A recent initiative by the Rosarito city government has given new life to the central median along Hisense Boulevard, aiming not only to ease recurring flooding but also to enhance the look of one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

The project replaces traditional landscaping with vegetation and textures that require less maintenance while creating a more attractive urban environment, according to REDD, an environmental design firm affiliated with the green advocacy group Nación Verde.

“This is about more than aesthetics—it’s about infrastructure,” said REDD director África Arreola. “By turning the median into a water receptor, using techniques like micro-basin gardens, we allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil instead of overflowing into the roadway.”

The approach, known as green infrastructure, leverages natural cycles—particularly the water cycle—through functional landscaping adapted to drought-prone areas. A similar effort carried out in partnership with Rosarito’s city hall has already proven successful, both in reducing floods and improving the cityscape.

Arreola urged local companies to adopt nearby medians under programs that integrate native plants and water-retention features, rather than relying on water-intensive grass. “No matter how you look at it, this creates shade, biodiversity, and cities better prepared for climate resilience,” she said. “It’s also visually pleasing and beneficial for mental health.”

She stressed that adopting and investing in green infrastructure is not just an environmental measure but a long-term investment that improves water management, strengthens urban resilience, and beautifies the city.