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City seeks $1.5M federal match to build Cheshire Park running track and multi‑purpose field
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a concept to expand Cheshire Park by about 9.3 acres to add a 400‑meter, five‑lane running track, a multipurpose field and a 73‑stall parking lot; the city has $1.5 million committed and will apply for a $1.5 million Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, with a likely award decision by May 2027.
Amy, parks staff, presented a concept on May 18 to expand Cheshire Park by roughly 9.3 acres to include a 400‑meter, five‑lane running track around a multi‑purpose field and to add a new 73‑space parking lot accessed via the Northern Arizona Museum lot.
She said the Parks and Recreation (PROS) budget includes $1.5 million for the project and staff plan to apply for a matching $1.5 million federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant, for a $3 million total project. Amy told commissioners that the project will be submitted for city design review and that Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) review is likely for any improvements adjacent to SR‑180. She also said the project will require outreach to neighbors once design details are firmer.
Commissioners discussed whether the facility will host competitions. Staff said the running community does not plan to host track competitions; the field can be striped for multiple uses, and the running track is sized to meet local running‑group needs. Staff cautioned that 73 parking spaces are likely sufficient for regular practices but could be tight for large weekend competitions; the city’s zoning code lacks a precise parking calculation for parks, so staff said they used comparisons with similar multi‑purpose fields (e.g., Thorp Park has roughly 65 adjacent spaces).
Amy said the LWCF grant review process takes nine to 12 months; staff estimated the city would know if it had been awarded by about May 2027 and, if so, could seek council approval to award a construction contract and build in a roughly 6–9 month construction window. If the grant is not awarded, staff said the project could be scaled back or tabled.
No formal vote occurred; staff will take the concept to design review and prepare a grant application.
