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Midyear CIP update highlights dozens of projects; public questions surface about Piestewa bridge and 3PI funding
Summary
Parks staff presented a midyear capital improvement program update covering GO Bond, ARPA and Phoenix Parks Preserve Initiative (3PI) projects. Public commenters questioned a recently fenced bridge at Piestewa Peak (described as a 140-foot accessible bridge) and raised concerns about project authority, timelines and 3PI fund sustainability.
The Parks and Recreation Board received a midyear update on the department’s 2025–2030 capital improvement program, including ongoing and planned projects funded by the Phoenix Parks Preserve Initiative (3PI), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and $64 million in voter-approved GO Bond funding.
Assistant Director Whitfield told the board that the CIP focuses on new facilities, redevelopment and critical upgrades across the system. Deputy Parks Development Director Todd Shackleford outlined projects at Piestewa Peak, North Mountain Park, South Mountain Park and other sites, and said design and construction schedules vary by project. “The 2025 through 2030 CIP focuses on constructing new park facilities, redeveloping existing amenities, and addressing critical upgrades to aging infrastructure,” Whitfield said.
Several members of the public used the meeting’s public-comment period to question a recent construction phase at Piestewa Peak. Tim Serakowsky called the structure a “Bridge To Nowhere” and demanded to know who authorized it. “Who authorized the Bridge To Nowhere? Why doesn't anyone want to come forth and say this is the individual that said, yes. Let's put this into operation?” Serakowsky asked.
Public commenter Jerry Van Gass said he and others believe the footbridge and associated work were added after original plans and suggested the department and board should be investigated. “We have absolutely no faith that the parks department, parks board, the oversight committee for 3PI, none of them are ever gonna do an investigation because it would implicate them as complicit,” Van Gass said. He also referenced past project budgets, saying the Paestua Peak renovation was a $23,000,000 project in 2016.
Piestewa-area resident Ernest Martinez, speaking for the Piestewa Fallen Heroes Memorial group, said the sudden fencing and road closures in April left neighbors “blindsided” and expressed concern about a 140-foot handicap-accessible bridge and landing that he said appeared to be added later in the work plan.
Shackleford and other staff responded to board questions about timelines and communications. Shackleford described progress across many projects — from completed ARPA-funded accessible-playground upgrades to underway construction at Piestewa trailhead improvements and the South Mountain Park Preserve activity complex — and outlined design milestones and estimated construction windows. He said professional services and design work are underway for seven projects funded by the GO Bond and that permitting and public outreach vary by project.
The board previously approved installation of a USS Phoenix Cold War monument in February; project fundraising and design continue, presenters said. The department reported completing $2,900,000 in ARPA-funded work by spring 2025 and noted ongoing outreach plans for other projects.
No formal board vote to halt or alter the Piestewa work occurred during the meeting; public speakers requested records and investigations. Staff said they are developing improved public communication materials and a process to post project updates on the department website.
Board members asked staff to continue providing updates and to keep neighborhood groups informed as projects move from design to construction.
