Harbor Bay Parkway Transforms Its Median Landscape, Reducing Costs and Water Usage by 69%
The Harbor Bay Parkway Median project in Alameda, California, faced the challenge of maintaining a 2.5-mile stretch of water-intensive lawn in an environmentally sensitive area. With rising costs and unsustainable water usage, a solution was urgently needed.
The collaboration between April Philips Design Works and Cagwin & Dorward introduced innovative turf conversion techniques like sheet mulching and low-water-use plantings. The results were impressive—a 69% reduction in water usage, $15,000 in annual cost savings, and significant environmental benefits, establishing the project as California’s largest sheet mulching initiative.
“Irrigation water use has dropped by 69%.”
— Cagwin & Dorward Landscape
BEFORE
AFTER
The median islands along Harbor Bay Parkway were transformed from water- and labor-intensive turf grass to a modern, sustainable landscape that requires little irrigation and no mowing.
About Harbor Bay Parkway Median
The Harbor Bay Median is a 2.5-mile stretch of roadway medians located in Alameda, California. This landscaping project was particularly notable because the medians are less than 100 yards from the shoreline, making it an environmentally sensitive area.
Historically, the roadway medians were covered with traditional turf that required significant water usage and extensive maintenance. With growing concerns about water scarcity and sustainability, the City of Alameda sought a more eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to maintaining the roadway medians.
The Problem
Before the redesign, the Harbor Bay Median faced multiple challenges:
The City of Alameda needed a solution to address these financial, environmental, and operational concerns while still creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional landscape.
The Results
The Harbor Bay Parkway Median landscape project demonstrated remarkable improvements in water efficiency, cost savings, and overall sustainability:
“This project completely transformed the approach to maintaining the Harbor Bay medians. Not only did it drastically reduce water usage and costs, but it also set a standard for sustainable landscaping that aligns beautifully with Alameda’s environmental values.” – Chad Sutton
How sustainable landscaping can deliver significant environmental and financial benefits
The Harbor Bay Parkway Median landscaping project is an excellent example of how sustainable landscaping can deliver significant environmental and financial benefits while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The project achieved remarkable results through innovative solutions like sheet mulching, retrofitted irrigation, and low-water plantings, including a 69% reduction in water usage and saving nearly $15,000 annually.
By adopting these eco-friendly practices, the City of Alameda addressed pressing challenges and set a precedent for other cities to reimagine their landscaping strategies. With the ongoing success of the medians, they continue to serve as an inspiring case study for balancing sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and beauty.
Looking Ahead
The successful implementation of the Harbor Bay Parkway Median project showcases the potential for applying sustainable landscaping principles to other areas across California and beyond. Future initiatives can enhance community spaces while conserving resources and protecting the environment.
Interested in transforming your landscaping while achieving significant savings? Contact us today
