The idea of a building and site that demonstrates best management water quality practices and a clearinghouse for watershed information was conceived by the Watershed Committee in 1999. The Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill is the culmination of many years of planning, and one of only a handful of watershed education facilities in the United States.
The main facility includes a public meeting room, staff office spaces and public toilets for Valley Water Mill Park. The building is designed to sustainable, U.S. Green Building Council standards and is LEED® Gold. Building components designed to meet this certification are:
• Rainwater harvesting
• Innovative stormwater management
• Low-maintenance, native plant materials requiring little to no irrigation
• Daylighting
• Sustainable building fixtures
• Efficient water fixtures
• Energy efficient heating and cooling systems
• Energy efficient lighting
The surrounding site is operated as part of the Springfield-Greene County Parks system and includes a series of trails and learning stations that highlight specific water resource features including wetlands, lakes, streams and springs.
Awards: Public Recognition Award, 2014 - AIA Springfield Design Awards
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