El Paso Open Space Enhancements

Sites led a multidisciplinary team that created a one-of-a-kind design with custom elements for two stormwater dam sites in El Paso, Texas: Van Buren Dam and Louisiana Dam. Creative solutions were considered to provide amenities that would not interfere with the stormwater capacity or functional use of these dam locations. Hard and soft surface trails connect plazas. The project's amenities included new lighting, ADA access, interpretative educational signage, workout equipment, native vegetation protection, and formerly disturbed areas that were revegetated with beautiful low-water plants and drip irrigation. Before the water is released into the city's stormwater conveyance system, check dams slow it down and enable it to be used to irrigate native plants. The design also incorporates and protects existing native areas, which will prevent the loss of habitat for existing flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert region.