Although the mountain peaks are still white with snow, metro area water providers are already starting to talk about summer water restrictions. Therefore, South Suburban Parks and Recreation has identified, set priorities and contracted for more than $126,000 worth of upgrades to park irrigation systems. Since this effort was implemented in 1997, upgrades have been part of an ongoing effort to expand water conservation and maintain South Suburban's infrastructure. In 2008, two more park irrigation systems will be improved. Upgrades will begin on May 12 at Columbine Manor Park, 5075 W Ken Caryl Rd. in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Improvement work will start on June 11 in Heritage Village Park, 5000 E Fair Dr. in Centennial. All work will be completed by mid-July, weather permitting. These new irrigation systems will operate more efficiently resulting in shorter watering windows and better distribution of water maintaining a more uniform park appearance during the hot summer months.

The scope of these renovations includes new mainline, electric control valves, lateral lines and irrigation heads. New controllers, which are compatible with the current South Suburban central control system, will be installed. All disturbed park areas will be repaired by the contractor, Grandview Landscaping, an experienced contractor that South Suburban has used on prior irrigation projects. To find more information about your local South Suburban parks visit www.sspr.org.

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