The City of Phoenix, in cooperation with the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation and the Phoenix Zoo, is retrofitting and expanding the zoo’s visitor parking area. Recognizing that pavement surfaces can be a significant contributor to the heat island and local site-specific heat comfort, the team is developing a redesign strategy that includes features to address heat and storm water issues, such as shade trees, storm water swales and increased shade structures along pedestrian pathways.

Using matching funds from the City of Phoenix and the private sector, improvements will be installed in 2021. The project will evaluate both pre- and post-conditions in the parking areas using MaRTY and water quality monitoring equipment.

Partners:

• City of Phoenix
• Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, Phoenix Zoo