IN THE KNOW...
Do you want to be "in the know"? Please come back to this page often for City news and the scoop on Benson!
Meet Melanie Hernandez, the City of Benson’s new Recreation Supervisor. You might recognize her from
her previous work as a primary school teacher and planning engineer in our community. Melanie is an Arizona native who has been living in the Benson area since 2000. When not at work, she volunteers her time for local schools and organizations that benefit our community. Melanie is excited about the new adventures and opportunities working in the Recreation Department will bring. Give her a call if you’re interested in renting the Community Center or reserving a park ramada. Welcome Melanie!
LIONS PARK & SPLASH PAD UPDATES
October 10, 2023- At last night's regular meeting of the Benson City Council, the grant agreement between Arizona State Parks and the City of Benson in the amount of $750,000 was approved for a total project cost of $1,508,700.
As detailed in in the grant, “This project enhances outdoor recreational opportunities at Lions Park with the addition of pickleball courts, the replacement of the heavily utilized large ramada with electrical upgrades and the construction of the first phase of a softball/baseball field complex including two lighted fields. The project will supplement the variety and safety of available activities and amenities with the intent of increasing community engagement at the park, promoting healthy lifestyles and exercise, as well as alleviating overcrowding issues at existing softball/baseball fields.”
Council also authorized Psomas Inc. to begin conducting design services. We’re so excited to put this project in motion!
September 18, 2023- The splash pad ground breaking ceremony was attended by members of City Council and representatives from M Anderson Construction Corp., Novak Environmental and Psomas. Construction is officially underway!
August 10, 2023- Funding for the Land Water Conservation Fund Grant awarded in May 2022 for Lions Park improvements including additional playing fields, a new ramada and pickleball courts is hoped to be released on October 1st. Once funding is released we will be able to begin the project! Due to the terms and conditions of the grant, the City is not able to incur any expenses until we have received a signed agreement and notice to proceed.
Documents are in the process of being finalized and a bid package is being prepared for the Community Development Block Grant project to include new restrooms and a concession stand to accompany the aforementioned new additions to the park.
MORE INFO TO COME - PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON!