SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 20, 2021) – The Utah Division of Water Resources will convert four grassy park strips to lush but water-wise landscapes to launch “Flip Blitz,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about how small landscape changes can make a big difference. The campaign kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 13218 S Herriman Rose Blvd, Herriman, Utah 84096 at 9 a.m.
“We had 199 applications after a single Facebook post and will be flipping four,” said Josh Zimmerman, Utah Division of Water Resources Water Conservation Coordinator. “People understand that by converting their park strip to a Localscape they can improve their curb appeal while saving between 5,000 and 8,000 gallons of water per year, and we’re excited about the opportunity to raise awareness about it.”
The four park strips to be Blitzed are located at:
- 4466 S 5400 W, West Valley City, Utah 84120
- 828 W Wynwood Park Dr., Murray, Utah 84123
- 8661 S 1700 E, Sandy, Utah 84093
- 13218 S, Herriman Rose Blvd, Herriman, Utah 84096
“I believe we must each do our part to care for our planet and leave it better for future generations,” said Elizabeth Currey, owner of the Flip Blitz home in Murray. “I believe that if just one house on our street flips their strip, it will inspire others to do the same!”
Park strips are hard to water efficiently, and often result in wet sidewalks and wasted water. Gov. Spencer Cox identified landscape diversification as one of his four key water conservation measures, and Flip Blitz is in line with that guidance.
“What some may see as innovative or different really needs to become the new normal in our desert state. Drought or no drought, we cannot continue with the status quo,” Utah Division of Water Resources Director Candice Hasenyager said. “This project says unequivocally that landscape changes to conserve water aren’t just coming – they’re here.”
This program relied heavily on volunteers to administer it. Those volunteer experts include:
- Melanie Brooks with Fruitful Landscape Design
- Kim Eden with Eden’s Garden Design
- Christine Suriano with Vera Landscaping
- M’Li Hoki with Water Wise Designs
- Ryan Davis with Western Roots Wholesale
- Brandon Miller with Ikon Landscaping
Media Contact
Kim Wells – Public Information Officer
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Phone: 801-803-0336
Email: KimWells@Utah.gov