How do you think the Avenue of the Fountains “Plaza” turned out?

It was about the only piece of news to keep us going through the boring summer months (other than a few dramatic monsoon storms wreaking damage and flooding).

Being in such a visible part of town, it was always tempting to drive up and down the Avenue to see the progress – or lack thereof – by the contractor.

I know some will continue to disagree with me, but the improvement project was long overdue. Many folks decried the removal of various mature trees, but landscaping items here in the desert tend to become overgrown, woody and ugly after a while.

Besides, I’ve seen the damage caused by flying parts from those huge eucalyptus trees during storms, and it’s not a pretty sight. To me, the Avenue was looking old, tired and worn out (kind of like me; figured I’d say it before someone else said it in a letter next week…).

I realize people are always staggered by the pricetag of things, but sadly $1.5 million for a municipal project of some type doesn’t buy you much these days.

The main goal of this revamp was the infrastructure – getting the utilities, electricity, small plazas, fountains, etc. installed and working.

Small improvements and projects can always be added in the future on a piecemeal basis – some art work donated by the Cultural and Civic Association, for example, or other enhancements.

One woman contacted me who didn’t like the way the improved medians were designed at the wide intersection with Verde River Drive. Pedestrians are essentially discouraged from skipping over a low wall and going to the other median. They are being “encouraged” to follow the striped crosswalks, which would mean three street crossings to get to the other median.

Another woman wrote me last week complaining about the “unfinished” fountain at the Saguaro intersection and the non-native selection of new trees and other vegetation.

A new water feature will be built at the Saguaro intersection when the Saguaro Blvd. reconstruction is being done. The median configuration at that intersection is being modified (I’d prefer a roundabout, but that’s a topic for a future column).

It’s true some tweaking could be done on the new sprinklers to avoid runoff. It’s also true that grass isn’t necessarily rated for low water usage, but officials wanted to create more of a “park-like” atmosphere along that stretch. That’s why other low-water trees were selected over such natives as mesquites, palo verdes and ironwoods.

I think the meandering sidewalk has increased pedestrian use of the new “plaza” – but I sure hope those dog owners are picking up after their pooches. The new sod did feature winter rye, but it’s not looking the greatest right now. If it doesn’t perk up, no doubt the summer Bermuda will look plenty green in a few months.

There is always some criticism for any improvement project done by government. The new Avenue isn’t perfect, but I personally think it looks a heckuva lot better than it did and hopefully sets the tone for future development along the Avenue.