The city of Apache Junction could take ownership of the rodeo grounds, 1590 E. Lost Dutchman Blvd., as early as this spring, the City Council was told recently.
The rodeo grounds are home to annual events such as the Lost Dutchman Days rodeo and carnival, and the Arizona Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association show.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Lower Sonoran Field Office last year sought public comments on a proposed direct sale of the 20 acres of public lands to the city, which has leased the land since 1986 for use as a rodeo grounds arena under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. A direct sale would allow the city to operate the lands for commercial purposes beyond the scope of the act.
