FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2014

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Carrie McCausland, Media and Communications, cmccausland@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Cheney Stadium Green Infrastructure is a Home Run

Tacoma continues to receive attention for its leadership role on surface water issues. The Association of Washington Cities has presented Tacoma with a 2014 Municipal Excellence Award in the “Making a Difference in Your Environment” category for the Cheney Stadium Sustainable Stormwater Project. 

The Environmental Services project retrofitted the Cheney Stadium parking lot, reconstructed Clay Huntington Way and revamped the stadium’s Tyler Street entrance over two off-seasons using green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff and improve access for bicycles and pedestrians. As a result, Cheney Stadium now has about six acres of permeable pavement, three rain gardens, sustainable landscaping, new pedestrian walkways and seven acres of new tree canopy.  The ballpark also has two electric vehicle charging stations and LED lighting along Clay Huntington Way. 

The site, which was finished this spring, serves as a model for commercial development demonstrating the effectiveness of green infrastructure elements, which can be installed for about half the cost of traditional stormwater improvements.  

The Municipal Excellence Award recognizes innovative and effective city programs that improve the quality of life in their communities. In addition to being featured on Association of Washington Cities web site, the project was featured in the Municipal Excellence Showcase at their annual conference and in a video available on YouTube.