The Glendale City Council discussed a new master plan design concept for Thunderbird Conservation Park during a Dec. 12 work session.
Plans include possible upgrades to the park’s three trailheads and entrances off 59th, 67th and 55th avenues and Pinnacle Peak Road.
The improvements are estimated at $20.3M. The fiscal year 2024 budget has $4.9M allocated for upgrade design. Future funding sources will have to be identified before a timeline can be established, although $6M has been identified for 2029-2033. That amount will have to be adjusted, according to Assistant City Manager Vicki Rios.
Councilmembers in attendance praised the new design.
Along with the municipal budget, the part is also eligible for grants from the Arizona State Parks and Trails grant funding program. The City may also issue open space bonds.
At the 59th Avenue trailhead, the park’s most used, the plan will transform an access road to the west of the main parking lot into a walking path and install a pedestrian loop around the lot. The 59th Avenue trailhead improvements are the most expensive component, according to the presentation.
The City had solicited resident feedback, including placing QR codes around the park. In all, there were 196 survey responses.
Council also heard master plan updates for Sahuaro Ranch Park, but any work at Thunderbird will begin first. (Source)
