Groundbreaking Water-Wise Pocket Park Unveiled in Westminster by Municipal Water District of Orange County Apr 1, 2022 Water News WESTMINSTER – It started with community members joining together to pledge to be mindful of their water use. Soon, those same pledge-takers and many others will enjoy the return on that simple investment. The City of Westminster broke ground today on what will become a charming water-smart pocket park that will demonstrate to all who visit that water-efficient landscaping can be beautiful and functional with the right tools, irrigation, and plants. The design plan for the 2,000 square foot project was unveiled today at Coronet Park, in the heart of the City of Westminster. The pocket park award comes from the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), Wyland Foundation, Saddleback College, and other partners including The Toro Company. “This water-wise makeover honors the city’s unique cultural heritage and invites visitors to sit, reflect and enjoy the region’s natural beauty,” said MWDOC Board President Megan Yoo Schneider. “We applaud the City of Westminster for their amazing efforts to elevate community awareness about the value of water.” Cities across the United States compete in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation (National Challenge) each year. As an added incentive, MWDOC, in partnership with the Wyland Foundation, offers Orange County residents an opportunity to step up and be recognized for their water-saving efforts. The Orange County breakaway challenge is designed to get OC’s already water-conscious citizens to do even more. “Being good stewards of our water resources is a privilege we all share,” said Wyland Foundation President Steve Creech. “Everyone can do a little more. Even here in Orange County, where conservation is very much a way of life. This pocket park is a testament to that.” The City of Westminster won the 2018 Challenge, collecting over 9,500 pledges from community members to reduce the city’s water use by 38.2 million gallons. “Our citizens are extremely conscious of preserving our most precious natural resource,” said Westminster Mayor Tri Ta. “This beautiful demonstration garden is a badge of honor for the people of Westminster, who take water conservation very seriously. The Orange County breakaway competition runs concurrently with the National Challenge each year in April. The Orange County city within MWDOC’s service area that receives the most pledges in 2022 will be awarded a visit from the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center, a state-of-the-art 1,000 square foot bio-diesel science museum on wheels. To take the pledge, visit www.mywaterpledge.com. ### The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is a wholesale water provider and resource planning agency whose efforts focus on sound planning and appropriate investments in water supply, water use efficiency and conservation, public information and outreach, legislative advocacy, water education for all ages, and emergency preparedness. MWDOC’s 27 retail water agencies, made up of both city water departments and water districts, provide retail water services to the public. www.mwdoc.com The Wyland Foundation, founded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland, is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through community events, education programs, and public art projects. www.wylandfoundation.org The City of Westminster is a vibrant and diverse community with a rich history and blend of residents, businesses, and tourists from many ethnic cultures and backgrounds. Located in northwest Orange County, Westminster occupies 10.2 square miles and is surrounded by some of Southern California’s key attractions. The City is committed to providing the highest quality of service, ensuring that Westminster is a desirable place to live, work, play, and do business. www.westminster-ca.gov
