Key Parcel Purchased for Horseshoe Park (AZ)

Queen Creek, AZ, 4/13/04 – The Town of Queen Creek has purchased a 4.75-acre parcel of land that is a key component of the planned Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation organization, transferred ownership to the Town on April 13. The $404,000 purchase will be financed with park development fees.

The property is a critical piece of the planned 133-acre Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre, which will provide riding trails, indoor and outdoor arenas, stables, sports fields, children’s play areas, picnic facilities and on-site parking for large-scale equestrian events for the metro Phoenix area.

“This parcel was critical to ensure the successful development of our equestrian park,” said Queen Creek Mayor Wendy Feldman-Kerr. “We appreciate the assistance of the Trust for Public Land as we continue to develop Queen Creek’s park system.”

Charlie O’Leary, TPL Arizona’s land conservation specialist for the transaction, said, “This parcel was a key component for the entire 133-acre center. TPL was able to step in and acquire the land, preventing it from being sold for residential development, allowing the park to move forward under its current design.”

This marks TPL’s second project with the Town of Queen Creek. In September 2003, TPL conveyed to the Town 78.28 acres of land northeast of the intersection of Sossaman and Ocotillo Roads. A community park and recreation complex are planned for that site.

“The citizens of Queen Creek have shown great support for the equestrian park, and this purchase means that we are a step closer to making it a reality,” said Town Manager Cynthia Seelhammer.

The Trust for Public Land is a national non-profit land conservation organization headquartered in San Francisco. TPL’s mission is to conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.45 million acres of land in 45 states. Working with Arizona communities, leadership and landowners since 1980, TPL has help preserve almost 200,000 acres of urban open space, sites of cultural and historic significance, working lands and wilderness. For more information, visit TPL on the web at www.tpl.org.

TPL depends on funding from individuals, foundations, and businesses and enjoys the support of the Arizona Community Foundation and other Arizona funders.