The installation of a new irrigation system at Fairview Cemetery is now complete. Work is now underway at Evergreen Cemetery and expected to be complete fall 2025.
About
Fairview and Evergreen Cemeteries are Colorado Springs' oldest continuously operated cemeteries. Evergreen Cemetery was established shortly after the town was founded in 1871, and deeded to the City of Colorado Springs in 1875 by city founder, General William Jackson Palmer. The 220-acre cemetery enjoys a unique historical tie to the Colorado Springs community. In 1993, Evergreen was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, only the second cemetery in the state to receive such an honor.
The existing irrigation system at Evergreen Cemetery will be receiving some much-needed upgrades to bring the three large non-potable service connections up to current utility standards including a new central control system. These new “Smart” controllers, in conjunction with new cable throughout the site, will allow for better flow optimization which will aide in the system’s capacity and efficiency.
Project Details
Project includes installation of new:
- “Smart” controllers and communication cable.
- Backflow preventers.
- Master valves and flow sensors.
- Rain sensors.
- Hundreds of new services tees and solenoid valve assemblies.
- Isolation valves, air/vacuum relief valves, and quick couplers.
Project Updates
Fairview Cemetery upgrades completed 2024
Fairview boasts the grave sites of many fascinating figures who were instrumental in establishing the history of Colorado City, founded in 1859 as a supply town for gold prospectors.
Prior to the installation of the new irrigation system, Fairview Cemetery relied on a complex set of hoses and portable sprinklers that required manual relocation for irrigation. The implementation of the new irrigation system will enhance efficiency and water conservation and will allow for watering during overnight hours, decreasing labor and water costs.
Funding
The project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) included the installation of the following:
- "Smart" Controller
- Master valve and flow sensing devices
- Rain sensor
- Communication wires
- Decoders
- Lightning protection and surge arrestors
- HOPE mainline piping
- Isolation gate valves
- Quick couplers
- Remote control valves
- PVC lateral piping
- Sprinkler heads
As an enterprise of the City, both cemeteries are supported by fees paid by users. All revenue earned goes back into the cemeteries for their operations, and not into the city’s general fund.