Willmeng Construction and the City of Buckeye celebrated the completion of Sundance Park Phase II and showcased the expanded park to the public with three days of events on Sept. 15-17. Sundance Park, located at 22865 Lower Buckeye Rd., is now 68 acres in total with the addition of the 38 acres of Phase II and features Buckeye’s first public fishing lake.
“This project is a testament to Buckeye’s dedication to creating a vibrant, healthy community with incredible amenities where families, friends and neighbors can come together to enjoy nature, engage in sports and make lasting memories as we look around this amazing facility,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn.
Willmeng served as the general contractor on the project, which was designed by Phoenix civil engineering and landscape architecture firm J2 Engineering and Environmental Design.
“This project really meant a great deal to our team, and we’re very proud of the finished product and grateful to be able to celebrate with the community,” said Willmeng CEO James Murphy. “Our team spoke highly of how great it was to work with the folks from the City of Buckeye and the team at J2 just knocked this one out of the park, no pun intended. It’s a beautiful facility and we can’t wait for the community to see it and enjoy it.”
The 38-acre expansion of Sundance Park includes amenities that were in high demand from Buckeye residents. Buckeye delivered several features that will be welcome additions to the community. The central feature is a three-acre fishing lake, which will be stocked with catfish, bluegill, bass and rainbow trout. There is also a new grand pavilion, splash pad, lighted basketball courts, four multi-use sports fields and additional playgrounds, ramadas, restrooms and ample parking.
“It’s not just about structures and facilities,” Mayor Orsborn said. “This park expansion was all about listening to you and incorporating what type of amenities you wanted to see in your city park. We took your feedback to heart.”
The three-day community celebration was kicked off by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an “official” activation of the new splash pad. Willmeng closed the first evening in style by sponsoring a fireworks show.
The second day began with a fishing derby sponsored by Willmeng. Anglers young and old tested out the the new 3-acre fishing lake at the park, with awards and prizes given out to the winners. Arizona fishing great Johnny Johnson served as the official starter of the derby, with professional angler Matt Shura and Phoenix Junior Bassmasters director Seth Starks also on hand to take in the competition.
Other events included a concert in the park, a Fire vs. Police kickball game, family camping and a movie in the park.
The City received almost $4 million in grants to fund the park, including a $3 million Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and a $500,000 Heritage grant administered through Arizona State Parks and Trails. The City also received $162,500 from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority’s Biennial grant. Other funds for park construction came from the City’s General Fund and impact fees collected from new development in the City.
