The City of Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts & Culture, Office of Sustainability, Grace Episcopal Church, Higher Ground Rainwater Systems, City of Chattanooga District 6, and Councilwoman Carol Berz will come together for the Brainerd launch of “Project Rain Barrell” Earth Day events rolling out in schools and centers across the city—beginning with Brainerd District 6 on Saturday, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Brainerd Farmers Market at Grace Episcopal Church at 20 Belvoir Avenue, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411.
City of Chattanooga District 6 encompasses communities between Missionary Ridge and Enterprise South—including Brainerd, East Brainerd, Shepherd, and Tyner. The purpose of this district-wide launch event is to educate the community on building rain barrels, collecting rain for gardens and other water purposes, and reducing storm water costs. Project Rain Barrel: District 6 will involve students in schools and community centers in constructing and painting rain barrels. Rain barrels typically retail for approximately $100 but hand-constructed, hand-painted rain barrels will be available for purchase for only $60, and proceeds will help cover materials costs for the program in schools and community centers.
Councilwoman Carol Berz said, “We are excited about this opportunity. It is right in line with the District 6 Master Redevelopment Plan and a perfect example of government partnering with the public to bring about positive change in the area.”
EAC Administrator Missy Crutchfield said, “Project Rain Barrel: District 6 is a collaborative effort that engages youth in arts and social issues, including some science and math application, and focusing on environment, water conservation and sustainable practices. We are honored to be partnering with Office of Sustainability and Director David Crockett, Higher Ground Rainwater Systems and Beckett Honicker, Hixson High School and teacher Lee Friedlander, Brainerd District 6 and Councilwoman Carol Berz on this first roll-out of what will become a community-wide initiative.”
Higher Ground Rainwater Systems Regional Manager Beckett Honicker said, “Our intention in this project is to raise awareness about rainwater repurposing. There is a growing demand for this in Chattanooga as water and sewage prices rise. With this launch event we will show that by putting just 25 rain barrels into use we can save 1,375 gallons of water per rain storm from being removed from the aquifer and from entering the city's storm water management system.”
SPONSOR a Rain Barrel – If you are interested in sponsoring a rain barrel(s) in a school or community center near you, please contact the City of Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts & Culture at 425-7823.
PURCHASE a Rain Barrel – If you are interested in purchasing a hand-crafted, hand-painted rain barrel (proceeds benefit continued program in schools and community centers), Higher Ground Rainwater Systems will deliver. Please contact the City of Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts & Culture at 425-7823.
For more information about Project Rain Barrel and the City of Chattanooga Department of Education, Arts & Culture contact Melissa Turner 425-7826 or turner_m@chattanooga.gov.