SAFFORD — The first shovels of dirt were ceremoniously turned Tuesday, officially beginning work on Safford’s new Mayor Jason Kouts Park at 8th Avenue and Discovery Park Boulevard.
“This park is exactly the kind of thing that Jason loved; a place where people would gather, a place where they would connect, where children would play, where friendships would grow and where community would be strengthened,” said Jason Kouts widow, Maria Kouts Aguilar.
Nora Rogers, chair of the Safford Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, said she sees the park serving generations to come, while Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board President Taylor Banks said development of parks give entrepreneurs confidence in the community.
“Mayor Kouts dedicated many years of service to the City of Safford, serving both as a council member and as mayor. Throughout his time in public service, he worked to make Safford a better place to live, work and, especially, to raise a family,” said Mayor Richard Ortega.
The event was hosted by Safford City Manager Eric Bejarano and an opening invocation was offered by Kouts’ pastor, Dr. David Chapman with the River Church.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Work now begins by Danson Construction. It marks the third major construction project in Safford by the Phoenix-based firm, following development of the Safford Police Station and Dorothy Stinson Elementary School.
Work is expected to be completed by December 2027.
The park will include a splash pad, multiple playground areas, a zipline, pickleball courts, walking paths, ramadas, food truck and picnic areas, an amphitheater with lawn seating, parking facilities, and a pedestrian bridge across Graveyard Wash.
Cost is about $9 million, with $2.5 million coming from American Rescue Plan Act and CARES Act funding, and $200,000 from the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties for a walking bridge.
