A Study of Soil Infiltration Rates in Diverse Urban Park Settings in Tucson, Arizona: Implications for Urban Planning and Stormwater Management

Urban parks play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, including stormwater runoff. However, their effectiveness varies significantly due to factors such as soil type. This study evaluates soil infiltration rates across various soil types in selected urban parks in Tucson, AZ. Twelve urban parks (Augie Acuna, Brandi Fenton, Catalina, Gene Reid, John F. Kennedy, La Madera, McCormick, Mirasol, Ormsby, Santa Rita, Santa Rosa, and Tahoe) were selected using stratified random sampling. In-situ soil infiltration rates were measured using a single-ring infiltrometer with a diameter of 4.5 inches and a height of 6.5 inches. Soil infiltration rates across the parks ranged from approximately 0.69 mm/s to 1.56 mm/s. La Madera Park, characterized by sandy loam soil, exhibited the highest infiltration rate at 1.56 mm/s, whereas Mirasol Park, featuring silty clay and sandy soil, recorded the lowest rate at 0.69 mm/s. The data underwent statistical analysis using ANOVA packages in JMP, and treatment means were separated using Tukey’s test. Findings emphasize the significant diversity in infiltration capacities of urban park soils, primarily influenced by soil textural properties. This information provides essential, site-specific insights for enhancing urban planning, developing targeted stormwater management strategies, optimizing irrigation practices, and directing park maintenance efforts. The author recommends that urban planning initiatives incorporate soil infiltration data into park design and stormwater management.