Landscape Irrigation Box Restoration Saves Thousands

Sometimes, it's the small, often unnoticed details that reflect genuine care and thoughtful stewardship of our community's resources.

A perfect example is the recent restoration of the irrigation control boxes used by our Landscape Department across various locations. These decades-old boxes had become rusted and faded and were equipped with non-functional locks.

After an exhaustive search for replacements—only to find suitable options prohibitively expensive at $1,000 each—our Landscape Lead Irrigation Technician, Rufo Herrera, stepped up with a creative solution. With initiative and skill, Rufo repaired, repainted, and upgraded all 15 boxes in-house. He also purchased and installed new locks, having them rekeyed to use a single-key system.

Rather than spending $15,000 on new boxes, the total cost of the project was less than $200. Although it took several months to complete while balancing daily duties, the result is a set of attractive, secure, and functional irrigation boxes that protect our infrastructure and enhance our community spaces.

A heartfelt thank you to Rufo and the entire Landscape team, whose pride in their work ensures that our grounds remain clean, well-maintained, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.