JOAQUIN MURRIETA PARK

Location: Tucson, Arizona 

Completion Date: Late 2024 

Sales Rep: SiteOne Landscape Supply 

Griswold Products Used: DWS Series Dirty Water Irrigation Valves 

Project Description: 

The City of Tucson has embarked on an ambitious renovation project for Joaquin Murrieta Park, an iconic green space on the city’s westside. A community hub for decades, the park has served as a recreational destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and residents alike.  

 However, like many longstanding parks, infrastructure wear and tear have necessitated a complete overhaul. Now closed for extensive renovations, the park is expected to reopen in late 2024 with an impressive array of new features. 

The comprehensive renovation of Joaquin Murrieta Park, spearheaded by Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council, is transforming the park into a modern recreation facility. The project includes the construction of a new four-field baseball and softball complex, a splash pad, two playgrounds, new walking paths, and parking improvements.  

One crucial aspect of the renovation is the installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system to ensure the park remains green and inviting, even during Tucson’s arid summers. The installation includes Griswold DWS Series Dirty Water Irrigation Valves, chosen for their unique capabilities in handling reclaimed and dirty water, a vital feature for sustainable water management in public parks. 

Challenges and Solutions: 

One of the project’s most significant hurdles was updating the park’s irrigation system to meet modern sustainability standards while minimizing operational downtime and maintenance costs. Tucson’s water conservation efforts rely heavily on the use of reclaimed or “dirty” water for irrigation, a practical but demanding choice that requires specialized equipment to handle the potential contaminants found in non-potable water sources. 

The solution came in the form of the Griswold DWS Series Dirty Water Valves, designed specifically to manage the complexities of using reclaimed water. The valves feature a self-cleaning mechanism that eliminates the need for filters or screens, which can often become clogged with debris. This self-cleaning design, coupled with the valves’ durable bronze construction, ensures a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance, critical for a public park with extensive irrigation demands. 

Moreover, these valves incorporate a “slow to open – slow to shut” feature, which prevents water hammer—a pressure surge that can damage pipes and irrigation systems over time. This smooth operation not only extends the life of the park’s infrastructure but also improves the reliability of the entire irrigation system, a key factor in ensuring consistent and efficient water delivery throughout the park’s vast landscape. 

Benefits and Outcomes: 

The inclusion of Griswold’s DWS Series Dirty Water Valves provides multiple benefits for Joaquin Murrieta Park, both immediate and long-term.  

First and foremost, the park’s new irrigation system will significantly reduce water waste while promoting healthy plant life across the landscape. The valves’ slow-closing feature will prevent damage to pipes and reduce the long-term maintenance needs of the system. For the city, this translates into lower operational costs and fewer disruptions due to repairs or malfunctions. 

Another major advantage is the system’s resilience in handling reclaimed water. Tucson’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its reliance on reclaimed water for public spaces, and the Griswold DWS valves are specifically engineered to support this effort.  

The self-cleaning feature minimizes maintenance time and costs. This is especially critical in a desert environment where water resources are precious, and system failures due to clogging could lead to expensive water waste. 

From a community perspective, these improvements mean Joaquin Murrieta Park will remain lush and vibrant year-round, providing a beautiful and functional space for families, athletes, and residents. The newly installed irrigation system ensures that the park’s landscaping will thrive, even during Tucson’s driest months, without requiring constant maintenance or manual interventions. This is a long-term win for both the city and its residents. 

Products Used: 

The Griswold DWS Series Dirty Water Valves were specifically chosen for this project due to their exceptional design tailored for municipal irrigation. These valves are part of Griswold’s DW Series, which is renowned for handling dirty or reclaimed water. 

These durable valves are made from high-quality bronze, ensuring longevity even under harsh conditions. Additionally, they come with a five-year warranty, which provides added peace of mind for public projects like park renovations. 

With reduced maintenance and a robust design that prevents system breakdowns, the DWS valves offer a cost-effective solution for municipal irrigation projects. 

Photo from City of Tucson

About SiteOne Landscape Supply: 

 With unmatched product breadth, and locations within reach of virtually any job, SiteOne Landscape Supply is the nation’s largest supplier of wholesale goods for green industry professionals in the United States and Canada. Their local experts know your community, and what it takes to succeed there, because it’s their hometown, too. 

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