Council to take action on Resolution No. 50-26 approving Recreation or Public Purposes Lease AZAZ105906946 between the City of Buckeye and the United States of America Bureau of Land Management for 64

5.D
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/19/26
AGENDA ITEM: 5.D. CS- BLM
Recreation and Public Purpose Lease for
640-Acres East of Skyline Regional Park
DATE PREPARED: 05/14/26
DISTRICT NO.: 6
STAFF LIAISON: Robert Wisener, Community Services Deputy Director,
rwisener@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6621
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Public Hearing
and Non Consent - New Business Items
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action on Resolution No. 50-26 approving Recreation or Public Purposes Lease
AZAZ105906946 between the City of Buckeye and the United States of America Bureau of Land
Management for 640 acres East of Skyline Regional Park.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
A Safe and Sustainable Quality of Life
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In 2016, Council authorized the submittal of a Recreation and Public Purpose Lease to the Bureau of
Land Management via Resolution 21-16 for two parcels totaling 640-acres (320 acres each) located on
the east side of Skyline Regional Park, adjacent to Verrado.  Since 2016, the City has completed all
required due diligence, including preparation of an Environmental Assessment and a Plan of
Development, which outlines the proposed improvements over the term of the lease.  Planned amenities
for the parcels include trail connections to the existing and future Skyline Regional Park trail system,
trailhead parking, restrooms, shade structures, site furnishings, access roads, a barrier-free trail on the
south parcel, and a bike skills course on the north parcel.  The lease is provided at no cost to the City,
has an initial term of 25 years, and is eligible for renewal.  This lease is the same structure as the
existing R&PP lease in place for Skyline Regional Park.  
BENEFITS:
Approval of the lease will expand Skyline Regional Park from 8,675 acres to 9,315 acres, preserving an
additional 640 acres of open space for the Buckeye community. This expansion directly advances the
goals of the City’s 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which identified open space preservation as
a top priority, supported by 87% of residents.  The additional parcels will enhance public access and
recreational opportunities on the east side of the park by accommodating two new trailheads. One of
these will serve as a permanent replacement for the Lost Creek Temporary Trailhead, which is
anticipated to be removed as Verrado continues its westward development towards Skyline Regional
Park.  The lease also positions the City to deliver new recreational amenities that align with community
needs, including expanded trail connectivity, bike skills course, barrier-free trails, and supporting
amenities, such as parking and restrooms. Collectively, these improvements will increase accessibility,
support Buckeye’s growing population, and ensure long-term availability of high-quality outdoor
recreation.
FUTURE ACTION:
Upon approval of the lease agreement, the City will initiate the annexation of the 640 acres into the City
of Buckeye. Design and construction of improvements for the south parcel are currently programmed in
the City’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), with delivery anticipated in

FY2031.  Development of the north parcel is planned for a later phase and will be coordinated with the
timing of Verrado’s expansion north and east of the Verrado Steps and Canyon Vista Trailhead to ensure
appropriate roadway and infrastructure access.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
There is no cost to enter into the lease agreement with the Bureau of Land Management.  Funding for
improvements to the south parcel is programmed in the City's 5-year Capital Improvement Program
(CIP), with design anticipated in FY2030 and construction in FY2031.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
NA
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
BLM Outlying Parcels Vicinity Map.pdf
2912-1 Recreation and Public Purposes Lease & Exhibits Combined for Council Packet.pdf
5-19-26 Council Approval of Lease Application.pptx
Resolution No. 50-26 BLM Lease (002) Final.pdf