SAFFORD — The City of Safford is going all-in on its newest park.
During a work session Monday, the City Council directed staff to develop all at once the new park at 8th Avenue and Discovery Park Boulevard.
“I’d rather have a full park rather than have phases done,” said Councilman Michael Andazola. “Let’s have it all done, so we have a community place where everybody can go, where everybody can have something to do.”
Rebeca Field, with the design firm Kimley-Horn, said total cost of the project is about $6.8 million for all of the amenities prioritized by citizens, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Council members. That includes:
● 2,800 square-foot splash pad
● 1,200 square-foot amphitheater area
● Four pickleball courts
● Playground equipment, including a zip line, equipment for all abilities and a fit core area
● Food truck court
● 2.4 acres of open grassy area
● Parking
– Contributed Graphic/City of Safford
Funding is coming from $2.4 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation, $546,000 from CARES Act funding, $800,000 from the city’s wastewater fund and the balance from general fund reserves.
“We do have the money in the general fund reserves. It’s one-time money; this is a one-time expenditure; and it gets us a really, really nice amenity for the community that we don’t have,” City Manager John Cassella said.
Field said final plans will be submitted to the city in the summer. She said the city could anticipate at least 60 days for the bidding process, and construction taking at least one year to complete.
