A Water Feature By Any Other Name

Yesterday's East Valley Tribune had an article about the town council's vote on painting the downtown historic water tower:

After years of promises and waiting, the council will decide tonight whether to approve a $247,000 bid by TMI Coatings to paint the tower a titanium white.

“It’s long overdue,” said Councilman Don Skousen. “It’ll set off and show what’s going on with the development there. And when we get the park finished underneath and around it, it will be a great gathering place.”

For almost a decade, local business owners, residents and town officials have raised money and made plans for the tower’s painting, as well as for the construction of a park that is expected to include a small amphitheater and water features.

Set in the Heritage District, the 123-foot-tall tower was built in 1927. The town’s first jail — a tiny adobe building — sits beneath and will also be restored.

I presume that vote was affirmative, since it was presented positively in the article. It does seem like this project has been in the hopper for a very long time. The Mister is a big fan of the effort and has encouraged others to support it with their donations as well.

The trail space aroun the water tower is also slated for improvements and parks and pedestrian-drawing features, including those of the water variety. This week's Gilbert Independent lays out those water features for us, and I had to laugh at the descriptions. If I told you that the three water features were a "delivery falls," a "reservoir gorge," and a "lateral deluge," would you have a clue what I was talking about? Because I've been listening to land planners speak their lingo for several years now, and I sure didn't know what those terms meant. This reporter does a good job of explaining the terms, though:

The water features will be interactive and consist of a delivery falls; a reservoir gorge and a lateral deluge. According to Mr. Svelund, the delivery falls will create a sense of entry with a column archway on each side of Gilbert Road at the entrance to the trail, featuring cascading water.

The reservoir gorge will have a strong visual link to the downtown water tower and the future park planned for the tower. It will be the main water feature and will mimic a babbling brook.

The lateral deluge will contain a series of troughs made of metal and concrete and will create a sound of rushing water.

“Children can put their hands in the water and feel it moving,” Town Councilman Steve Urie said. “People will be able to see, feel and hear the water features.”

Whatever they call the water features, I think it will be a great enhancement to the downtown Gilbert area. The article also indicates that a couple of folks are involved in this project whom The Mister enormously respects, Tami Ryall and Kathy Langdon:

According to Assistant Town Manager Tami Ryall, the project will begin construction this fall.

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Langdon congratulated the parties involved in the project.

“I think the town has done a fantastic job in putting this project together,” Ms. Langdon said. “I’m thrilled with the results.”

It's going to look great.