Downtown Apache Junction Park Concepts – Inviting Public Input
On Wednesday, August 5, 2015, the Parks and Recreation Commission will be seeing the initial concepts for a public gathering space planned for the heart of Apache Junction’s downtown. The public is invited to come out to see the concept designs and provide input and feedback. The meeting will be held at the City Council Chambers, 300 E. Superstition Blvd., and will begin at 6:00pm.
The City of Apache Junction has long envisioned a gathering space in the heart of downtown where residents and visitors could gather for fun and entertainment. Without a public space in the core downtown, special events currently require major road closures or permission from private property owners to utilize empty lots or parking areas.
Through a recent land exchange agreement, the City acquired, at no cost, an approximate three and a half acre parcel on North Apache Trail. While the site had two abandoned four-plex buildings, those blighted structure were demolished in February to prepare the site for its future use as a public gathering space.
Past city planning documents suggest a vision for a place that can accommodate art shows, small festivals, live music and entertainment, food truck events, as well as host other existing programs such as the very popular downtown Holiday Event and Light Parade. Park development will require a phasing plan as not all funding has been secured to complete what will likely be proposed for the site.
The public is invited to share their ideas and suggestions for programming of the space and the layout and design of the concepts. The feedback will be used to further develop the concepts before the final designs are taken to the City Council later this fall. For additional information please contact Nick Blake, Parks Superintendent at (480) 983-2181.
