Dr. AJ Chandler Park Master Plan Presentation

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Master Plan
City Council Work Study – May 9, 2024

Dr. A. J. Chandler Park through the years
1913 – Notice the small trees planted throughout the 
park. 
1913 – The canal running through the featured a small 
island with a tree. This was known as the beauty spot. 
1913 – Another view of the canal and the island.

Dr. A. J. Chandler Park through the years
1920s – Aerial view of the park looking southwest.
c. 1929 – A view of the park as the trees matured looking 
north

Dr. A. J. Chandler Park through the years
c. 1960 – The park has been redesigned several times in 
its history. Aerial view looking east.
1941 – State route 87 was slated to run directly though 
the park and all the trees were removed. Dr. Chandler felt 
this was a tragedy and ruined the park.

Dr. A. J. Chandler Park through the years
1980s-A covered walkway crossed over 
Arizona Avenue. Note the former shade 
structure (now removed) over a former 
veterans tribute plaza.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park 
1912 – Dr. A.J. Chandler envisioned a “city beautiful”
-Central plaza/open space in downtown chandler for residents to gather as well as create an
economic driver for development.
-3.52 acres (Tree in the middle of the island – “The Beauty Spot”)
1947 – State Highway 87 bifurcated the park – removal of mature trees (Dr. A.J. Chandler not in
Favor of project)
1970s - Addition of parking on the south side of the park
1985 – Park development included restrooms, fountains, towers, landscaping, and plaza area.
A grant competition was held for the design. Up until then, trees and sidewalks dominated the park.
2001 – Landscape Renovation Study
2006 – Shade structures added
2010 – Arizona Avenue improvements widened the sidewalks and added trees, landscaping and
placemaking elements.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
➢2016 – Downtown Stage completed for large special events of over 10,000 attendees
➢2016-24 CIP $825,000 was added for Pre-phase 1: Turf area between Crust and San Tan Brewery
(completed)
➢2017 – Present:
▪Increased use of park through special events/entertainment – approximately 100 events per 
year
▪Addition of multifamily, office, new restaurants and shops, and expansion of downtown to 
the south

2016 Project Need 
➢Outdated aesthetics and features prompted concerns from businesses and residents
➢Desire to enhance special event area
➢East/West connectivity and functionality
➢Failing Infrastructure
➢Fountains
➢Restrooms
➢Landscaping/irrigation
➢Electrical/power needs
➢ADA features
➢Concerns with crosswalk across Arizona Avenue
➢Need for family activities/attractions
➢Downtown multifamily development prompted need for passive use

2016 Project Background
➢Fall 2016 – Kickoff of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Master Plan – J2 Design
❑Task Force Committee
•
City of Chandler staff
•
Downtown Business Owners
•
Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP)
•
Residential 
❑Stakeholder charette meetings were held with above groups, as well as City Council
and general public.

2016 Stakeholder Feedback
✓Respect the history of the downtown
✓Celebrate
✓Unite
✓Excite
✓Play
✓Gather
✓Relax
✓Connect
✓Represent the “City of Innovation”

2017 Master Plan

2017 Master Plan

2017 Cost Estimates
High-tech
Destination driver
Large Shade Structures
Year-round use
Not a typical park

City Council Subcommittee
September 12, 2017 – Staff presented Master Plan to City Council Subcommittee
City Council Subcommittee comments:
➢“concepts presented were exciting and would set Downtown Chandler apart from other cities’ 
Downtown areas”
➢“liked the idea of connecting the Chandler Library to the Downtown”
➢“concerned with the cost of the park renovations”
➢“opportunity for phasing the project”
Staff’s next steps included:
•
ASU tour of power parasol shade structures
•
Identify CIP funding to present in City Council FY18/19 budget

Timeline
➢Spring 2018 - During City Council Budget Workshop and discussions regarding competing
park projects, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park project delayed to complete other park priorities
➢Fall 2021 - The Parks Bond Subcommittee developed consensus on putting a higher
priority on the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park renovation.
➢Current CIP for design and construction of Phase 1
✓FY23/24 - $750,000
✓FY25/26 - $10,000,000
➢Fall 2024 - Staff initiated RFP to review and update Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Master Plan
▪Dig Studios was selected
➢Design Charrettes
▪DCCP 
▪City staff

2024 Master Plan Criteria/Needs
✓Minimize costs
✓Explore eliminating water fountains and towers due to costly ongoing maintenance
✓Shade
✓Update landscaping 
✓Activate east side of park
✓Comfortable area for seating and gathering
✓New restrooms
✓ Enhancement of events and programming space
✓Improve crossing at Arizona Avenue
✓Maintain existing parking

Aerial View of Master Plan

Northwest Corner

Westside Central Area

Westside Central Area During Events

Prominent Shade Structures

Northeast Side

Eastside Central Area

Eastside Stage Area

Eastside – Stage Area
Eastern
View

Future Shade Opportunities

Park Pavilions for Smaller Events or Ancillary Large Events

Kiosk Opportunities

Restrooms

Estimated Costs

Phase 1
Request to DIG Studios:
What can be accomplished
with existing CIP budget?

Phase 1

Next Steps Options
Option 1. Complete modified design of Phase 1 - CIP FY25-26 
        budget of $10,000,000 
Option 2. Complete entire design of Phase 1 – estimated cost of 
        $18,000,000
Option 3. Limit improvements to address critical issues - 
        
        estimated cost of $3,000,000 to $6,000,000
 
 
a. Restrooms reconstruction 
 
 
b. Fountains removal 
 
 
c. Updated landscaping/irrigation
 
 
d. ADA Improvements