The Queen Creek Town Council has approved funding for new park facilities in phase 1 of the Park Master Plan. Phase 1, anticipated to take several years to build, includes East Park, the remainder of Mansel Carter Oasis Park, a multi-generational recreation center and aquatics center.
“The Town Council has continued to prioritize public safety and transportation,” said Mayor Gail Barney. “Thanks to significant progress in those areas – with more to come – and fiscally responsible planning, we are in a position to expand our recreational facilities to meet the needs of our community.”
In the recent 2021 Citizen Survey, 81 percent of Queen Creek residents reported visiting a town park in the past year, with 33 percent visiting a park more than 10 times. In a separate survey conducted earlier in the year, 75 percent of residents reported wanting a town aquatic center and/or multi-generational center.
Funding for the facilities identified in phase 1 will be primarily through the town’s operating budget ($115 million) with $21 million funded through impact fees (specific to East Park funding). The action at the Dec. 1 Town Council meeting directs staff to prepare for a $115 million bond to provide funding for the new projects. Once issued, the bond will allow the projects to be built now and repaid over time. The action will not increase taxes.
“Queen Creek is an active community, and we continue to see high usage at all of our parks,” said Marnie Schubert, communication, marketing and recreation director for the Town of Queen Creek. “This council action allows us to build the much-needed parks and amenities that residents have been asking for, while still focusing on building and expanding roads, water and wastewater, and public safety services.”
The sale of the bonds is anticipated in spring 2022. East Park and Mansel Carter Oasis Park are forecasted to be complete in late 2023 with the recreation and aquatic centers, located at East Park, planned to be completed in summer 2024.
For more information on parks and recreation opportunities, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/Recreation.
