We recently mentioned the playground fire at Bear Creek Park in Medford, and the devastation followed by quick response in clean-up and rebuilding. In that post we mentioned that parks and playgrounds are great, safe places for children and communities to engage.
We are happy to report that gifting for park restoration continues.
In that vein, a major cellular player is giving tens of thousands of dollars to help in the final stages of rehabilitating a park that was mostly destroyed in the Almeda Fire, Phoenix’ own Blue Heron Park.
Blue Heron Park is a great resource for both Phoenix residents and visitors. As for the latter, being close to the highway, the Park encourages tourists (especially those with children) to stop, relax, play, and maybe get a refreshment or meal or do some shopping in Phoenix as well.
Repair work commenced a little more than a year ago, in January of 2022. Determination and effort, and, yes, money, is bringing this gem back to life.
T-Mobile has announced that the City will get $50,000 to repair Blue Heron Park.
“We’re ready to close the book on the Almeda Fire as it pertains to Blue Heron Park and this is a big step towards doing that,” said Zac Moody, Planning Director for the City.
Phoenix-Talent Schools Superintendent Brent Barry said, “Phoenix-Talent Schools value our partnership with the City of Phoenix and we continue to do great work together in the aftermath of the 2020 Almeda fire. We are so excited to hear about the T-Mobile Hometown Grant the City was awarded. Blue Heron Park is a tremendous space that is safe, beautiful and accessible for our whole community. Thank you for supporting our community as we continue to rebuild and recover.”
Mayor Terry Baker spoke about the City’s gratitude for the community's involvement and continued volunteer work.
"In a world where many hands make light work, we've had hands reaching out, not just with their muscle, but their heart as well," Baker said in an emotional speech. "I think one reason this whole process has gone so smoothly is because people aren't just checking boxes as they fill out the forms, they are looking at it, they want to make sure they are doing it right."
And as Jay-Z would say, Don’t call it a come-back! The park is not just being replaced, it is being upgraded. The new park will feature up-to-date, ADA accessible equipment with ramps and signs with braille for children with special needs.
All of this is designed to support more children in the community.
"I would do everything possible and I sense that everybody else is doing everything possible for the best outcome that we can create. And as long as we continue to work together continue to lift each other up, I think its going to happen," Baker said.
Baker also made a point to recognize the assistance and support received at a national, state, and most importantly, local level. Neighboring areas surrounding Phoenix played a huge role in the community rebuild by extending a helping hand.
"When we were thirsty, they gave us water. When we were hungry, they gave us food," Baker said. "They gave us clothes and for many people, they gave us places to stay. So, if you can find a silver lining, there's many."
This is one more step in community recovery. At CRT, we are noting and celebrating these long-term projects that are now coming to fruition. It takes determination and commitment, but the results can be fantastic.
