RDR 3 Report - Flood Control District of Maricopa County

VI. LANDSCAPE, AESTHETICS & MULTI-USE
A. Introduction
As part of the Durango ADMP process, a major objective has been to
maximize opportunities to incorporate landscape aesthetics and multiuse
into an effective flood control solution for this study area
(“NAMU”- natural appearing multi-use). This effort has been driven by
the belief that flood control solutions which successfully blend
engineering, aesthetics, and multiple uses will provide the greatest
benefit to the community. The study has included an extensive
landscape aesthetic and multi-use analysis which documents the factors
which have contributed to the development of recommended landscape
themes deemed appropriate for the Durango area. Factors include
existing and future desired landscape character, visual quality, visual
resources, historic, prehistoric, and cultural influences and multi-use
opportunities. Data was collected and concepts developed based upon
field visits, project team meetings, stakeholder and agency meetings,
municipal planning documents, and public open house meetings. This
section describes the existing visual conditions, and the proposed
landscape, aesthetics, and multi-use opportunities which are
recommended to be incorporated into the design of the recommended
plan for the Durango study area.
B. Recommended Plan
The recommended plan is divided into several different “projects” as
depicted on the key map on Figure VI-1. The projects include the
Durango Regional Outfall Channel, Basins and Laterals; the Durango
Regional Conveyance Channel and Basins; the Sunland Channel; and
the 47 th Avenue Channel, Basin and Inlet. Each project will be
described separately. The narrative for each project includes a
description of the Visual Analysis, the Desired Landscape Character
Theme, Multiple Use Opportunities, and the Recommended Landscape
Design Guidelines.
1. Visual Analysis
The corridor visual analysis is intended to document existing visual
conditions specific to the areas proposed as part of the recommended
flood control plan alignment(s). Representative photographs are
utilized to depict existing visual conditions. Refer to the Figure VI-2,
Visual Analysis Photo Key Map for photograph locations.
2. Desired Landscape Character Themes
Because of the diversity within the Durango study area and the non
existence of a single dominant appropriate theme applicable throughout,
it is recommended that a mixed theme approach be taken to the
landscape design of the recommended plan. The recommended
Figure VI-1. - Recommended Plan Key Map
landscape theme for each area or component should bear a relationship
to either the proposed use, existing landscape character, future desired
landscape character, and / or characteristics relating to the culture,
history, or prehistory of the area. The desired landscape character
themes are based on the information presented in the data collection
phase of the project, supplemental corridor analysis, and the alternative
evaluation process. See Figures VI-3, VI-4, and VI-5.
DIBBLE & ASSOCIATES 25 DURANGO AREA DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN
August 2002
RECOMMENDED DESIGN REPORT