Councilman Claude Mattox's Monthly Newsletter Column July 2008
The future of our parks and preserves is up to you
Phoenix voters overwhelmingly approved the Phoenix Parks and Preserves Initiative (3PI). The next step is to hear from residents and we need your thoughts and input on the future direction of our city’s parks and desert preserves for the next 30 years.
3PI has been a real win for our city. In the past 10 years, 3PI has generated $198 million to develop and improve parks and purchase Phoenix Sonoran Preserve land. It has funded the development of nine regional parks, 52 new and renovated playgrounds, 23 shade structures and 35 ramadas. It also has increased the amount of sports lighting, park benches, picnic tables, grills and restrooms we utilize in our leisure time. In addition, nearly 4,000 acres of preserve land have been purchased with 3PI monies, keeping our extraordinary desert lands alive and well for future generations. Future plans for 3PI include expanding the program to allow for more park rangers and security and maintenance workers as well as creating shaded pedestrian and bike paths throughout the city.
When Phoenix voters first approved PPI, residents played a key role in provided guidance and direction, and now we’re seeking that same participation to prioritize projects and give us new direction. The city has lined up a series of public meetings throughout this month and August and I urge you to devote some time to attend at least one meeting to give us your thoughts. Below are a few of the centrally-located meetings:
• 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, Washington Activity Center, 2240 W. Citrus Way
• 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave.
The remaining meeting locations can be found on phoenix.gov/parks. In addition, the Parks Department has posted background information and an online survey on the department Web site at phoenix.gov/parks in the Park Development Projects link. If you are not available to attend a meeting, I encourage you to visit phoenix.gov/parks and share your input and ideas online. Your ideas can make a difference to enhance and create additional parks and resources for District 5.
Once the process is over, the Parks and Recreation Department staff will use your feedback to develop a proposal and recommendations for consideration by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Phoenix City Council.
We’d love to hear what’s on your mind. Help make a difference in your community and let your voice and ideas be heard.
If you have questions or comments about this or any other topic or issue, call Councilman Mattox’s office at 602-262-7446 or send an e-mail to council.district.5@phoenix.gov.