Aspen Creek is the main water collection system for the campus.  Greywater and rainwater can both be directed toward Aspen Creek, where it will help support a rich riparian habitat.  Aspen Creek will help filter the water that infiltrates as well as the excess water that will eventually end up in Show Low Creek.

The following sections depict various creek conditions that may be found along Aspen Creek. 

This sections shows one of the potential bridge types...a grand, arched, stone bridge. This bridge type could be used where the Maple Ribbon crosses Aspen Creek, as it is the major crossing on the site. 

One option would be to use simple, wood bridges for all secondary crossing points as seen in the section to the right.

These sections also show the potential for various creek depths.  At the top of the watershed at the west end of the campus, the creek may be shallow as in the section to the right. 

Another important feature depicted in this section is a raised, boardwalk-type path.  This would allow rainwater to flow into Aspen Creek without running over the path.

All of these sections also descrip possibilities for access to the creek bed.

This section shows that at points where the creek is deeper there may be no access to the creek bed.

Alternatively, at points where the creek is shallow there is the opportunity for people to enter and explore the creek bed. Perhaps these points will serve as outdoor labs for various college and intermediate school classes or for members of the community who are interested in learning about stream ecology.  The section to the right shows two options for creek access: (1)steps that lead to a walkway or gathering area in the creek bed and (2)more gradual terracing that also leads to a gathering area in the creek bed.  These options could also incorporate the boardwalk technique into the steps or the terraces so that water isn’t running across places people may be walking.

This section illustrates one more possibility for creek-bed access, and that is that perhaps at points along Aspen Creek there is only access to the creek bed from one side of the creek.

The possible combinations of creek and path conditions are endless. Allowing for multiple conditions to exist along the creek results in interesting spaces with a variety of function and character.