SAFFORD — The Safford City Council’s commitment to developing more recreational opportunities for the community took another step forward with the formation of a new Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
“They’re helping the council in (getting) direction and stuff like that. So this is just getting us our recreation moving forward as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Jason Kouts.
City Manager John Cassella said the committee would initially be temporary in nature, tasked primarily with determining recreation needs and wants by citizens.
“We’re breaking some ground on two fronts here. One, we’re looking at recreation as a new level of service. And two, we’re trying to also develop a public outreach program, of which this is a component,” Cassella said.
Once the committee brings forward a report of recommendations, the council will look at establishing a permanent recreation committee with term limits, similar to other standing committees such as the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Library Advisory Board.
During the 2021-22 budget process, the council committed $1.4 million for development of new recreational projects within the city.
The city currently has eight parks and recreational amenities:
● The community pool (1024 W. Main Street)
● Mt. Graham Golf Course (4250 W. Golf Course Road)
● Ed Ragland Basketball Courts (8th Avenue and 10th Street)
● Firth Park (1085 Thatcher Boulevard)
● Dry Lake Park (250E 2760W Dry Lake Road)
● Glenn Meadows Park (3001 S. 14th Avenue)
● La Tierra Park (corner of 8th Avenue and 23rd Street)
● Central Avenue Play Area (Central Avenue at 3rd Street)
Another park is planned for 14th Avenue and El Paso Boulevard, and the council has discussed developing city-owned land at 10th Avenue and 10th Street into a park designed for middle school aged and older children.
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