38 | NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION BEST PRACTICE: INCORPORATE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS INTO ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMING DESCRIPTION: Local park agencies are leaders in promoting environmental education and awareness. Green stormwater infrastructure installations provide an opportunity for parks to develop and implement environmental signage and programming that raises understanding and provides meaningful outdoor classroom experiences. STRATEGIES: • Install interpretive signage, handouts, and educational displays that provide information on the infrastructure and the benefits it provides. • Provide educational and informational materials via the park or park friends group websites; use smart phone and tablet technology to educate and connect with youth and others. • Provide guided tours of green infrastructure installations on a recurring basis, or coordinate with other local agencies to include park installations as part of a self-guided tour. • Establish a hands-on science lessons utilizing the park as an outdoor classroom; coordinate efforts with school agencies, or incorporate programming into volunteer days or other events. EXAMPLES: • The Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania provides “hands-on, experiential environmental education” for people of all ages. The Center was designed to meet LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge standards. The building itself teaches visitors about the relationship between the built and natural environment. Innovative stormwater management features include a 5,000-gallon underground cistern that collects water from the parking lot’s angled solar panel roof and stores it for non-potable uses.118 The Center provides year-round programming to educate varying ages to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through hands-on learning. • The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) in Minneapolis, Minnesota has a Stormwater Park and Learning Center that includes a series of green stormwater infrastructure installations that can absorb up to seven inches of rainfall daily without any runoff into the nearby river. Each installation includes educational interpretive signage. A 360o virtual tour of the park is provided online. The Center hosts various art and educational exhibits throughout the year intended to connect visitors with the Mississippi River. The Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh, PA provides space for hands-on, experiential environmental education throughout their facility Mark Simpson, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy BEST PRACTICES: SITE MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
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