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SKYLINE REGIONAL PARK to BREAK GROUND
THIS SPRING
Buckeye
 |
| Future site of Skyline Regional Park |
After years of public meetings,
environmental assessments and negotiations with land management
agencies, Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye is about to become a
reality. Situated in mountainous, geologically complex terrain
north of Interstate 10, construction on the the 8,675-acre
recreational site will begin sometime in April/May. The park will be
developed in phases with long term goals that include expansion of
trails, building additional facilities and working toward
connectivity with Maricopa County Parks and the
Valley-circumnavigating Maricopa Trail. When the park opens this
year, there will be paved access roads, gatehouse, developed
trailhead, parking, horse staging area, picnic ramadas, restroom and
camping sites along with an environmental education programming area.
A 133' long by 14' wide bridge will span a gaping desert wash to
connect hikers, equestrians and bikers to 14 miles of existing
trails. Another 14 miles of trails are in the planning stages. The
non-motorized use routes will range in challenge level from
barrier-free to difficult and each will be surrounded by breathtaking
Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife. Deer, javelina, desert fox,
raptors and the Sonoran Desert Tortoise live among the park's rich
stands of ironwood, Palo Verde and mesquite trees that shade
colorful spreads of wildflowers, native vines and blooming cacti.
From the park's high points, big sky views beg to be savored, which
is why a special spot perched on a yawning mountain saddle will be
designated for interpretive star gazing events.
The park will be open from sunrise to
sunset daily. Initially there will be no fees to enter the park, but
that may change over time. Check back here for park updates, opening day announcement, location details and trail reviews. Until then, you can read up on the park's
history and future plans by clicking on the links below.
INFO: City of Buckeye
http://www.buckeyeaz.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1.7.2_Skyline-Regional-Park-Master-Plan-Final_201208141340254260.pdf
http://www.buckeyeaz.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1.7.2_Skyline-Regional-Park-Master-Plan-Final_201208141340254260.pdf
White Tank Mountains
Conservancy
http://www.wtmconservancy.org/
Sonoran Institute:
