Ak-Chin Indian Community Makes Sizable Investment in the City of Maricopa; Contributes Funds for Schools, Recreational Complex
(Maricopa, Ariz.) – During the May 7 Maricopa City Council meeting, Mayor Christian Price announced that the Ak-Chin Indian Community would be making an investment of $10 million in Maricopa. Of the $10 million investment, $2.6 million will support the Maricopa Unified School District and $7.4 million will be allocated to the operation of the City of Maricopa’s Copper Sky Recreational Complex, a multigenerational/aquatic center and regional park, currently under construction.
The Community’s investment in the District will assist with the short fall within the budget and the failure of the previous tax initiative. Ak-Chin Tribal Chairman Louis J. Manuel, Jr. has long valued the importance of education and has made it a priority for the Tribal Council to find ways to improve upon it, not only for the Tribal community, but for the City of Maricopa as well.
“As true leaders to those our youth look to for guidance, we need to invest in them to promote and partake in a future yet to be determined but with the belief of opportunities,” said Chairman Manuel. “The Ak-Chin Indian Community believes a partnership like this goes beyond the boundaries and creates a relationship to forge a strong future for everyone.”
The Copper Sky Recreational Complex, slated to open in spring 2014, includes a multigenerational/aquatic center and a regional park. The 52,000-square-foot center will have many amenities, such as a gymnasium with two full-size basketball courts, a fitness area, an indoor running track, a competitive pool, a recreational pool, and a splash pad. The regional park is approximately 120 acres and will be comprised of a five-acre lake, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a skate park, multi-use fields, a baseball/softball field, a dog park, and bike and multi-use trails.
“I am ecstatic to see the countless benefits that come from building positive and valuable relationships with our wonderful neighbors, the Ak-Chin Indian Community,” said Maricopa Mayor Christian Price. “As we embark on this new era of collaboration, I look forward to seeing our partnerships continue to develop and our communities continue to thrive. I am encouraged that, together, we will continue to construct a highly-prized and decidedly-successful region. The City of Maricopa is extremely grateful for the outstanding generosity of the Ak-Chin Community and we look forward to building a prosperous future together.”
The Community’s $10 million investment will be made in one payment to the City, who will serve as the grantor of the $2.6 million to the District.
“We have a life-long relationship with the City of Maricopa; we have shared in each other’s growth and helped when called upon. We hope to continue our partnership into the future,” said Chairman Manuel.
About Ak-Chin Indian Community:
The Ak-Chin Indian Community is nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona. The Community lies 58 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. Ak-Chin is an O’odham word translated to mean “mouth of the wash” or “place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground.” Ak-Chin has an enrollment of more than 947 tribal members and a land base of just over 22,000 acres.
About the City of Maricopa
The City of Maricopa is a family-oriented, vibrant community for residents and businesses seeking sustainable growth, environmental awareness and a high quality of life. The City of Maricopa became Arizona’s 88th incorporated municipality in 2003. It is located just 20 minutes southwest of Phoenix and 35 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport. The community has grown from 1,500 to more than 45,000 residents since 2000 and boasts a strong, talented workforce.
