The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to join in the festivities when they cut the ribbon at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, symbolizing the opening of the Reach 11 Sports Complex, 2425 E. Deer Valley Road. Mayor Phil Gordon and District 2 Councilwoman Peggy Neely will host the grand opening event that marks the completion of the first large-scale soccer facility of its kind in Phoenix. The public also is invited to attend the Inaugural Games that will begin at 6:30 p.m. Competing will be SC del Sol and teams from Maryland, Virginia and England.
This first phase of the Reach 11 Sports Complex includes 10 lighted soccer fields - nine turf and one synthetic grass; two playground areas; restrooms and 1,200 parking spaces. In the 1999 Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative, voters approved $11.5 million for the project. The city’s Street Transportation Department, the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and the Bureau of Reclamation came together to fund field lighting, surrounding street improvements and the other recreational elements. The Arizona Diamondbacks and their partners have committed an additional $2.4 million to create a top-notch Little League venue with facilities for youths with disabilities.
In the 2006 bond election, Phoenix voters approved $12.5 million for Phase Two. When completed, Phase Two will add 10 additional lighted fields. A successful fundraising campaign will make a 4,000 seat stadium and an all-weather running track possible, transforming this venue into a major tournament destination.
The 1,300-acre Reach 11 Recreation Area is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). In 1986 the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department signed an agreement with the BOR to develop the site and provide recreation services for 50 years. Today, in addition to the sports complex, Reach 11 is home to Arizona Horse Lovers Park, a full-scale equestrian facility and 18 miles of multi-use trails through native habitat.
For additional information visit phoenix.gov/parks or call 602-262-6696.
