Andrews: The town should purchase former Four Peaks school land

Now that the ballot measure has passed allowing the School Board to sell or lease the Four Peaks property, it has become imminently clear that the most logical next step would be for the town to acquire the land from the school district and it become an extension of the adjacent park that was recently renovated.

When the city revitalized Four Peaks Park several years ago, not only did the neighborhood benefit, but also the entire town. It has become the hub of the Boys & Girls Club’s flag football league, senior softball games, pickleball groups, tennis groups and, given it’s open configuration, home to most of the town’s family events (Back to School Bash, Spooky Blast, Wacky Wet Wednesdays, etc.).  

Each year these events grow in popularity and have begun drawing families from outside of Fountain Hills, families which could possibly be attracted to moving here, or at the very least patronize town businesses while they visit. At the recent Halloween Spooky Blast event at the park, we met families that had driven from all over Scottsdale and even Phoenix to come!  

Having raised two children in Fountain Hills, the biggest reason our family moved here 12 years ago was the beauty of the parks and the many family-friendly activities and events connected to them.  

Having the town acquire the Four Peaks property from the school district and extending the park would be a win for all involved. The School Board will no longer be burdened with the cost of maintaining the building, the town would not have to change any zoning (R 1-8), and most importantly, it would be a solid investment in the town’s beautiful park system, which is one of the most significant factors when attracting new residents to the area.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.