Valley-Wide Announces Water Conservation Project

Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District has announced it has expanded its water conservation efforts by taking steps to replace ornamental turf with drought-tolerant landscaping at all parks it operates in Menifee.

Irrigation to those areas have been turned off and signs have been posted to notify residents of the landscaping change. This does not affect the grass areas used as park space and ballfields; it involves landscaping in the medians and sidewalk areas surrounding the parks.

The drought-tolerant landscaping will be paid for in part by turf removal rebate funding, according to a news release. The reduction in water usage will benefit ratepayers in its service area.

Valley-Wide is working with Eastern Municipal Water District to convert large landscapes to recycled water. A similar project at Wheatfield Park has saved more than 40 million gallons of potable water since 2014, according to the news release.

"Valley-Wide is committed to working quickly to complete these time-sensitive projects and do our part in water conservation," said Valley-Wide President Matt Duarte, a Menifee resident. "We appreciate the understanding of those who live and work in Menifee as we move forward with these projects."