SE Valley Times

Residents of Tempe, Arizona have much to celebrate as the new Clark Park Community Center & Pool is set to open its doors on Saturday, April 20. The grand opening event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, activities for all ages, refreshments, and free open swim in the heated pool. The community center, located at 1730 S. Roosevelt St., will offer a wide range of activities including fitness classes, lap swimming, crocheting, and more.

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods expressed his gratitude towards everyone involved in bringing the new facility to life, stating, "The new community center and pool are a reflection of what the neighbors and this community truly envisioned, and I’m excited to see how this center will bring people together to create memories for decades to come."

Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams also shared her pride in the project, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing the community space, "We saw the need that existed in this community and I’m so thrilled we can bring this important, vital gathering space back to Clark Park to be enjoyed for future generations, just as it was for many who remembered growing up in this neighborhood."

The Clark Park Community Center features modern classrooms for various activities and programs such as exercise, martial arts, childhood education, crochet, Spanish, and yoga. The new pool facility includes a zero-depth entry, a 17-foot spiral water slide, five lap lanes, and shade structures. Admission fees for the pool range from free for children under 2, $0.75 for children 2-12 years, and $1.25 for teens and adults 13 and older.

The park itself has undergone significant upgrades, including a new adaptive playground area, rubber play surface, a ramada for community gatherings, landscaping and lighting improvements, upgrades to the basketball court and baseball field, and a new location for the community garden. A stunning LithoMosaic art piece by Nicole Mueller adds to the beauty of the facility, inspired by the desert landscapes of Arizona.

The project was a collaborative effort between the community and various organizations. City staff worked with community members since 2018 to develop a preferred concept for Clark Park, with input from surveys and consultations. The design and construction team included Haydon Building Corp, Wood Patel, Holly Street Studio, Dig Studios, and Aquatic Design.

The grand opening marks a significant milestone for the city of Tempe and its efforts to enhance community spaces. The project is part of the city's broader initiative known as Refresh Tempe, which focuses on reinvestments in parks, streets, utility lines, and other infrastructure to improve the quality of life for residents.