Carefree Truth

Issue #404, June 29, 2015

 

 

 

Gary Neiss emphasized that sales tax revenue provides over half of the income used to provide fire, police, and public works (street and infrastructure maintenance) services to the residents of Carefree.  When the Town began the fire protection service contract in 2006, it saved citizens an average of $900 a year that they had previously spent on individual fire subscription contracts.  Carefree does not impose a local property tax, so is dependent on keeping the commercial sector healthy and sustainable.  Thus, Carefree makes investments in Town owned property.  Mr. Neiss pointed out that although Carefree has invested millions in its infrastructure over the past 10 years, (fire hydrants, a fire station and truck, 30 acres of open space, administrative offices, lighting, signage, and most recently the $2.5 million street maintenance program), the reserves have grown by over $1 million even in the midst of a serious economic recession.   

 

 

 

The economic development focus this fiscal year is on the largest commercial area in Carefree, the central business district.  There is an increased activities calendar for the coming season, featuring more fairs, festivals, and performances.  However, the year long Baker Study, which reached out to Carefree residents and businesses, as well as to the larger trade area, advised activating the Carefree Desert Garden year round, rather then just during special events, to enhance the experience of those visiting the downtown.  Strategy #3, page 41, f, ii of the Baker Study Master Plan reads, "Introduce retail kiosks, movable seating, activity fountain/splash pad, fireplace, informal street entertainment, and/or a snack vendor for al fresco dining to encourage visitors to linger and extend their stay in the Desert Garden."   In order to appeal to a broader market area, Carefree must add amenities and diversify.  There are many young families living in the surrounding communities, and a splash pad was suggested to enhance the Carefree experience for that highly desired demographic.  Splash pads are heavily utilized everywhere they are located.   

 

 

 

Mayor Les Peterson pointed out that there is much incomplete and/or misleading information circulating about this project.  When that option was first investigated in 2013, the prices quoted for budgeting purposes were high, with a range from approximately $230,000-$320,000.  Using those figures, financing was proposed to be 1/2 donations and 1/2 Town funding.  If the donations didn't materialize, the project would not occur.

 

 

 

New bids were solicited more recently.  There were 4 bidders, two of which dropped out after Councilman Glenn Miller told all of them that they needed to "sharpen their pencils" in order to be considered.  Miracle Playground, which builds playgrounds and hires a general contractor to build splash pads, quoted $331,672.  Nearly 1/2 of the quote from Miracle Playground was their mark-up, and they included items not asked for by the Town.  Splash Zone, which specializes in splash pads, buys direct and is the contractor.  There is no middleman.  Splash Zone built the splash pad at the Phoenix Zoo, and many others around the Valley, and has excellent references.  They quoted $130,787.  This new lower price is included within the 2015/16 budget, under economic development, with no need to draw from reserves or to fund the other half of the higher price with donations, as originally planned.  Budgeted items do not reduce the reserve account. 

 

 

 

Mr. Neiss said Carefree likes to be unique, and cited the Gila Monster slide as an example of that theme, saying it leaves an indelible imprint on the children who enjoy it and the adults who photograph it.  The splash pad incorporates an 8' tall stylized scorpion water feature (see the slide in the video), celebrating the spirit of the Carefree Desert Garden and the whimsical art within the Garden.

 

 

 

Unlike swimming pools, splash pads do not require lifeguards or supervision, and require much less maintenance.  New technology includes an auto injection redundant water purification system, an energy efficient variable speed pump, and automatic shut off.  The splash pad uses 1/10 of the water needed for a pool, the underground reservoir keeps evaporation to a minimum, and water drains off immediately.  The splash pad would be built at the highly visible location where the Gila Monster slide is now, and that slide would be relocated to the playground station on the other side of the Garden, creating "dry" and "wet" play areas.  Completion, if approved, is anticipated in early September. 

 

 

 

Mr. Neiss referred to an earlier comment from Jim Van Allen suggesting the Town should invest in improvements along the Easy Street sidewalk, and once again pointed out that this is private property.  The Town cannot spend public monies on private commercial property, anymore than it would be appropriate for it to paint a resident's house.  They have no right to do that with public resources.  Steven Betts is meeting with commercial property owners to see if there is interest in creating a public/private partnership that, under State law, would enable some improvements on commercial properties to occur, via mechanisms like a business improvement district which would utilize a combination of funding.  Options are being evaluated.

 

 

 

Councilman Bob Gearhart asked if the insurance premium would increase with the installation of a splash pad.  Mr. Neiss said it would not, that Carefree subscribes to the Southwest Risk Pool for insurance coverage.  Because there are already water features, a form would be sent to SW Risk advising them of the new feature to be covered, but there would be no additional cost incurred under the umbrella. 

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar said he was initially opposed to a splash pad due to the cost, but had "come around" after having had discussions with Steven Betts and the Baker team, and seeing the new quote .  He was looking forward to introducing his new granddaughter to the feature when she visits.  He wasn't sure it would have direct ROI benefits, but felt it "creates an additional experience, adding to the entirety of the experience".  Carefree wants to appeal to all the demographics.  However, he questioned the possible added liability of the vertical feature, expressing concerns about the potential for injuries.  He also questioned the choice of location, asking why it was not closer to the restrooms, making it easier to change childrens' clothes. 

 

 

 

Mr. Neiss explained that the location was chosen because water and electrical lines are already on site, as is shade and seating.  The Gila Monster underutilizes the large shaded area where it is currently located.  

 

 

 

Mr. Miller said he had spoken with the administration in Fountain Hills, which has a 5,000 square foot splash pad with numerous vertical features.  In the 5 years it has been in place, there have been no injuries, and the children love the features.  No injuries have been reported from any vertical feature anywhere throughout the Valley, and the insurance premiums would not increase due to the feature.  Carefree's 1,000 square foot splash pad will have jets squirting water at varying heights for the younger children, and the 8' tall scorpion feature will squirt water to entertain the older ones as they run underneath.  He believed it would be a photo opportunity draw even in the winter months.  Mr. Farrar continued to be concerned about the scorpion feature, but he liked the new price.

 

 

 

Councilwoman Melissa Price was in Basha's recently, and mentioned the possibility of a splash pad to 2 women with whom she was in line.  Both liked it.  But when she relayed the scorpion feature, they were much more enthusiastic.  One said she was from Peoria, and would bring her children to Carefree to play on the scorpion splash pad, calling it unique.

 

https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/131243069/b7f1fba50c

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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