03/2006 - Working Together to Make Papago Park a Regional Gem

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Councilman Greg Stanton's
North Central News Column

March 2006

Working Together to Make Papago Park a Regional Gem

As anyone who has visited Papago Park knows, the region is an incredible gem in the heart of our Valley. The Park is located geographically in Phoenix and Tempe as well as bordering Scottsdale on the east. We are very fortunate to have this great resource just minutes away in our community.

I led the effort to form a tri-city coalition to maximize the benefits of Papago Park regionally, so it can get even more use from Valley residents and tourists visiting the area. The active Papago Salado Association, under the leadership of Phoenix Zoo President and CEO Jeff Williamson, has also been a key player in this effort.

The goal is to come up with a regional master plan for the entire Papago Park system. We have held two joint meetings to date, including one in February, and are receiving expert help on the comprehensive plan from the Urban Land Institute.

Papago Park includes destinations like the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden and Cactus League baseball. Visitors can hike, bike and jog in the beautiful desert just miles from downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale and Tempe's Mill Avenue. The Park is home to the Hall of Flame and Arizona Historical Society museums, golf courses, a lake and much more. It provides a convenient and unique place for Valley residents and tourists to enjoy the real desert experience.

"I think we have one opportunity to preserve it and really enhance it and this is it,” said Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross.

"This is a chance for our entire region to showcase something that is unique around the world," said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman.

Thank you to Mayors Manross and Hallman, our City Council colleagues in all three cities, the Papago Salado Association and the Urban Land Institute for their help on this important issue. A key component to this plan is our regional cooperation. We are working together to save open space and make the cultural amenities at Papago Park even better.

Papago Park is in the center of the fastest growing, large metropolitan area in the country. It is an essential component for maintaining our quality of life here in the Valley.

Our tri-city effort is just beginning. We will keep working to make Papago Park not only a destination in the Valley, but also an internationally known gem in the desert.

Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents north central Phoenix. If you have any questions about any issues, please feel free to call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.

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