Desert Sky Park Phase 2 plans add championship field, courts and expanded parking; staff suggests additional architectural detail
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Summary
Planning staff presented Desert Sky Park Phase 2, a large park expansion with multiple new multi‑use fields, a championship stadium and courts, and commissioners recommended additional architectural variety for park structures.
Town staff presented a study session for Desert Sky Park Phase 2, an approximately 78‑acre expansion north of the existing park (the site totals about 107 acres) at the northeast corner of Power Road and Pecos Road. Phase 1 (29 acres) was previously developed; the Phase 2 concept adds nine multiuse fields, one championship field with grandstands, pickleball and tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds, splash pads, shade structures, and supporting maintenance and restroom facilities. The applicant proposes roughly 1,022 parking spaces (the requirement was estimated at 474 spaces).
Why it matters: The park expansion would significantly increase organized‑sports capacity and visitor traffic in the Power‑Pecos corridor and includes high‑visibility vertical elements such as grandstands, shade canopies and restroom/maintenance buildings.
Design and materials: Staff showed elevations that rely on ground‑faced CMU with metal panel accenting, flat rooflines and prominent curved shade canopies (presentations described canopy heights of roughly 25–29 feet and grandstand heights to about 35 feet). Staff recommended adding varied rooflines, additional color or material accents and other architectural features to enhance visual interest for buildings that will be used frequently by park patrons.
Landscaping and circulation: The park plan proposes trees and shrub palettes consistent with the Gateway character area streetscape, and the site preserves approximately 67% open space. Vehicular access is from three points on Power Road and a 28‑foot two‑way perimeter drive provides internal circulation; staff noted the park has substantially more parking than the code minimum for the proposed uses.
What’s next: This item was a study session; staff sought feedback on building materials and the remaining unresolved details (court colors, custom fencing and final canopy finishes). Staff will continue design review work and bring final park plans back for approvals consistent with Parks, Engineering and Fire requirements.
Ending: The proposed Phase 2 expansion would substantially increase recreational capacity in Gilbert; staff supported the general program while recommending modest architectural refinements and continued coordination on court fencing, canopy materials and final colors.