SAFFORD — The multi-community Linear Park is moving forward.
During the most recent Graham County Board of Supervisors meeting, County Manager Dustin Welker said the first step in development of the park is underway.
“Working with ADOT, they have awarded the design to Jacobs Engineering, and (County Engineer) Michael (Bryce) and I are working on a scoping meeting for this week or next,” Welker said.
The 7.4-mile park, with multiple trails, is proposed to run through both Safford and Thatcher along the Gila River and connect to the existing multi-use trail. The space will not only enable hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding but will provide opportunities for economic development through eco-tourism and create beneficial public uses for the river’s floodplain.
The 4.2 miles in Safford was estimated to cost $2.62 million in 2022, while the 3.2 miles in Thatcher would cost about $1.74 million. Graham County has committed about $200,000 to the project, and another $1.3 million is coming from a federal allocation secured by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.
“That money is on its way, because it’s been finally approved and passed through the budget,” Ciscomani said.
Easements have been secured from Safford, Thatcher and five private landowners — Freeport-McMoRan, River View Properties, Langley Properties, Gwen DeMott, and Brian and Don Smith.
