SE Valley Times

CHANDLER, Ariz. – On Aug. 15, Chandler City Council awarded a professional services agreement to Weddle Gilmore for Tumbleweed Ranch Design Services, in an amount not to exceed $498,360.

The Ranch at Tumbleweed Park anchors the southern half of Tumbleweed Park and is operated by the Chandler Museum. The 19-acre site features the McCroskey and Edwards Houses, the Red Shed Theater, an early 1900s grocery store, Future Farmers of America (FFA) demonstration fields and antique agricultural equipment. The Ranch serves as a venue for field trips and special events.

In 2022, staff initiated an update of the Master Plan for the Ranch at Tumbleweed Park, which was first completed in 2000 and updated in 2006. The updated Master Plan focuses on creating a vibrant cultural destination that anchors the southern half of Tumbleweed Park focused on the history of Chandler's culture of innovation and celebrating the people who have contributed to the community. The Master Plan outlines the establishment of eight zones offering education and interpretation spaces that support daily activities, adventure play for children and cohesive spaces for special events.

The updated plan was presented to the Chandler City Council Quality of Life Subcommittee in 2023. Committee members expressed support of the project and discussed the proposed phasing of the project, requested prioritization of each zone and time frames for completion.

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2033 Budget included funding for phased development of The Ranch at Tumbleweed Park. Phase 1, completed in FY 2023-24, included grading, planting trees and upgraded water irrigation infrastructure.

Phase 2 in FY 2025-26 will focus on the water promenade, historic homes and twin barns. This work will include hardscape and landscape improvements, shade structures, public art, an interpretive water feature, and a service yard to support ongoing operations and maintenance of The Ranch.

The additional zones will be worked on in phases through FY 31-32. Those projects will include additional landscape improvements and shade structures; renovation and restoration of McCroskey House and Edwards House; relocation and renovation of Red Shed Theater; construction of a new covered outdoor program space; Treehouse Playground; Innovation Shed; Barn Pavilion.

The consultant Weddle Gilmore will provide all design services for the project including architecture, landscape architecture as well as civil, structural mechanical, electrical engineering services.