Carefree Truth

Issue #253, May 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

The primary purpose of this workshop was the presentation of and funding mechanisms for the potential amenity additions to downtown Carefree, which include a splash pad, improvements to the amphitheater, and a Veteran's Memorial, each of which was a separate item on the posted agenda. 

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Melissa Price began by presenting the splash pad project, with renderings.  She said it could benefit the children and grandchildren of residents, and could benefit businesses by bringing shoppers into town, as well as attracting new businesses.  She pointed out that it costs $5,000,000 annually to run Carefree, and half that money is derived from sales tax revenue.  She spoke with several people about splash pads during her research, the first of which was Matt Owens, the senior partner at Owens Harkey, the firm currently employed to market the town.  

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar interrupted her presentation to state that ULI will be doing a study.  Concerning the presentation, Councilman Marty Saltzman said, "It's part of the conversation."  "I'm 'Mr. Focused' but let's at least talk about this."  Councilman Glenn Miller felt that it was interesting.  "She took all the time and effort to put this together.  Let her put it out there."  Mr. Farrar replied, "The fact is, Miller, it's not on the agenda, the splash pad is."  Mayor David Schwan said, "Let's continue with the splash pad."  Vice Mayor Price rejoined her presentation. 

 

 

 

Matt Owens said that a splash pad is a very good additional amenity.  The more fun activities Carefree can provide, the better.  It would also provide a broadening affect during the summer "shoulder" season.  Splash pads attract people and lengthen the time they stay in an area.  The concept got a big thumbs up from Owens Harkey.

 

 

 

Desmond Ryan, of Vestar Leasing at Desert Ridge, said he feels it brings more visitors who, while there, shop, eat, and maybe see a movie.  He affirmed that it has absolutely had an impact.  It attracts tenants indirectly because the increased activity influences their decisions.  It's a positive when they see lots of people enjoying themselves within the district. 

 

 

 

Allison Goodman, the marketing director at the Scottsdale Quarter, agreed that it's a great draw, especially during the summer months.  It's always busy.  "I think that's a huge testament to how successful it is."

 

 

 

Sherry DeCovich, the assistant vice president of Macerich, said the splash pad and playground extend the length of visits to Keirland Commons.  They translate into good will and loyalty, and many times, additional sales.  Devon Huffman, the marketing manager for Macerich, said it draws moms with kids, and that they benefit immensely from the amenity.

 

 

 

The Vice Mayor next showed a picture of the splash pad at Fountain Hills, which includes vertical water features, making it different than other splash pads in the area.  Mr. Farrar again interjected, saying he was on the splash pad committee.  "I don't think people, myself personally, I'm not opposed to the splash pad."  He pointed out that it ranked least among potential capital projects suggested in the a survey done by the Town a couple years ago.  He added that it was OK if funded by donations and grants, but don't spend any Town money.   Scale down the scope.  He claimed that most parents just bring sack lunches and their kids.

 

 

 

Mr. Miller said that his grandkids were visiting last summer.  Although they loved the backyard pool, they were looking for something different to do, so Mrs. Miller took them to a splash pad located off of Thompson Peak.  They spent all day there one day each week.  "Where'd they spend their money?  In Scottsdale, not Carefree.  And they didn't bring sack lunches.  They bought their lunches there."

 

 

 

Mr. Farrar said, "You are totally missing my point AGAIN, AGAIN."  Mr. Miller replied, "Stop putting words in other peoples' mouths."  Mr. Farrar said, "You don't know what you're talking about."  Mr. Miller responded, "No, I'm a dummy; just a FIREMAN."   Mayor Schwan called the meeting back to order. 

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Price reminded the Council members that they were not deciding about water features today.  She was just presenting different options.  The Mayor said, "The purpose today is not to design a splash pad.  It's basically to say this is a concept that we're going to take out and ask for donations.  We're going to have...."  Mr. Farrar said, "I see a picture of a Fountain Hills splash pad."   Vice Mayor Price said, "I just want everyone to have information."    Mayor Schwan added, "Mike, the answer is what you said before.  You believe me.  We're not going to spend tax dollars this year on this.  And you're happy.  So be happy.  Don't worry; be happy.  We're not going to spend the tax money this year; we're trying to go out and get donations.  Relax."

 

 

 

The Vice Mayor continued, sharing her conversation with Fountain Hills Town Manager Kenneth Buchanan, who said Fountain Hills doesn't have a pool.  The splash pad is used heavily by families.  She asked if they had any problems with the vertical features and he said they hadn't.  He would recommend a second splash pad in a different part of town, and felt that splash pads were a much better way to go than pools.

 

 

 

A splash pad could benefit Carefree businesses by providing more customers.  Citizens benefit by receiving free services provided by the Town, such as fire, police, court, and roads, which are paid for in part by sales tax revenue.  Carefree has no local property tax.  Without the success of the businesses, this could change, and most do not want a property tax.  As Les Peterson, the newly elected Council member said at the candidate forum, the Council can't claim success in one area (citizens) without success in the other (businesses).  They are mutually dependent. 

 

 

 

As stated repeatedly the budget figures shown are always the highest possible, including every potential on the "wish list", plus a 10% contingency and tax, so that if the money does materialize, it can legally be spent.  The budget for a plain splash pad with 8 nozzles is $155,00-$211,000.  For the one that includes vertical water features, the budget shows $233,000-$322,000.   

 

 

 

The surrounding community demographics show the median age as 32, with an average income of $135,318  There are 11,383 households, out of which 3,713 contain children.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgXN9ryCA3w

 

 

Next, Vice Mayor Price presented potential amenity improvements to the existing amphitheater, also accompanied by renderings.  The additional canvas sails would provide shade for both residents and visitors, and would lengthen the season for use.  This would facilitate more events, such as fundraisers for the local non-profit organizations, educational seminars, garden seminars, festivals, concerts, and possibly personal events such as weddings. 

 

 

 

She showed a photo of the stage filled with electrical cords during a live musical performance as a reason for adding a dedicated sound system.  During the Christmas Festival, for which my husband was one of the official Town photographers, the stage was so dark that he could not get photos of the winners of the Best Decorated Booths in the Festival Gift Market, even with a camera famed for excellent low light photography capabilities.

 

 

 

The figure budgeted for the sails and powder coated trusses is $110,000-$157,000.  Including the lighting and sound system, with a 10% contingency, plus tax, it came to $250,000-$300,000.  Again, these numbers are calculated to be on the high side.

 

 

 

The Vice Mayor concluded her presentations by saying, "It's up to us to be the leaders here, and make decisions."  She thinks the Town is doing the right thing by getting an outside overview, and maybe they will suggest other ideas.  "But we need to make things happen.  We can talk about it for the next 3 years or we can do something."

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8TWzpJdHAU

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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