Mitman Neighborhood Association was awarded a grant by Tucson Clean and Beautiful (TGB) to convert part of the Water Department lot at Van Buren and Baker into a neighborhood pocket park. This large, barren emptiness served as a heat sink and was a scar on our beautiful neighborhood.
Over the course of several months, the lot was leveled and cleared of debris. On November 9, a crew from TCB was joined by neighborhood volunteers in a planting “party.” As part of the event, we were given a lesson in planting technique. For the next few months, volunteers will be regularly watering so that the plants get well established. These are hardy, native plants. Eventually they will only need some occasional watering during hot, dry months. Besides providing a green space, curb cuts direct some rain water off of the street and into the basins where they provide water for the plants.
Next Step – TCB will be installing boulders that will serve as benches and, hopefully, fun climbing adventures for children in the neighborhood.
| Before, at the corner of Van Buren and Baker. | |
| TCB crew with neighborhood volunteers. | We get a lesson. |
| Volunteers of All Ages. | Late November rain does the watering. |