations. The size of the words depend on the frequency it was used.

Community workshop group 1

group 2

where do you live?

where do you live?

where is you favorite place to spend free time?

where is you favorite place to spend free time?

what would you like to see develop in the future? female male

what would you like to see develop in the future? female male

group 3

group 4

where do you live?

where do you live?

where is you favorite place to spend free time?

where is you favorite place to spend free time?

what would you like to see develop in the future? female male

what would you like to see develop in the future? female male

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Community Workshop

This is a cumulative flow diagram; consisting of the town of Kearny’s future points of interest.

The idea of the participatory workshop was to engage the community through a series of mapping exercises. This map continues to show a common finding; the Gila river and it’s surrounding context plays a key role in the peoples interest.

XX

Interest Points

The solution to the overlapping results in a need for connectivity through green infrastructure Female Male

30

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP RESULTS

[ potential hazard mitigation locations ] + areas for fire buffer + need for flood contol

[ “hot spots” + places of interest ] + 37% Gila River + 23% Trail + 12% Kearny Lake

[ potential route + street enhancements ] + Red: High intensity + Yellow: Medium intensity + Green: Low intensity

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VISION

The town of Kearny exemplifies a sense of place within an environment that has been successfully restored. Kearny’s once damaged landscape is transformed into a healthy and restored environment.

Life is nurtured along the Gila River through the addition of native vegetation, a flourishing habitat corridor, and community involvement which helps to further eradicate the Salt Cedar. The town also has a better sense of flood protection; the implementation of a flood-prone design celebrates and highlights the natural occurrence of flooding rather than creating fear and destruction.

KEARNY, ARIZONA

RESTORE Turn the environmental damage to environmental restoration HAZARD/RISK MITIGATION

Provide the town with sustainable design concepts

CONNECTIVITY

PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF KEARNY

ICONIC

RE-ESTABLISH THE IMAGE OF THE CITY

ECONOMICALLY BENEFICIAL

CREATE A THRIVING ECONOMY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DESIGN TECHNIQUES

COMFORTABLE ESTABLISH A SAFE, ENGAGED COMMUNITY CULTURAL PROMOTE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

GOALS

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33

OBJECTIVES

RESTORE 1. Reducing the invasion of the Salt Cedar species by 85% by 2040.

2. Restore and enrich the soil that was once damaged by the wildfire by 2030.

3. Support a landscape that has dealt with invasive species, wildfires, and habitat depletion and bring the area back to life with our strategic restoration plan.

4. Restore 80% of the native vegetation within the area affected by the wildfire and Salt Cedar invasion by 2050.

HAZARD/RISK MITIGATION

1. Decrease the amount of wildfires by 90% with the addition of fire breaks in weak areas and main corridors of concern 2. Introducing Lavender, a low maintenance plant that is able to thrive in the sonoran desert as a natural fire break.

3. Design a terracing system for flood prevention that decreases chances of flooding by 40% by 2025.

4. Decrease stormwater runoff through a system of green streets with bioswales and retention basins.

CONNECTIVITY

1. Allow connection and visibility of the Gila River for all visitors and pedestrians to access by 2020.

2. Provide close access to 90% of recreational amenities by 2025 3. Connect points of interest such as the Gila River and Kearny Lake by 90% through extensive trail systems by 2025.

ICONIC

1. Make Kearny a destination for its people and tourists, that becomes a place to go as well as an economic driver.

2. Highlight unique landscapes in Kearny that can promote its identity by 70%, making it a popular destination.

3. Educate visitors on the restored landscape and the town of Kearny through educational trails and resilient design.

OBJECTIVES

ECONOMICALLY BENEFICIAL 1. Design resilient landscapes that is self-sustaining and requires 50% minimal maintenance.

2. Design for flood prevention to minimize 65% of damage costs by 2040.

3. Reduce irrigation bills by 75% using native vegetation by 2050.

4. Utilizing bioswales and pervious paving to reuse and reduce runoff.

COMFORTABLE

1. Design a multi-functional space with recreational amenities and community engagement, while keeping Kearny’s personality intact, will retrofit a unique environment, allowing the town to call it their own.

2. Provide 90% more recreational amenities: walkways, trails, gathering spaces, sport facilities by 2060. 50% by 2035.

3. Include 80% outdoor activities and amenities for all ages by 2050

CULTURAL

1. Provide an outdoor space that allows the community to celebrate their landscape and town. It can allow opportunities for a stronger community, engagement, and education that encourages interaction for every need.

2. Improvement by 70% for collaboration between institutions and community by 2030.

3. Promote opportunities for semi-annual cultural events.

GOALS

OBJECTIVES AND KEARNY, ARIZONA

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MASTERPLAN

35

H ay hw ig 17 7

LEGEND Recreational

Multifunctional Trails

Residential

Bodies of Water

Commerciail

Open Space

Place for Worship

H

Fire Break Trails

ig ay hw 17 7

Green Streets

G I L A

Gr i Al de

Shake Dr.

n

n

Rd .

Rd .

R I V E R

Da nb ur

Tilbury Dr.

Fa y irh Rd av . en H ar R tfo d. rd Rd .

Upton Dr.

Victoria Circ.

3 Dynamics of a sustainable community Social Culture Well-Being Community Involvement

Social

Environmental Habitat Living Conditions Fire Regulations

Economic Management Resources Community Needs

Economics

Environmental

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SYSTEM I

37

Hydrology

This project is an approach to flood resilience. There will be two focuses on surface water; passive and active. Passive hydrological design will accommodate for ecology dealing with waste and storm water. Active hydrological design will accommodate for human use dealing with flood mitigations. The goal is to enhance water quality safe enough for reuse or release. There are series of wetlands operated by gravity; giving it a natural flow. The constructed wetlands also serve as storm water wetlands. The series of constructed wetlands aim to improve the biodiversity of the Gila River and enhance the aesthetics and recreational value.

Waste water will be transferred from the treatment plant to the wetland system where the effluent water will receive its secondary treatment. Amended topography will allow a transitional design through various flooding situations (25, 50, 100 year floods). Dune beach will be implemented using ‘cut and fill’ from the amended topography. The dunes will serve as berms diverting water elsewhere before reaching the town of Kearny.

With the use of wetlands and dunes this project is able to increase biodiversity, provide better water quality, enhance aesthetics, flood mitigation, and help create a more resilient Kearny.

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Constructed Wetland Depth 12 in 18 in 24 in 36 in 36 in+

G

Sand Dune Beach

I L A

R I V

Constructed Wetlands

E R

KEARNY 2.0 RESILIENT DESIGNING : FLOOD MITIGATION & IMPROVING WATER QUALITY SPRING 2016

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO IV

INSTRUCTORS: CHINGWEN CHENG

38

Kearny Green Streets

United States of America

Arizona

Sponge Park + Retention Pond

Arizona

Gila River Kearny

Kearny

Gila River Constructed Wetlands

N

1.

2.

SYSTEM I

39

Hydrology

1.

This is a diagram of the current 100 year floodplain. It shows that the current floodable areas are within Kearny development boundaries. As past pattern shows, the 83 and 93 flood as occured in the same parts. With amended topography and various constructed wetlands, Kearny will be able to slow stormwater runoff and let it percolate through for reuse or release.

2.

During monsoon season this particular place will experience more floods with heavy rainfall. The diagram is divided in months.

3.

This is the proposed stormwater runoff based off the green streets and current floodplain. This will hit all of the constructed wetlands in the upcoming future slowing down flooding. At the same time these wetlands serve multiple function, stormwater mitigation and water purification. This will be shown in diagrams and a function section.

4.

The waste water treatment plant pipe is a conceptual idea. The bigger picture is to activate kearny’s current lake. This will create circulation for the already stagnant lake. By giving it a circulation we are allow to use this lake as a retention pond during storm events. The pipe is then led to the series of constructed wetlands where it will be given a natural secondary waste water treatment operated by gravitational flow.

25 yr

Current Floodplain

50 yr

100 yr

Amended Topography Floodplain

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.

3.

N

D

4.

J

Waste Water Treatment Plant

F

O

M

S

A

Pipe to Wetlands G I L A

A

J

J

R

M

Monsoon Season

I V E R

Stormwater Runoff

Effluent Water Flow

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SYSTEM I

41

Hydrology Constructed Wetland / Stormwater Wetland

12 in

Emergent Wetland

18 in

Sediment Basin

24 in

Macrophyte Zone

36 in

Outlet Pond

POST TREATMENT Water can be stored and used for irrigation or released back into the natural system.

Top: These are series of diagrams that show the different flood events that are detained by the constructed wetlands. Each level of wetland is color coded based off the overall masterplan. Each zone has a distinct depth and different function.

Bottom: This wetland function section depicts how water quality will change over time. The wetland is operated by gravity needing no pumps. Each zones have a distinct function that helps purify water in its own stages.. Water is allowed to percolate through each basin through deep rooted plants that benefit from erosion control.

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.

42 50 year flood

25 year flood

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.

100 year flood

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

W

N

S

E

SYSTEM I

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Hydrology Dune Beach Site Plan

Dune Beach is an approach to building a resilient active recreational beach. The dunes are an imitation to the water ow of the river. The function of the dunes is to divert water from the boardwalk in small storm events .

The boardwalk will provide a meandering trail that allows the community to jog, walk and bike. There will be a series of retention basins that will account for rainfall events and serve as beach gardens.

Scene B: Dune Beach Dune Beach is focused more on active recreation. This space is resilient and enhanced to withstand multiple ood events. The dunes serve as childrens play and as a berm that diverts water during ood events.

Retention Basins

44

Stormwater Flow vs. Dunes

50 Year Flood

100 Year Flood

HABITAT CATEGORIES

SYSTEM II

45

Riparian

Habitat The Habitat Integration Masterplan categorizes habitat types along the Gila River through the town of Kearny. Wildlife and the outdoors are important to the citizens in Kearny and the Gila River is often used for various recreational activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing. Although Kearny's most recent fire is responsible for diminishing the majority of the native vegetation along the Gila River, it is important to revitalize the area not only for Kearny’s citizens but for wildlife conservation.

The Habitat Integration Masterplan categorizes habitat types in order to preserve habitat, increase biodiversity, and support Keanry’s enhanced wildlife hub.

Wetland Conservation Development Missing Linkages

*areas of high ecological importance

Open Space

*undeveloped natural habitat

POINTS OF INTEREST

1

Downtown Commercial

2

Green Streets for Urban Ecology

3

Trail System

4

Kearny Lake

PRESERVE

5

Kearny Airport

ENHANCE

6

Golf Course

7

Human Interaction High Intensity

8

Human Interaction Low Intensity

habitats through connectivity

+ sustain biodiversity

CREATE iconic wildlife hub

46

I.

HUMAN USE + HABITAT CATEGORIES

47

Habitat

URBAN ECOLOGY

HIGH INTENSITY It is necessary to increase biodiversity within the town of Kearny by utilizing “Green” streets as a habitat for native wildlife species. Increased tree canopies and bio-swales provide habitat for ariel and ground species.

CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT

HIGH INTENSITY 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 spots” and are most suitable for development with environmental sensitivity.

POTENTIAL LINKAGES

ZERO - LOW INTENSITY 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.

RIPARIAN RESTORATION

LOW INTENSITY

48

Riparian zones in Kearny are diminishing due to lack of native vegetation. It is important to enhance its function and value through restoration, educational advocacy, and minimal human interference.

1. Trap Sediment + Reduce water ow before reaching the water course.

2. Filters pollution-causing nutrients from run-o 3. Maintains local water tables through groundwater recharge 4. Sustains biological diversity WETLAND

LOW INTENSITY 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 these habitats high in ecological importance.

COEXISTING (HUMANS + WILDLIFE)

49

Habitat

SECTION I.

RIPARIAN

GILA RIVER

WETLANDS

RIPARIAN

ACCESS ROAD

CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT

50

WHAT TYPES OF WILDLIFE ARE THERE? * endangered species and species of greatest conservation need

AMPHIBIANS

FISH

Lowland Leopard Frog

Desert Sucker Gila Chub* Longfin Dace Roundtail Chub Sonora Sucker

BIRDS Gilded Flicker Wood Duck Gila Woodpecker Desert Purple Martin Golden Eagle Bald Eagle* Mississippi Kite Pacific Wren Savannah Sparrow Yellow Warbler SW Willow Flycatcher* Western Yellow Billed Cuckoo KEARNY LAKE

TRAIL

MISSING LINKAGES

MAMMALS Lesser Long Nosed Bat* Antelope Jackrabbit Arizona Myotis Arizona Pocket Mouse Greater Western Mastiff Bat Jaguar* Ocelot* Spotted Bat Pocketed Free Tailed Bat Yuma Myotis

SYSTEM III

51

parks

Turning open spaces into parks promotes the quality of life of the region by providing areas of passive and active recreational opportunities, while conserving existing resources, such as natural scenic beauty, view corridors, wildlife habitat, agricultural resources, and cultural heritage for the beneďŹ t of present and future generations.

With an emphasis on ecological restoration and sustainable community design, the system of parks will re-establish the social aspect of the community.

52 UNIVERSAL CONNECTION Two parks are proposed; Terrace Park and Tilbury Park with each having their own individual water management system. Terrace Park uses elevation changes along the Gila River, focusing on the extreme weather conditions of a 25, 50 and 100 year flood. Tilbury Park is geared towards managing storm water runoff of a 25, 50, and 100 year flood, from the city’s proposed green streets.

Both parks encourage social interaction along with environmental awareness. More importantly, interaction with the habitats present in the spaces will connect the species even greater, creating a natural bridge between both worlds. A connection that captures the likeness of all systems to create a universal connection is proposed. The overall goal of these spaces is to establish a sustainable approach to the city of Kearny for the present and future

TERRACING + USES

53

PARKS

54

TILLBURY PARK

55

PARKS

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 ood, 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 runo 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.

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TILLBURY PARK

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PARKS

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.

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SYSTEM IV

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TRAILS + FIRE MITIGATION

The trails and firebreak system focuses on the terrain, unique features, flood patterns, and wildfire patterns to design a trail system as well as a firebreak system that are easily adaptable and multifunctional during any ecological processes the Town of Kearny undergoes.

fi re b re a k z o n e s

floodable trail zone

i n t e re s t z o n e s

SYSTEMS These series of trailheads are based off the workshop results during the first meeting when we collected a number of people’s location interests when it came to their favorite places within Kearny. Accordingly, trailheads were placeD beside Ray High School, on the second terrace, along two areas of the Gila River, and by the Main Street once entering Kearny. The placement of these trailheads ensure a trail system that connects all points of interest within the town.

These floodable aggregate trails are commonly placed within the 25-50 year floodplains. The use of aggregate instead of paving prevents any damage to the trails if they are every flooded. The material also creates less of an impact towards any land near the Gila River.

The concrete paved trails are carefully chosen and placed in areas that are not directly next to the Gila River. These trails specifically are ADA accessible in the most usable areas.

Proposed trails are strategically connected with the existing trails that are near or around any points of interest, in this case, the lake.

Trails whose width is suitable and not in areas of high use are combined with firebreaks to improve functionality and to save space.

These traditional firebreaks are recommended to be from 15-25 feet in width. As seen in the trail system plan, they are located in areas of little to no use.

These non-traditional firebreaks are used in areas with little space or areas that pertain to heavy use. Instead of the use of wide aggregate spacing, lavendar is used as a firebreak plant, proven to slow any progression of fire

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SYSTEM IV

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TRAILS + FIRE MITIGATION

A. Nature Trail The aggregate nature trail is 4’ in width and is open to hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists, providing a walk through the natural surroundings of Kearny.

B. Interpretive Trail The trail along the west includesplaques that educate the visitors on Kearny‘s history. The plaques in the labyrinth go over the native birds species found in Kearny.

BIRDWATCHING TRAIL

62 C. Gila Trail The Gila Trail follows along various spots along the river, allowing visitors to get up close to one of their town’s most unique natural features.

D. Railroad Trail The Railroad Trail doubles as a firebreak, allowing visitors to walk, horseback ride, or bike through the multifunctional trail.

E. Bird Watching Trail The paths are 3’ wide and aggregate, allowing for walkers to find their way through the native wetland bosque. The area will be highly vegetated with many native plants that attract birds.one.

SYSTEM IV

TRAILS + FIRE MITIGATION

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gila river trail 4 ’ a g g re g a t e t r a i l 2 ’ g re e n s t r i p natural landscape gila river

B I R D WAT C H Ibirdwatching N G L A B Y R I Nwetland TH trail 3’ labyrinth a g g re g a t e t r a i l 4’ wooden deck trail 3 ’ b i ke l a n e 2 ’ g re e n s t r i p 4 ’ a g g re g a t e horse trail

BIRDWATCHING LABYRINTH

ADAPTABLE TRAILS 25 year flood

usable trails

flooded trails

This floodplain eliminates the use of the meandering Gila River Trail on the southern area of Kearny. All others are usable, including the alternative trail alongside the airline strip.

50 year flood This floodplain cuts off the use of the meandering trail near the south and half of the labyrinth. All else is usable, including the alternative trails.

100 year flood This floodplain eliminates the use of the second terraced level, the beach walk, the meandering trail near the south, the alternative trail along the airline strip, and the entire labyrinth. The Railroad trail still allows residents to walk from the west side of the town to the east side.

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evaluation plan Design Strategies

Restoration

Sustainable

x

x

x

x

Reduce invasive species by 85% by 2040

x

x

x

x

Increase soil quality w/ native plants 10% per year

Plant / Habitat Revitalization

x

x

x

x

Restore 80% of native vegetation

Riparian / Wetland Revitalization Flood / Fire prevention terracing

x

x

x

x

Better water quality with series of wetlands by 2025

Reducing the invasive Tamarisk - Salt Cedar Enriching soil w/ legume planting

Connectivity

Iconic

Comfortable

Cultural

Economical

Goals

x

x

x

x

x

x

Better water quality with series of wetlands by 2025

Green streets connecting to the river

x

x

x

x

x

x

Increase comfort with shade and bioswales, utilizing storm water

Bioswales / Retention basins

x

x

x

x

x

ground water with captured water in retention basins

x

Reuse and purify through wetlands

x Educational hiking trails Vista points Event space Ecological Hydrological Recreational Cultural

x

x

x

x

x

x

Increase youth activities by 25% by 2020

x

x

x

x

x

Create attractions through Highpoints

x

x

x

x

x

Increase revenue for the town by 2020

Design Evaluation Method The design strategy is broken down by four main categories; ecological, hydrological, recreational, cultural. Each category describes a certain aspect of the project that will be further analyzed (These categories are shown on the y-axis) and incorporated in the design details.

Along with these categories, the major goals of the project are displayed on the x-axis, to create a graphical chart, depicting the needs/priority of each strategy.

1. Restoration Turn the environmental damage to environmental restoration 2. Hazard/Risk Mitigation Provide the town with sustainable design concepts 3. Connectivity Provide access to the unique features of Kearny 4. Iconic Re-establish the image of the city

Create a stable economy through sustainable design techniques 6. Comfortable Establish a safe, engaged community 7. Cultural NOTE: For further details see the goals/objectives page.

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appendix

stakeholders their agenda: To eliminate the spread of the invasive Salt Cedar species, regenerate native vegetation, and

Active Opposition

ASARCO

Local Government

Local Farmers

PErmit Holders

Stakeholders

Overcome KEy PRoblems

provide an area for attractions and recreational opportunities that Kearny can be known for.

POWER MAP: kearny, arizona

Mapping the balance of forces and power for the gila river restoration project campaign.

land ownership

SAltCedar To

decision-makers

decision-makers

decision-makers

Work with town to gain access to affluent water

constituency constituency

constituency Visitors

Community

Stakeholders

Local Government

create a “Flood Proof�

Design

Poor Soil

Tourists eliminate salt cedar through herbicide treatment

Strategies for Victories

Active Support

Key Problems:

Water Accessibility

Allied Forces

Inclined towards

decision-makers

neutral

Allied Forces

Inclined Against

decision-makers

Work with town to gain access to permits

our agenda: Design the affected area of Kearny along Gila River to provide a regenerated space with unique recreational amenities for the residents and out-of-town visitors

LDE 462 Group 2: Vincent Chung MElissa HErnandez Francisco J Rosales Eva Zambrano

Bird Migration

Local Privacy

human Accessibility

Outline of Kearny, Az

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note: To read chart, follow the labels to the far right for Agenda Levels.

Each Black bubble represents a distinct group of individuals/groups critical to the Project campaign process. Also listed are teal bubbles that identify important strategies to overcome the key problems.

To: Fr: Da: Re:

Dr. Chingwen Cheng Group 2 | Vincent Chung, Melissa Hernandez, Francisco Rosales, Eva Zambrano Friday, January 22, 2016 Memo | Kearny Stakeholder Meeting

The purpose of this memo is to highlight some of the key issues discussed at the stakeholders meeting held in Kearny, AZ on January 20, 2016. The meeting commenced at approximately 1:45pm at the General Kearny Inn and was lead by the Mayor and Town Manager.

Kearny is a town of approximately 2,000 residents alongside the Gila River. Due to the recent fire in June 2015, the town of Kearny has seen this as an opportunity to develop the open space around the Gila River front into an attraction; while also preventing future wildfires from happening. Some of the major concerns expressed by the stakeholders included the growing Salt Cedar Tree population. This invasive plant species is the number one cause of wildfires in the area and the town must act with a sense of urgency to remove them. Another major concern is the two endangered species of birds that live along the Gila River: the Yellow Cuckoo and the Southwest Flycatcher.

The stakeholders discussed expectations from the designs of our landscape architecture studio.

Kearny would like to see the Gila River become an attraction that brings visitors to the town.

Some of the programs they would like to see implemented are: riverfront walk, park, recreational fields, campgrounds, trails, areas for bird watching, educational stations, and outdoor gathering area. Kearny would like to also see connectivity between riverfront activities and Kearny Lake.

Although all of these amenities would be ideal, Kearny stressed the importance of being mindful of the floodplain and the potential for wildfires. It is crucial to the town that the developed area consist of native species that require minimal maintenance, “fuel breaks” to keep fires from spreading into the residential areas, and that there be access roads to the riverfront if necessary.

The stakeholders did not express many “non negotiables” as far as the design process goes.

One thing they would not like to see in the designs are poisonous vegetation that the cattle may consume; more specifically, oleanders. The town would not like to invest in “fancy” landscapes that will be eaten by the cattle. It is important that areas around the Gila River remain fenced to separate visitors from the cattle as well as private property.

The next meeting with the town will be on February 24 at the community workshop.

MEETING

MEMO

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