Air Quality Learning Station: Making the invisible, visible

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

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.