El Rio Park Preserve
LOCATION: Marana
AREA: 104 ac
CLIENT: Town of Marana
COMPLETION DATE: 2019
El Rio Preserve is a 104-acre site located in the Town of Marana tucked along the west bank of the Santa Cruz River. It is an important link in the chain of preserved riparian habitats. Project improvements include an observation deck, a pedestrian plaza, earthworks for water harvesting, increased planting of native species, and visitor amenities. WDG was scoped to design an appropriate balance between passive recreation and community amenities, and ecology and habitat restoration. Specific scope objectives include planting and irrigation plans as well as design for visitor amenities such as seating areas, walking trails, bird viewing platforms and a small amphitheater. WDG also provided the Town of Marana phased plans in order to meet short-term and long-term construction goals.