Currently between the buzzing metropolis of Phoenix and the desert oasis of Tucson exists a small city called Maricopa. It is home to over 18,000 people and has the median age of 28.43 years (Maricopa Demographics Summary, 2011). Maricopa is known to be occupied by lots of young families with children. The appeal of Maricopa is it's desolate location yet reasonable commute time to and from the Phoenix Metro area. Housing is less expensive making Maricopa a suitable place to seek Arizona living for less than average cost. The median house hold income is $39,842 and the average household income is $51,789 (Maricopa Demographics Summary, 2011).In Maricopa there is a growing number of over 900 school-aged children filling 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and one high school. Maricopa has an active Park and Recreation Department and small School District. Together they create opportunities for children to participate in organized recreation and competitive sports. At this time there are minimal opportunities for kids to get involved in extreme sports such as skating, boarding of any kind, and biking. The only organized sports that exist are flag football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer.
Rocky Brown the head of recreation for the City of Maricopa has taken an interest in searching for more opportunities for youth recreation. Rocky appreciates Maricopa's unique location and would be the ideal person to apply for the Tony Hawk Grant. Currently the nearest skate park to Maricopa is located in Ahwatukee at Pecos Park (17010 S. 48th st) which is approximately 25 minutes away. The second closest park is Chandler Skate Park located in Chandler about 30 minutes away (4500 S. Basha rd.). There is also a park located in Mesa called East Valley Skate Park which is approximately 40 minutes from Maricopa and is located at 245 S. Nina Dr. Mesa, AZ 85210.
To get to and from Maricopa there required highway travel making the average commute time to work for Maricopa resident a whopping 33 minutes. In order to compete in less popular activities like horseback riding or lacrosse, kids must travel long distances up into the Phoenix Metro area. Having a new skate park to cater to hundreds of children would become a priceless amenity for the city as well as a priceless activity for kids who are seeking something new, fun, and active.
Maricopa Demographics Summary. (n.d.) Retrieved March 3, 2011, from CLRsearch.com http//www.clrsearch.com/maricopa_demographics/az/
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