Revegitation with native plants is critical to the sustainable success of this project. The fewer non-native, exotic plants used, the less impacts to downstream areas are incurred. However, the surrounding urban environment is full of influences on the flora and fauna. Seeds are spread from landscaped areas by birds, animals and wind, causing non-native plants to invade habitat areas. Additionally, many environmental challenges exist when building an urban park.
Civilization depends on infrastructure that impacts the park.
Items such as overhead power lines, underground sewer, water and gas lines, land fills, transportation corridors and communication lines all bisect the park. The Rio Salado project represents a careful balance between the needs of an urban community and the conditions of a natural environment.