ESTRELLA MTN PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE PRESENTATION.PPTX

ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN
REGIONAL PARK
M A S T E R P L A N U P D A T E – B O A R D O F S U P E R V I S O R S
J U N E 6 , 2 0 1 6

AGENDA
• Park History
• Planning Process
• Concepts and Examples
• Update and Questions
• Approval Request

PARK HISTORY

PARK LOCATION

VISION & MISSION
• “Our vision is to connect people with nature through
regional parks, trails and programs, inspire an
appreciation for the Sonoran Desert and natural open
spaces, and create life-long positive memories.”
• “Our mission, through responsible stewardship, is to
provide the highest quality parks, trails, programs,
services and experiences that energize visitors and
create life-long users and advocates.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT
• Park System
• 42% return on investment (ROI)
• $24.2 million in output
• $20.8 million in gross regional product
• $14.2 million in labor income
• 301 supporting jobs in the greater community
Source: Chhabra, D., Steffey, E., & Zhao, S. (2014). 2014 MARICOPA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT STUDY REPORT,
Economic Impact of the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation System

HISTORY
• Became a park in September 1953 (1st park)
• 428 acres purchased and 400 acres leased
• 1960s-1970s: land acquisitions
• 1962: first 9-holes of Sierra Estrella Golf Course open
(expanded mid-60’s)
• 2008: Nature Center (prototype) opened
• 19,840 acres today

PLANNING PROCESS

PROCESS
• Previous plans
• Meetings (staff,
stakeholder, public)
• Youth outreach
• Evaluate feedback
• Identify improvement
opportunities

FEEDBACK
• Improve the turf field area
• Need RV and tent camping
• Trail and trailhead upgrades
• Upgrades at Competitive Track (restroom, shade, water,
signage)
• Have an entrance that stands out
• Educational signage
• Protect open spaces

PUBIC MEETING #1

PUBLIC MEETING #2

YOUTH OUTREACH

PARK IMPROVEMENTS

NORTH
• Super-playground
updates (B2)
• El Rio related projects
(B3, B18)
• Multi-purpose ball
fields (B9, B28)
• Brine wetlands project
(B17)

INTERIOR & SOUTH
• Maricopa Trail connection;
or road (B15, B32)
• Competitive Track
improvements (B27)
• South entrance (B35)
• Divest of the rodeo area, in
favor of RV camping (B48)
• Coldwater as a trailhead
(B49)

CONCEPTS & EXAMPLES
WHAT THE FUTURE MAY LOOK LIKE

WETLANDS,
SPORTS FIELDS
DRAFT

MULTIPURPOSE FIELD EXAMPLES
Pioneer Community Park (Peoria) 4 soccer / multi-use fields
Gilbert
Maricopa Flagstaff Women’s
Soccer

RODEO ARENA REDEVELOPMENT

CON’T

BRINE WETLANDS
• Goodyear to produce 30%
design plans before end of
year
• 1 million gallons per day of
brine
• Requires up to 40 acres
• Discharge to Gila River
“Vertical flow wetlands” • To incorporate educational
components

WETLANDS: EXAMPLES
Unknown
Oxnard, California
Oxnard, California

EL RIO: GOODYEAR PILOT PROJECT
Source: El Rio Design Guidelines & Planning Standards

UPDATE
• Parks and Recreation Commission provided their
approval recommendation (March 15, 2016)
• BLM provided a letter to indicate the plan abides by
R&PP stipulations (April 12, 2016)

QUESTIONS?
• R.J. Cardin, Director
• rjcardin@mail.maricopa.gov
• Leigh Johnson, Planner
• leighjohnson@mail.maricopa.gov