"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Ashler Hills Park
To link to the original drawing click here.
Construction is underway for Ashler Hills Park, a new neighborhood park located 1.5 miles south of the Carefree town limits off the intersection of Ashler Hills Drive and Tom Darlington Road, behind Target and Office Max.
The project was approved in 2019 through a ballot initiative that asked voters to authorize 14 projects within Scottsdale city limits through the issuance of $112,600,000 of long-term bonds to be repaid by a property tax increase. The initiative was approved by 69% of Scottsdale voters.
Ashler Hills Park will feature walking trails including a ¼ mile desert loop, pet drinking fountains, a lighted basketball court, eight lighted pickleball courts, two open turf play areas, a covered pavilion with restrooms, and parking for 70 vehicles.
The development cost of the park is currently projected as $10,871,041, which is almost 80% over the original cost projection and does not include acquisition cost of the property, which was purchased by the City of Scottsdale for $2,000,000 in 2002. Ongoing operational costs including maintenance are estimated by Scottsdale to be nearly $200,000 annually.
The park is currently projected to be completed near the end of this year.
Carefree Unity
(Lyn's note: That is nice and close for the Carefree residents who want a park that offers those types of amenities. That negates the need for a park on the 48 acres of State Trust land in Carefree, which would require a lot of money to purchase, improve, and maintain.)
So, Capt. Dave Letourneau doesn’t have the money to do his job during Bike Week?! Then why are permits issued for the event? Permits should not be issued to event sponsors or communities without the necessary funds guaranteed to properly police noise, traffic control and traffic violations.
Jay Williams
(Lyn's note: I couldn't agree more. The 2 primary jobs of government, be it local, state, or federal, are safety and infrastructure.)
Great article Lyn! I am amazed at how many people who reside in Carefree, part time or full time, think they get all their water from wells or the aquifer. Most who I've talked with, think the water only comes from wells. People have even said to me, "Oh no, we don't use that CAP water". Grateful to you for publishing this detailed information educating the public.
PS. We all can envision what Bartlett might look like one day with this new expansion, maybe like Lake Pleasant. I'm not so sure all this progress is good for the area. Just like the helicopter pad at spur cross. Preludes.
Warm regards,
Nanci Kelleher Designer, AIID
(Lyn's note: We all have the dedicated members of Carefree Unity to thank for sharing their great research on the water issues and on the new park behind the Summit. That group really does a great job at fact finding!)
Afternoon Lyn - would you do me a big favor and forward this email to your other AZ email contacts and/or neighbors. Thanks a million.
Alan Webber
https://desertfoothillsbookfestival.com/author-alan-webber/
Construction is underway for Ashler Hills Park, a new neighborhood park located 1.5 miles south of the Carefree town limits off the intersection of Ashler Hills Drive and Tom Darlington Road, behind Target and Office Max.
The project was approved in 2019 through a ballot initiative that asked voters to authorize 14 projects within Scottsdale city limits through the issuance of $112,600,000 of long-term bonds to be repaid by a property tax increase. The initiative was approved by 69% of Scottsdale voters.
Ashler Hills Park will feature walking trails including a ¼ mile desert loop, pet drinking fountains, a lighted basketball court, eight lighted pickleball courts, two open turf play areas, a covered pavilion with restrooms, and parking for 70 vehicles.
The development cost of the park is currently projected as $10,871,041, which is almost 80% over the original cost projection and does not include acquisition cost of the property, which was purchased by the City of Scottsdale for $2,000,000 in 2002. Ongoing operational costs including maintenance are estimated by Scottsdale to be nearly $200,000 annually.
The park is currently projected to be completed near the end of this year.
Carefree Unity
(Lyn's note: That is nice and close for the Carefree residents who want a park that offers those types of amenities. That negates the need for a park on the 48 acres of State Trust land in Carefree, which would require a lot of money to purchase, improve, and maintain.)
So, Capt. Dave Letourneau doesn’t have the money to do his job during Bike Week?! Then why are permits issued for the event? Permits should not be issued to event sponsors or communities without the necessary funds guaranteed to properly police noise, traffic control and traffic violations.
Jay Williams
(Lyn's note: I couldn't agree more. The 2 primary jobs of government, be it local, state, or federal, are safety and infrastructure.)
Great article Lyn! I am amazed at how many people who reside in Carefree, part time or full time, think they get all their water from wells or the aquifer. Most who I've talked with, think the water only comes from wells. People have even said to me, "Oh no, we don't use that CAP water". Grateful to you for publishing this detailed information educating the public.
PS. We all can envision what Bartlett might look like one day with this new expansion, maybe like Lake Pleasant. I'm not so sure all this progress is good for the area. Just like the helicopter pad at spur cross. Preludes.
Warm regards,
Nanci Kelleher Designer, AIID
(Lyn's note: We all have the dedicated members of Carefree Unity to thank for sharing their great research on the water issues and on the new park behind the Summit. That group really does a great job at fact finding!)
Afternoon Lyn - would you do me a big favor and forward this email to your other AZ email contacts and/or neighbors. Thanks a million.
Alan Webber
https://desertfoothillsbookfestival.com/author-alan-webber/