PIMA — Following in the steps of Safford developing a new park at 8th Avenue and Discovery Park Boulevard, and Thatcher’s ongoing construction of its largest park at 8th Street and Reay Lane, the Town of Pima announced plans to develop its own sports complex.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Town Council, Town Manager Vernon Batty explained that his goal is develop the facility entirely with grants, starting with a $1 million Arizona State Parks grant, which requires a 100 percent match.
“But this particular grant actually comes with another companion grant at the same time of $500,000 that will help offset that cost. And then it’s my intention to apply to United Way (of Graham and Greenlee Counties) for the rest of it,” Batty said.
Batty said the plan is to develop the new complex alongside the new soccer fields, which the town will celebrate with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 a.m.
He added that work has started on a basic design — which is required of the grant — that would include a new concession stand, restrooms, covered playground, grassed open space, basketball courts, pickleball courts that can be converted to tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, sidewalks and lighting.
“I don’t know how far $2 million will get us, but we’ll find out,” Batty said.
Members of the public asked if any of the funds could be used to improve the existing park by the town pool, specifically for fencing and to develop inclusive playground equipment for those with intellectual and physical disability.
Batty said inclusive playground equipment would be included at the new complex, but he would investigate whether grant money could be split between two locations.
