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Board hears revised fairgrounds plan; staff to prioritize modest arena changes and safer spectator areas
Summary
After public comments and consultant input, staff proposed keeping the main arena orientation largely as is, adding a smaller secondary arena and staging area, and reworking parking and playground placement to reduce conflicts between livestock, riders and spectators.
Greenlee County staff presented a revised plan Monday for the Duncan fairgrounds that emphasizes small, practical changes intended to improve safety and usability for local users while holding costs down.
County Administrator Derek and County Engineer Reed Larson summarized outreach: staff met with arena users, rodeo promoters, youth sports organizers and residents and reviewed dozens of other arena designs. The board heard that the community favors retaining the current arena orientation and adding modest changes to reduce the chance of animals running near spectator areas.
Key elements discussed: - A smaller, simpler secondary arena for barrel racing, pole bending and youth events, arranged so participants can warm up in a clear staging area separated from most spectator routes. The staging circle and holding lanes would be pushed slightly west to reduce herd movement near people. - Moving or reconfiguring bucking chutes and roping shoots to create more runout room and to reduce the chance of animals running directly adjacent to grandstand seating. Several experienced rodeo contractors and a collegiate rodeo coach who consulted with the county advised adding runout room to lower risk. - Preserving and improving the current main arena rather than building parallel side‑by‑side arenas, a choice staff said would cut cost and match most local use patterns. - Relocating some playgrounds and clustering restrooms and support facilities near the ball fields so family activities are consolidated and parents can supervise easily. - Adding clearer, temporary and permanent barricades to keep public foot traffic out of warm‑up and vehicle areas during events.
Local resident Gail Hackney told the board she remains concerned about water quality and water costs for amenities such as splash pads or water‑intensive landscaping; staff confirmed water quality and supply remain a design constraint and said they are pursuing options including on‑site wells, city water for limited contact uses and treatment strategies.
Supervisors and staff agreed on a near‑term approach that focuses on safety upgrades and modular, lower‑cost improvements that allow later expansion when funding and water availability allow. Staff said a prioritized, phased package — starting with fencing, staging/stall reconfiguration and modest parking and restrooms — would keep the arena usable for the upcoming season. The board did not approve a final design Monday; staff will return with construction estimates for the first phase.
Ending: Supervisors instructed staff to carry the revised, lower‑cost plan forward, prioritize safety improvements that expand usable parking and staging space, and return with cost estimates so the board can consider a phased capital program.
