The newly incorporated Town of San Tan Valley is beginning to look at its options for future parks and recreation offerings.
In a Sept. 2 meeting, Town Manager Brent Billingsley told Council the Town has no parks or facilities and owns no land, starting from scratch with a population of 100,000 residents. The Town also has no money to launch a parks and recreation department, since it is waiting for tax mechanisms to start delivering revenues.
Council has, however, approved hiring a parks and recreation director under the annual budget when funds become available.
Billingsley presented plans that may eventually provide pathways and trails as recreational assets. Town staff will explore the creation of dual-use infrastructure that will both provide recreational opportunities and flood safety. The efforts will primarily focus on existing flood basins owned by existing homeowners’ associations or by Pinal County.
The dual-use infrastructure plan would eliminate land costs and reduce construction costs for facilities like sports team practice space.
Staff is currently in discussions with Florence Unified School District, and J.O. Combs School District about dual-use space for practice areas.
Officials emphasized San Tan Valley is being prudent with its future plans, given the expenses associated with parks and recreation facilities. A small, unlit park could cost between $150K/acre and $250K/acre. A lighted sports complex could cost between $350K/acre and $550K/acre, and community and aquatic centers can run to more than $65M before completion. These figures do not include ongoing operations and maintenance costs. (Source: Independent Newsmedia)