On a Shoestring

The plant team in Perry, Ga., pulls together with artistry and creative recycling to create a nature walk on the grounds for the public

Jan 18, 2012 | by Jeff Smith |

Nature

On a Shoestring — McMurrian painted characters Mario and Luigi of Nintendo fame on 2- by 3-foot wooden cutouts. Each one has a narrative bubble. Mario and Luigi are post-mounted along the trail in front of strategically located concrete culverts to appear as though they are exiting a tunnel, much as they appear in the video game.

Creativity played a big part in the plan to upgrade the landscape and beautify the surroundings of the wastewater treatment plant in Perry, Ga. While many facilities depend on local landscape architects orother professionals to lead the way, personnel at this 3 mgd activated sludge plant looked to one of their own to provide the vision. That creativity revealed itself in the creation of an entire nature walk area that serves to educate and entertain visitors to the plant. Artist driven “The whole idea started slowly with a brainstorming session,” says plant operator Brandon Lewis. “Our assistant plant manager, Chad McMurrian, is very

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