Clarkdale reports $2 million in road work, park openings and public safety additions in 2024 update

Clarkdale reported in a 2024 update that the town invested more than $2,000,000 in road infrastructure projects, spent about $1,000,000 on water and sewer enhancements, opened a new park and advanced construction on a STEAM-focused park while expanding public safety resources.

The update said the town completed Broadway Road phase 2 and made progress on the Centerville Road extension. Officials credited a mix of federal and state grants for funding much of the work and said the investments aim to improve roadway safety and connectivity across the town.

Town leaders noted public safety additions over the last three years, including two new sworn officer positions that enabled 24-hour patrol coverage and traffic-control improvements. The report also cited a new police firing range, a police drone program and an ATV rescue vehicle as enhancements to emergency response and officer training capabilities.

Parks and recreation expansions highlighted the 2024 opening of Skyline Park in Clarkdale’s southern area, described as a passive park for walking and picnicking. Construction is underway on the Selma Mungini Steam Park, which the town described as a future educational hub for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Planned features listed for the STEAM park include a competition-size basketball court, a tot lot, a “big kid” playground, shade structures over play equipment, a 40-foot zip line, accessible swings and accessible playground platforms.

The town said state and federal grants provided $1,500,000 to fund the STEAM park and listed several corporate donors — Freeport, Salt River Materials Group, Verde Canyon Railroad and Bent River Machinery — among contributors to educational features.

Economic-development notes in the update included the opening of the Tuwaukie Inn with a cultural gift shop and museum, ongoing downtown events such as a beer festival and car show, annual traditions including Fourth of July celebrations, and newer events such as the Clarkdale Criterion and concerts in the park that draw visitors to the historic downtown.

On finances, the report said Clarkdale’s annual revenue is about $17,500,000. Over the last three years the town has pursued more than $30,000,000 in grant funding, reporting $13,000,000 received so far and approximately $17,000,000 still pending. The update did not specify timelines for the pending awards.

The presentation framed the projects as part of an effort to strengthen infrastructure, expand recreation opportunities and support local economic vitality. It also emphasized historic-preservation efforts such as a restored town park gazebo and renovations to local landmarks. No formal votes or ordinances were recorded in the transcript of the update and no implementation deadlines for pending grants were specified.