What do you want in Maricopa?

Have you ever thought about what recreation facilities you would like to see come to Maricopa? If not, now is the time to start.Have you ever thought about what recreation

The Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department (PRL) is asking the citizens of Maricopa to speak up about what they want in the Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan.

According to PRL Department Director Marty McDonald, the Master Plan will serve as a guide to the department to help determine staff, funding and the direction of Maricopa’s recreation for the next several years.

“With this plan we will be able to determine what elements we need to create the recreation facilities that the people of Maricopa want,” McDonald said.

As suggested in the title of the Master Plan, parks and trails are some available options, but the open space section is where Maricopans can use their imagination.

“Open space can mean many different things, from sports complexes to aquatic centers to indoor facilities,” McDonald said.

Other ideas include dog parks, running/walking trails or indoor basketball courts.

McDonald said the most important aspect is finding out what open space means to the citizens of Maricopa.

In order to help develop the Master Plan, consultant J2 Engineering will be working with the PRL Department to obtain the city’s input.

J2 Engineering is a local company that has experience in creating master plans for parks and recreational facilities. Some of the local facilities J2 has worked on include the Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert and Playtopia in Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park.

Once the information is gathered from the citizens, J2 Engineering will create a plan that will include cost modules for the PRL Department to review.

So, start thinking of what it is you want in Maricopa, whether it is for yourself, your children or your pets. Both J2 and the PRL Department will be asking for your input soon.

Photos by Katie Winkley