National Association of Counties

Achievement Award Program

Air Quality Learning Station: Making the invisible, visible

May. 18, 2023
Tags: Resiliency
  • Resiliency
    Achievement Award Program

    Air Quality Learning Station: Making the invisible, visible

    The Air Quality Learning Station (AQLS) is a first-of-its-kind installation. It combines air monitoring technology with an eye-catching solar-panel flower array to off-set the energy used. It is located at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte, NC, and has become an iconic part of the park landscape. This collaborative project had the goal of making air pollution and air monitoring more visible and relevant to Mecklenburg County residents. Together the monitoring instrument, solar flower, and informational signage prompt park visitors to think about air quality, a vital, but invisible, community resource. The AQLS receives scores of park visitors daily. It was also recognized by County leaders at an Earth Day 2022 ribbon cutting ceremony and has been the spotlight of five outreach events. County Mecklenburg County, N.C. Featured Resources Announcing 2023 Achievement Award Winners Achievement Award Category County Resiliency
    Air Quality Learning Station: Making the invisible, visible
    May 18, 2023
    May 18, 2023, 12:00 am
    Achievement Award ProgramResiliency
2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Air Quality Learning Station: Making the invisible, visible
Mecklenburg County, N.C.

About the Program

CATEGORY: County Resiliency
YEAR: 2023
The Air Quality Learning Station (AQLS) is a first-of-its-kind installation. It combines air monitoring technology with an eye-catching solar-panel flower array to off-set the energy used. It is located at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte, NC, and has become an iconic part of the park landscape. This collaborative project had the goal of making air pollution and air monitoring more visible and relevant to Mecklenburg County residents. Together the monitoring instrument, solar flower, and informational signage prompt park visitors to think about air quality, a vital, but invisible, community resource. The AQLS receives scores of park visitors daily. It was also recognized by County leaders at an Earth Day 2022 ribbon cutting ceremony and has been the spotlight of five outreach events.

Explore Winning Programs

The Air Quality Learning Station (AQLS) is a first-of-its-kind installation. It combines air monitoring technology with an eye-catching solar-panel flower array to off-set the energy used. It is located at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte, NC, and has become an iconic part of the park landscape. This collaborative project had the goal of making air pollution and air monitoring more visible and relevant to Mecklenburg County residents. Together the monitoring instrument, solar flower, and informational signage prompt park visitors to think about air quality, a vital, but invisible, community resource. The AQLS receives scores of park visitors daily. It was also recognized by County leaders at an Earth Day 2022 ribbon cutting ceremony and has been the spotlight of five outreach events. County Mecklenburg County, N.C. Featured Resources Announcing 2023 Achievement Award Winners Achievement Award Category County Resiliency

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