Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities Lund University Course Assignment- Water Saving Splash Pad in Washington, DC Park

I am currently taking the fascinating course, Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities by Lund University on Coursera. So far it has discussed different types of sustainable green urban infrastructure solutions that have been or can be implemented around the world to combat the effects of climate change, among other factors. The assignment for this course required me to find an example of this type of solution, where I live (Washington, DC) at answer each question in under 150 words. I found that the city will be be creating water saving splash pads at public parks, and decided to further investigate them.

Summary: A simple addition to an existing public park in Washington, DC will generate several benefits for the densely packed city.

Credit: http://www.sustainabledc.org/in-dc/projects-and-initiatives/innovation-grants-nature-recreation/#!prettyPhoto

Describe an environmental/climate problem that you are concerned about in your city. Why do you find this problem is relevant in your selected city? What are the impacts of the problem on your city and its citizens?: Storm water is collected from surfaces, such as roadways, parking lots and rooftops. Washington, DC's storm water infrastructure system is oftentimes overwhelmed. Much of the storm water is not collected by the system, and ends up flooding the street. This leads to more city traffic, as well as being generally unsafe for drivers, and bikers.

Present and analyze a green urban initiative by the city government to respond to the problem. Can you describe the green urban initiative and its effects on your city? How is the green urban initiative working to improve your city?: In order to resolve the issue that comes with the storm water infrastructure being so pressured, in an environmentally friendly way, is to somehow utilize this excess water. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will install a new splash pad with water jets and sprays that captures and reuses rain water to irrigate athletic fields while providing a play and educational opportunity for children. This is an innovative solution for excess rain water use at a recreational site.

Suggest improvements or a new approach to inspire further action on the environmental/climate problem.  Can you suggest improvements to the green urban initiative you have identified in your city? What new activities could be needed to promote transformative change in your city?: To further reduce the issue of excess storm water, the city could instate and display guidelines or even legislation on billboards, bus stops, or other public areas, that encourages citizens to use environmentally friendly landscaping practices. These are simple, yet highly effective practices that include, adjust gutters and downspouts, so that rainfall is directed onto plant growth areas and lawns, and sweeping grass clippings, soil, and fertilizer onto lawns rather than letting them clog storm drains.



Sources used:

http://www.sustainabledc.org/in-dc/projects-and-initiatives/innovation-grants-nature-recreation/#!prettyPhoto

https://www.epa.gov/G3/why-you-should-consider-green-stormwater-infrastructure-your-community#:~:text=Infrastructure%20Overview,-Infrastructure%20is%20the&text=Traditional%20%22gray%22%20stormwater%20is%20designed,%2C%20piping%2C%20and%20collection%20systems.&text=Whereas%2C%20%22green%22%20stormwater%20infrastructure,capture%20rainwater%20where%20it%20falls.

https://blog.arcadia.com/reduce-stormwater-runoff/

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