INLAND EMPIRE, CA – The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) has kicked off construction on the Turnkey Turf Transformation (T3) Program, marking the start of a multi-site initiative to permanently replace nonfunctional turf at highly visible and public facilities with living, climate-appropriate landscapes.
The program supports California’s efforts to phase out nonfunctional turf and improve long-term water-use efficiency by delivering permanent landscape conversions that reduce irrigation demand and maintenance while maintaining functional public spaces. The T3 Program provides a fully managed, turnkey approach that includes site assessment, professional landscape design, construction, and installation of high-efficiency irrigation systems tailored to each site. The program is funded by an $8.4 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources through the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program.
IEUA leads implementation of the program in collaboration with partners, Calleguas Municipal Water District, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, and Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, as part of a regional, multi-county effort across Southern California.
“We are grateful that the California Department of Water Resources has provided grant funding that makes projects like the Turnkey Turf Transformation Program possible and delivers meaningful advances in water sustainability across Southern California,” said IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “As the Inland Empire continues to grow, it’s critical that we rethink how our public spaces are designed and maintained. This program allows IEUA to lead long-term landscape transformations at no cost to participating agencies, returning value directly to our communities while improving water-use efficiency and demonstrating that water-efficient landscapes can be both beautiful and beneficial.”
Construction is underway or planned at multiple public facilities, including:
- Montclair Fire Station 151 — City of Montclair (completed)
- Ontario Airport — City of Ontario
- Chino City Hall — City of Chino
- Fairfield Trail — City of Chino Hills
- Old Town Park — City of Rancho Cucamonga
- Bear Gulch Park — City of Rancho Cucamonga
- Sunset Ridge Apartments — City of Upland
- Cherry Avenue Median — City of Fontana
Montclair Fire Station 151 is one of the first completed sites, where landscaping is now in the establishment and monitoring phase as plants mature over the coming months.
Construction across IEUA’s service area is expected to continue through fall 2026.
Program projects include professional landscape design tailored to each site; climate-appropriate; high-efficiency irrigation systems with smart controls; and guidance for long-term landscape care and maintenance. All T3 projects use living plant materials and do not include artificial turf. Landscape designs may reflect Mediterranean, Southwestern, and California-friendly styles and emphasize drought tolerance, long-term performance, and reduced maintenance. Design features may include vibrant flowering shrubs and groundcovers, succulents and architectural plants, decorative rock for aesthetics and erosion control, and large plant groupings to minimize ongoing maintenance requirements.
Before-and-after photos and project updates will be shared through IEUA communication channels. More information, including overall program site locations, is available at www.ieua.org/turnkeyturf.