Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee  on 2025-10-22 6:30 PM - Joint Meeting with the City Council — Maricopa, AZ
Date: 2025-10-23

Maricopa City Hall
 City of Maricopa 39700 W. Civic Center
 Plaza
 Maricopa, AZ 85138
 Meeting Agenda Ph: (520) 568-9098
 Fx: (520) 568-9120
 Parks and Recreation Advisory www.maricopa-az.gov

 Committee
 Committee Chair Kevin McDill
 Committee Vice Chair Jeanine Edaakie
 Committee Secretary Priscilla Behnke
 Committee Member Adam Leach
 Committee Member James Liggins
 Committee Member Kenneth Longman
 Committee Member Devin Pitcher

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:30 PM Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive

 Joint Meeting with the City Council



1. Call To Order


2. Roll Call


3. Agenda Items


 3.1 PRAC 25-53 The Maricopa City Council and the Parks and Recreation Committee will hold a joint
 meeting, to hear a presentation from City staff regarding current and future park
 development opportunities.


4. Adjournment

 Note: This meeting is open to the public. All interested persons are welcome to
 attend. Notice is hereby given of the possibility of a quorum of the Maricopa City Council
 members at this meeting.

 Physical access to the meeting room will be available 15 minutes prior to the meeting
 start time.

 Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign
 language interpreter, by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 520-316-6970. Requests
 should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

 NOTICE TO PARENTS: Parents and legal guardians have the right to consent before
 the City of Maricopa makes a video or voice recording of a minor child A.R.S.
 §1-602.A.9. Maricopa City Council meetings are recorded and may be viewed on the
 city's YouTube and the city's website. If you permit your child to participate in the Council
 meeting, a recording will be made. If your child is seated in the audience, your child may
 be recorded, but you may request that your child be seated in a designated area to avoid
 recording. Please submit your request to the City Clerk at (520) 316-6970.




City of Maricopa Page 1 Printed on 5/5/2026

Maricopa City Hall
 City of Maricopa 39700 W. Civic Center
 Plaza
 Maricopa, AZ 85138
 Meeting Minutes - Final Ph: (520) 568-9098
 Fx: (520) 568-9120
 Parks and Recreation Advisory www.maricopa-az.gov

 Committee
 Committee Chair Kevin McDill
 Committee Vice Chair Jeanine Edaakie
 Committee Secretary Priscilla Behnke
 Committee Member Adam Leach
 Committee Member James Liggins
 Committee Member Kenneth Longman
 Committee Member Devin Pitcher

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:30 PM Maricopa Library and Cultural Center
 18160 N. Maya Angelou Drive

 Joint Meeting with the City Council


 1. Call To Order

 The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m.


 2. Roll Call
 Present; 6 - Committee Member Devin Pitcher,Committee Member Adam
 Leach,Secretary Priscilla Behnke,Committee Member James Liggins,Chair
 Kevin McDill, and Committee Member Kenneth Longman
 Absent; 1 - Vice Chair Jeanine Edaakie



 3. Agenda Items

 3.1 PRAC 25-53 The Maricopa City Council and the Parks and Recreation Committee will hold a joint
 meeting, to hear a presentation from City staff regarding current and future park
 development opportunities.

 City Manager Ben Bitter began by outlining the history of the property intended for the
 iconic park. The city acquired the land in 2008, and it currently hosts the library and
 city hall, with plans for the iconic park underway. He explained that the area has seen
 considerable development since 2008, with the creation of village centers and
 community gathering spots. He highlighted the three-year discussion on establishing
 an "iconic park" as part of a "destination economy," aimed at providing a community
 amenity that also supports small businesses and tourism.

 Parks and Recreation Director Rocky Brown gave a comprehensive overview of
 Maricopa's park system. He detailed its progression from Pacana Park in 2006 to
 Copper Sky in 2014, and the recent first phase completion of Lakeview Park. Brown
 emphasized the parks' alignment with strategic priorities by offering outdoor recreation
 and encouraging tourism. He categorized the parks as neighborhood, community,
 district, and special use, illustrating how the existing parks serve diverse areas of the
 city. He also mentioned upcoming projects such as the opening of Heritage Park in
 December 2025, the Copper Sky Fieldhouse in July 2026, and the subsequent phase
 of Lakeview Park development. Brown stressed the need for updating the city's parks

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 master plan since the last update was in 2008. The new Civic Center Park, envisioned
 as the iconic park would cover around 55 acres east of the current meeting venue.

 Jeff Velasquez, Principal Landscape Architect with J2 Design, and John King,
 Principal Architect with Architekton, presented a comprehensive vision for the iconic
 park. Mr. Velasquez stated that the design begins with an iconic entrance featuring a
 canyon-style roadway, enhanced by climbing elements to evoke Arizona's scenic
 landscapes such as the Papago Buttes and Cathedral Rock. He added that at the
 heart of the project is a striking "cloud" structure, designed not only as an architectural
 centerpiece but also a functional play area that provides shade and tells the ecological
 narrative of water's importance in the desert. He continued by stating that the park's
 design includes a splash pad inspired by Arizona's red rock formations, offering a
 captivating play environment with interactive elements. He stated that an east-west
 axis serves as a versatile space for food trucks and community gatherings,
 complemented by a scale relief map of Arizona, complete with topography and QR
 codes linking to educational resources about the state's geographical landmarks. He
 added that this area also proposes sections for indigenous cultural tributes to
 appreciate and educate visitors about local history.

 Next, Mr. King presented stating that sports courts are planned, including areas for
 pickleball and volleyball, supported by necessary facilities like shaded rest areas and
 restrooms. He added that an amphitheater is proposed to host concerts and events,
 emphasizing its multifunctionality for both small and large gatherings. He stated that a
 distinct feature is a 3.5-acre urban fishing lake, enhancing the recreational aspect of
 the park. He stated that the surrounding development accommodates retail spaces
 envisioned for coffee shops and restaurants fronting the lake, enhancing both visitor
 experience and economic activity. Lastly, Mr. King shared that the design includes
 adventurous components like zip lines, running through various sections of the park,
 and a ninja course mimicking the agility challenges of an American ninja course,
 meant to engage both locals and tourists in an immersive outdoor experience.

 Mr. King expanded on the "cloud" concept, presenting it as a central iconic feature
 designed to provide shade, narrate the story of water, and function as infrastructure for
 playgrounds and events.

 Councilmember Knorr expressed concerns regarding the potential costs and ongoing
 maintenance expenses associated with the proposed iconic park. She questioned the
 prudence of advancing the park plan, suggesting it might be premature to proceed
 without first completing a comprehensive parks needs assessment. Knorr emphasized
 the importance of understanding the city's current needs, future requirements, and
 community desires before making significant commitments. She raised apprehensions
 about how such a large-scale project might impact the city's budget and ongoing fiscal
 responsibilities, highlighting critical issues like potential homelessness around the
 park and public-private partnership dynamics. While acknowledging the park's exciting
 potential, Knorr reiterated her stance that a thorough needs assessment is essential to
 ensure any development aligns with the residents' priorities and the city's strategic
 goals.

 Councilmember Liermann asked Mr. Bitter if this park was going to be built in different
 phases. Mr. Bitter stated that it’s hard to know what may be feasible at this level.
 Councilmember Liermann added that she does not want the city to go into debt for this
 park and suggested doing it in budgeted phases. She proposed adding a rodeo to the
 future east side of the park. She expressed her enthusiasm for incorporating a rodeo


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Committee

 to this park.

 Mayor Smith stated that cost and priority is hugely important to her. She stated that
 she does not want to lose vision of what can be done in different phases. She added
 that she wanted to make sure that everyone keeps in mind the economic benefit that
 this park will have as a tourist attraction. She concluded by stating that this project
 has to be about all of the elements and not just cost.

 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair, Kevin McDill, expressed an
 understanding of the need for more sports fields in Maricopa, noting the city’s
 substantial growth and the importance of accommodating various sports like soccer,
 football, and lacrosse. He also acknowledged the anticipated popularity of the features
 proposed in the iconic park vision, such as the splash pad, zip lines, and pump track,
 which align with community interests. Chair McDill shared that while the iconic park's
 concept looks promising and could potentially draw tourism, there's a crucial need to
 maintain balance. He emphasized that expanding sports fields should be a concurrent
 priority, noting that more fields would support both local resident usage and sporting
 events that could bring visitors to the city.

 Mr. Bitter stated that the direction from City Council has been for this park to be iconic
 and serve a different purpose.

 Councilmember Manfredi highlighted the significance of different funding streams for
 distinct priorities within the city. He articulated that the iconic park project should not
 be viewed in isolation or in competition with other essential city needs. Councilmember
 Manfredi emphasized that the city has separate allocations and methods, like
 development impact fees, to address a wide array of municipal requirements
 concurrently. Councilmember Manfredi stated that the focus should not only be on
 potential costs but also on how these projects align with the broader goals of urban
 growth and community benefit. He reassured that funds used for the iconic park,
 sports fields, public safety, and other infrastructure are not interchangeable but
 tailored for specific projects. Furthermore, he brought attention to the expanding
 population and infrastructure demands, underlying the importance of strategic planning
 to address future growth. Councilmember Manfredi urged an ongoing dialogue to clarify
 to residents that multiple civic improvements could be pursued simultaneously without
 compromising fiscal responsibility or prioritizing 1 area at the expense of others,
 highlighting a balanced approach to community development.

 Councilmember Goettl supported the vision for the park but insisted that the planning
 for additional sports fields should occur concurrently. He highlighted the importance of
 integrating both initiatives, emphasizing the need for balance between recreational
 facilities and sports amenities. Councilmember Goettl expressed concern that while
 the iconic park offers exciting features that promise to attract tourism and enhance the
 quality of life for residents, addressing the community's needs for additional sports
 infrastructures such as soccer and football fields is equally critical. He suggested that
 the planning process should ensure sports fields are prioritized alongside the iconic
 park development, thereby accommodating the city's growing population and
 supporting various athletic activities.

 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member, Devin Pitcher, shared his
 enthusiasm for the plan, stating his excitement about the potential for enjoying such a
 development without having to leave Maricopa. He noted that as someone who works
 from home and spends a significant amount of time within the city, the availability of a


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Committee

 broader range of recreational offerings would be highly advantageous. Mr. Pitcher
 highlighted the interest in having more amenities that provide diverse experiences
 beyond sports fields, emphasizing a desire for elements like trails and walkable areas
 that cater to the general public. He acknowledged that while sports fields are essential,
 the iconic park concept presents an opportunity to cater to a variety of interests,
 appealing to residents seeking non-sport activities.

 Councilmember Knorr emphasized the importance of gaining financial clarity before
 making any final decisions on the park's development. She voiced strong reservations
 about moving forward without a thorough understanding of the project’s potential fiscal
 impact. Councilmember Knorr expressed particular concern that proceeding with the
 park initiative could be premature without first conducting a detailed needs
 assessment. She argued that such an assessment is vital to align the project with the
 city's strategic priorities and ensure it meets both current and future demands.
 Councilmember Knorr shared the necessity of understanding community desires to
 make informed decisions regarding the development.

 Vice-Mayor Wade stated that he too was concerned about the financial impact.

 Councilmember Manfredi suggested evaluating different routes, such as public-private
 partnerships and leveraging development impact fees, to ease the fiscal load on the
 city's budget. He stressed understanding and integrating these approaches to prevent
 potential overspending and ensure sustainable development without compromising
 Maricopa’s ongoing financial commitments.

 Chair McDill expressed understanding of the excitement surrounding the iconic park's
 features, but reiterated the necessity for prudent financial strategies that would prevent
 operational costs from straining the city's long-term budget.

 Councilmember Marsh stated that he would like to see things for the seniors like
 trees, benches and shaded areas. In addition, he stated that he would like to see
 charging stations for electric cars, performing stages, a scaled down version of the
 Sphere in Las Vegas.

 Councilmember Goettl asked for a timeline and next steps. City Manager Bitter stated
 that staff is looking for some direction of a site plan and some of the amenities that
 they want to see in this park. Councilmember Goettl stated that he surveyed about 100
 teens in the community and a lot of them indicated that they would like to see a zip
 line. He also suggested an olympic size pool. Mr. Bitter stated that staff will take the
 feedback and figure out if they can make it happen.

 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member, Priscilla Behnke, asked about
 the purpose of the cloud feature was. There was general discussion of the purpose of
 the cloud to be used as large event venues. She asked what efforts are going to be
 made to include the community in the planning process. City Manager Bitter stated
 that this is a long time in the making and added that staff will gather community
 feedback from this meeting.

 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member, Adam Leach, asked if the cloud
 could be LED.

 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member, Kenneth Longman, stated that he
 surveyed some of his neighbors and one of them mentioned including an archery


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 range.

 Mayor Smith reminded the group that economic benefits should be weighed alongside
 costs when considering the project. She emphasized that while the cost of the iconic
 park is a crucial factor, it should not overshadow the potential economic development
 benefits the park could bring to the community, including increased tourism and
 enhanced visibility for local businesses. The conversation also delved into
 public-private partnerships, with a focus on innovative funding opportunities that do not
 solely rely on public funds.

 Parks and Recreation Director Rocky Brown highlighted his experience in orchestrating
 such partnerships in previous roles, suggesting that privately funded amenities could
 ease the city’s financial burden. City Manager Ben Bitter introduced the idea of forming
 an entertainment district as a strategy to generate additional revenue streams, which
 could contribute to funding ongoing maintenance without leaning heavily on taxpayers.
 He added that in these types of districts, businesses within a specific radius
 contribute to the maintenance of these amenities. Methods for obtaining community
 feedback were discussed extensively, with council members and committee members
 alike stressing the importance of community engagement in finalizing the park’s
 vision. Mayor Smith noted that the ongoing dialogue with residents, as well as their
 participation in surveys and meetings, would be crucial for aligning the park's features
 with public interest, allowing the community's voice to shape the project meaningfully.

 By meeting's end, there was a general agreement to proceed with both the parks
 master plan and a site plan for the iconic park, ensuring both would be developed in
 tandem with considerable community input. The council stressed that progressing with
 these plans does not equate to a final project approval or budget commitment.


 4. Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.




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