SAFFORD — Make sure there is enough shade, benches, water fountains, access for all residents regardless of disability and a unique experience.
Those were the comments most offered at a public meeting Monday evening at the Graham County General Services Building on a proposed “action park” at the Graham County Fairgrounds.
More than 30 people attended the meeting to see the rough outline by Bowman Consulting Group of what an action park could include, as well as offer input on what residents would like to see.
The idea is to turn the lower pond at the Fairgrounds into the park, which could include climbing structures and slides; using the natural terrain to develop play patterns;, a pump track that could be used for BMX bikes, scooters and other wheeled activity; and other amenities.
Residents favored play areas different from other parks in the Gila Valley, incorporate art into the park and asked if water features could be incorporated.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Graham County Manager Dustin Welker said he was pleased with the turnout, as well as the comments from those in attendance as well as on social media.
“More than anything, we just want to create a great, unique amenity that will draw more people to the Fairgrounds, and encourage more people to be outside enjoying the outdoors,” Welker said.
The input will be used by the county to apply for grant funding of up to $2 million with a 50-50 match by the county.
A preliminary funding application will be submitted this month while work is completed on a schematic design. Once that design is completed, a final funding application will be submitted, followed by another public outreach meeting.
A decision on the funding is expected to be announced by February 2027, which will then prompt the county to begin the budget process for development of phased construction, which could begin in Fall 2027.
