Groundbreaking Celebrates Westminster’s Commitment to Using Water Wisely by Municipal Water District of Orange County Mar 28, 2022 Member Submitted News FOUNTAIN VALLEY – Work will begin soon on a water-wise demonstration garden at Coronet Park following a ceremonial groundbreaking event on April 1. The water-wise garden, or “pocket park,” was awarded to the City in 2018 for its outstanding participation in the 7th annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation (National Challenge). The pocket park will serve as an educational resource and reminder to residents that water-smart landscaping is achievable, sustainable, and beautiful with proper planning, drought-tolerant plants, and the right irrigation equipment. “The City of Westminster is a shining example of community members coming together for a greater cause,” says MWDOC Board Vice President Bob McVicker, who represents the City in MWDOC’s Division Three. “We look forward to celebrating the City for their tireless efforts to educate community members about the value of water and protecting our most precious natural resource.” The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is an annual water awareness campaign that promotes good water stewardship and encourages residents nationwide to use water wisely. Each year in April, mayors across the U.S. rally their citizens to complete a series of online pledges to be more mindful of their water and energy use. As an added incentive, the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) partnered with the Wyland Foundation to award a water-wise pocket park to the city within MWDOC’s service area with the highest number of pledges in the National Challenge. “The City of Westminster called on their residents to make a collective pledge to save water and energy, and community members rose to the challenge,” said Steve Creech, President of the Wyland Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating with them on April 1.” In 2018, the City of Westminster alone collected over 9,500 pledges from residents committing to reduce the city’s water use by 38.2 million gallons of water over a year. “We are experiencing drier and warmer weather conditions, and it is becoming even more critical to join together to save water,” said Westminster Mayor Tri Ta. “Everyone can be part of a long-term solution that ensures our children and grandchildren have a sustainable, thriving future.” The groundbreaking celebration will take place at noon on April 1, 2022 at Coronet Park in the City of Westminster. The pocket park project is expected to be completed in May 2022. Contact: Tiffany Baca, MWDOC | (714) 593-5013 | tbaca@mwdoc.com Steve Creech, Wyland Foundation | (949) 436-2489 | stevec@wyland.com Christine Cordon, City of Westminster | (714) 548-3177 | ccordon@Westminster-CA.gov ### 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