Construction begins on community park


<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt; line-height: 150%" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial"><font size="2">Arizona State University announced that construction on the community park’s first phase began the week of March 6. A collaborative effort of government, university and community partnerships, the park is located at the southwest corner of ASU’s West campus—51<sup>st </sup>and Sweetwater avenues. </font></font></p><separator></separator><p style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt; line-height: 150%" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2">The first phase includes development of two irrigated grass sports fields—one for soccer and one for general use—as well as basic infrastructure work including well upgrades and supply lines, on-site and off-site utilities, mass grading of the site, parking, restrooms, sidewalks and lighting. Phase one should be complete by October 31.</font></p><separator></separator><p style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt; line-height: 150%" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2">The community park is a $3 million joint project with Arizona State University and the city of Phoenix and its Parks and Recreation Department; the Local, Regional and State Parks Heritage Fund; and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority.</font></p><separator></separator><p style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt; line-height: 150%" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2">The second phase, as yet unfunded, will include construction of specific sports facilities and amenities including a second soccer field; two softball fields; basketball, tennis and volleyball courts; a playground; and picnic areas.</font></p><separator></separator><p style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt; line-height: 150%" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2">A third phase will add a recreation center and an amphitheater which will serve as valuable space for the Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance Department housed in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at ASU’s West campus.<span style="color: #333399"> </span>The department will be able to offer many additional cultural and recreation opportunities for the public.</font></p><separator></separator><p style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt; line-height: 150%" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2">Design and construction management of the sports fields will be handled by ASU. The daily operation, scheduling and maintenance of the fields will be provided by the city of Phoenix. </font></p>