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For additional information: |
Dawna Taylor – (602) 506-1114 |
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(602) 525-5733 |
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September 17, 2009 |
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Celebrating open spaces with green places
Usery Mountain Regional Park unveils nature center
(Mesa) - Over the past year, the green movement has gained momentum and local companies are making great strides to ensure that their organizations are moving in this direction. Maricopa County is no different. “The county recognizes that it can and should be a regional leader in maintaining a healthy and sustainable community. For this reason, the county implemented the Green Government Program. This program directs county departments to “lead by example” by implementing actions, services and programs that will address regional environmental issues,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Don Stapley, District 2.
“The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department has done a commendable job applying this philosophy over the past couple of years by implementing green-friendly facilities and projects such as the solar system at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant, El Rio Project at Estrella Mountain Regional Park and General Joe Foss Shooting Complex at Buckeye Hills Regional Park,” added R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director.
This year, the department committed to unveiling three environmentally-friendly 4,000 sq. ft. nature centers around the Valley. The first Silver LEED Certified nature center, constructed at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, opened in January 2009 and served as the prototype for additional centers. In March, Cave Creek Regional Park invited the public to tour their new nature center and kicked off the event with a rehabilitated bird release. On Saturday, September 26 at 7 p.m., the department will host a “celebrating open spaces with green places” gala at Usery Mountain Regional Park to unveil the third nature center.
“The staff and volunteers at the park are excited and proud to unveil the new green-friendly nature center to the community,” stated Jennifer Johnston, Usery Mountain Regional Park Supervisor. “September 26 is also National Public Lands Day and on this date many local and state lands participate in events to educate the community about critical environmental and natural resource issues. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect date to host our celebration,” added Johnston.
When visitors arrive at the nature centers, they are greeted by an entry pathway that welcomes them into the park and encourages them to venture into the natural surroundings. Natural and cultural resource signage has been placed along the pathways to educate visitors on the importance of Sonoran Desert stewardship and preservation.
Once inside, guests will find an array of green-friendly features such as front and back-glazed entries, a central skylight, exposed concrete slab flooring and 20” thick masonry walls. The building’s windows are operable with dual-glazed low-e glass and can be opened for natural ventilation when the weather permits. Exterior materials such as corrugated metal shade panels and unpainted steel siding were chosen for their durability and low maintenance. The restrooms were designed with low-flow toilets and waterless urinals for water conservation.
“The building’s main roof surface has an extensive roof garden system. This adds significant insulative value against heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter,” Johnston said. The garden roof also reduces storm water runoff on the site and the flat roof above the staff offices has a 2.1 KW photovoltaic panel assembly.
Both Usery Mountain and Cave Creek Regional Park’s nature centers are paired with outdoor amphitheaters that are connected to the center by scenic desert walkways. Each of the nature centers includes a retail center, critter exhibit areas and meeting rooms which are available for rent.
“Not only are our nature centers excellent educational resources for classes and programs, they also make the perfect setting for corporate meetings and weddings. The new nature centers have so much to offer the public. We're inviting the community to attend the festivities on September 26 for a tour and a walk on one of our new trails,” concluded Johnston. For additional information, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks or contact (480) 984-0032. Usery Mountain Regional Park is located at 3939 N. Usery Pass Road in Mesa.
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