Chandler & Gilbert with San Tan Mountains at Sunset
You have to see it to appreciate Chandler’s creativity, planning and resourcefulness in developing a new park right on top of an old garbage landfill! I recently took a quick trip to Chandler’s newest city park, Paseo Vista Recreational Area. The park is situated on a 40 foot bluff and provides a panoramic view of South Mountain (Ahwatukee area), the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks and San Tan Mountains. I had the pleasure of visiting it near sunset. It is located just north of Ocotillo on McQueen.
This 64-acre park was built on an old Chandler garbage refuse that was closed in 2005. City planners had a vision of creating an eyesore into a wonderful community asset that could be enjoyed by generations to come. Engineers, developers and other experts carried out that vision and now we can enjoy the fruits of their work.
Bulls Eye Marks the Archery Area
The only evidence that it was once land for “something else” is a few buildings near the entrance that seemingly look out of place. I am also guessing the very large 25 foot tall, 4” inch pipe that looks like an arrow in the ground, marking the Archery area is a methane venting pipe.
Disk Golf Course Hole 6
As I walked the park with my chocolate lab, I was amazed that underneath all the park amenities is 2.2 million tons of garbage decomposing and settling. One won’t find any permanent hard surfaces on the park’s grounds because of this continuous settling underground. This is a unique city park, as it features an archery range (at the north end), a “bark park” for dogs, and a playground area for children (at the south end), a disc golf course and various walking/jogging /running paths. In addition, there is a pathway connected to the path along Paseo Trail, which connects to the canal trail that runs north through Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa. One can train for any running race using this route.
Bella at the Park
My chocolate lab loved the dog park. She has visited many dog parks, and one of the uninviting things about the other parks is how beaten up the grass gets from all the usage. Many of them end up being dusty and dirty as dogs romp and play. This dog park has two distinct areas and every week one is accessible while the other is closed for recuperation, alternating back and forth. For those of you who are dog owners…you will appreciate this amenity, and so will your pooch!
Archers Taking Aim
The archery area brought back fond memories of my childhood. When I was a child, I remember my dad making his own bows. The archers I observed today used very different looking bows made of fancy graphite with special pulleys and sites. My dad’s bows looked more like the long bows of Robin Hood! How times have changed!
Sunset Over South Mountain/Ahwatukee Area
Whether one ventures to Chandler’s new Paseo Vista Recreational Area to take their dog for a run, watch their children at play, practice archery, or take in the sunset, they will find many reasons to return.
i used to play archery but quit this sport after i got some elbow surgery.’:.