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County, Surprise agree to preserve 3,500 acres at McMicken Dam for passive recreation
Summary
Maricopa County approved an intergovernmental agreement allowing the City of Surprise to develop and operate passive recreational amenities on about 3,500 acres of flood‑control land at McMicken Dam, while preserving the dam's flood‑protection function.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) under which the City of Surprise will develop, maintain and operate passive recreational amenities on approximately 3,500 acres of county flood control land in the McMicken Dam area while preserving the dam’s primary flood‑protection function.
Supervisor Lesko, who championed the item, told the board the agreement would "develop, maintain, and operate recreational amenities, including possibly trails, open space, and passive park features across approximately 3,500 acres." Mayor Kevin Sartore of Surprise and Councilman Chris Judd attended the meeting and said the intent is to conserve the land rather than build intensive improvements. "We want to preserve and conserve it the way it is," Judd told the board, adding that planned uses include bikers, hikers and equestrian access and that the existing Maricopa County Trail will remain.
Staff and speakers emphasized that any improvements the city makes will be paid for by the City of Surprise and must not interfere with the dam's flood‑control mission. As Judd said, improvements "will be at the cost of the City of Surprise and ... will not interfere with the dam's purpose to protect infrastructure and Luke Air Force Base from the occasional flooding."
Supervisor Lesko moved approval and described the partnership as aligned with Surprise's parks master plan and County land‑use goals; a motion to approve received a second and passed without opposition. Several supervisors praised intergovernmental cooperation and commended the city's and county's staff for their work.
Why it matters: The agreement opens roughly 3,500 acres of flood‑control land to managed public use while preserving flood protection for downstream infrastructure, including Luke Air Force Base. The IGA formalizes responsibilities: Surprise will fund, build and operate amenities and the county will retain the flood‑control function of the dam.
