“This council action allows us to build the much-needed parks and amenities that residents have been asking for, while still focusing on building and expanding roads, water and wastewater, and public safety services.””

Marnie Schubert, Queen Creek director of communications, marketing and recreation

The Queen Creek Town Council has approved funding for new park facilities in phase 1 of the Park Master Plan.

Phase 1, anticipated to take several years to build, includes East Park, the remainder of Mansel Carter Oasis Park, a multigenerational recreation center and aquatics center.

“The town council has continued to prioritize public safety and transportation,” stated Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney in a press release. “Thanks to significant progress in those areas – with more to come – and fiscally responsible planning, we are in a position to expand our recreational facilities to meet the needs of our community.”

In the recent 2021 Citizen Survey, 81% of Queen Creek residents reported visiting a town park during the past year, with 33% visiting a park more than 10 times. In a separate survey conducted earlier in the year, 75% of residents reported wanting a town aquatic center and/or multigenerational center.

The $115 million funding for the facilities identified in phase 1 will be primarily through the town’s operating budget, with $21 million funded through impact fees specific to East Park funding.

The action at the Dec. 1 council meeting directs staff to prepare for a $115 million bond to provide funding for the new projects. Once issued, the bond will allow the projects to be built now and repaid over time. The action will not increase taxes.

“Queen Creek is an active community, and we continue to see high usage at all of our parks,” stated Queen Creek’s Communication, Marketing and Recreation Director Marnie Schubert. “This council action allows us to build the much-needed parks and amenities that residents have been asking for, while still focusing on building and expanding roads, water and wastewater, and public safety services.”

The sale of the bonds is anticipated in spring 2022. East Park and Mansel Carter Oasis Park are forecast to be complete in late 2023, with the recreation and aquatic centers, located at East Park, slated to be completed in summer 2024.