Due to the worsening conditions on the Colorado River caused by historic drought, climate change, and over allocation, the Town of Gilbert has activated the first stage of its Water Supply Reduction Management Plan. The first stage of Gilbert's Water Supply Reduction Management Plan includes; heightened efforts by the Town to decrease municipal water usage; a call on residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water, especially outdoors; increased community outreach and education. Gilbert Parks and Recreation has been exploring areas of turf that would be good candidates for a turf conversion to xeriscape. In selecting areas, the department considered the following considerations; historical water usage, potable water source vs. reclaimed water source, whether the turf area is passive or active in use by the community, and the health of the grass area and the surrounding trees. The town received a grant from the Water Conservation Grant Fund that will have a Grantee Matching of at least 25% match. The Town identified the following locations for Turf Removal: Muni 2 Cactus Yards Public Safety Building Riparian Traffic Operation Center Freestone Park Cosmo Park Muni 1 Public Works Building Circle G Park Crossroads Park Cactus Yards
