Au Gres-Sims School District to Host Community Visioning Meeting for Riverside Park

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2020

Contact:
Luke Freeman, Au Gres-Sims High School, freemanl@ags-schools.org; Phone: 989-876-7157, x341 and/or Dale Wiltse, City of Au Gres, citymanager@cityofaugresmi.com; Phone: 989-879-8811

Au Gres-Sims School District Hosts Community Visioning Meeting
for Riverside Park on February 26

This community meeting will take place at the Au Gres-Sims High School in
the Cyber Cafe on February 26, 2020 from 7-8 p.m. The meeting is free to attend and
does not require registration. The meeting will be hosted by the environmental
science students at Au Gres-Sims High School. In the meeting, attendees will learn
more about the past, present and future of Riverside Park in Au Gres. These topics
include discussion about proposed developments including green infrastructure,
bioswales, splash pad, playground equipment, and more. There will also be an
opportunity to discuss future development ideas at this meeting.

Stormwater is the general name for the water that ends up on the ground and
in our rivers and lakes as a result of rainfall and snowmelt. Stormwater picks up salt,
dirt, oil and fertilizer from roads, lawns, sidewalks and driveways. Green
infrastructure uses natural processes to reduce and improve the quality of
stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure is effective, economical, and enhances the
community’s safety and quality of life. Bioswales are one type of green infrastructure
that use vegetated, low-lying areas to filter and absorb stormwater runoff. Bioswales
provide landscaping that, depending on the plant species chosen, can create habitat
for birds, butterflies, and local wildlife.The Au Gres-Sims Environmental Science
class is designing a bioswale to be installed near the river at Riverside Park. The
bioswale will intercept stormwater before it reaches the Au Gres River and, as a
result, it will make the water quality of the river and Lake Huron better. Another goal
behind the bioswale is to inspire others in our community to build green
infrastructure.


This event is supported by Au Gres Sims-School District, City of Au Gres,
Great Lakes One Water Partnership, Huron Pines, Northeast Michigan Great Lakes
Stewardship Initiative, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Extension,
and Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network. For any special accommodations
please contact Meaghan Gass at gassmeag@msu.edu