Article by Jeff Serdy and John Lewis
Apache Junction, long known as a quaint town where you can hitch your horse to a post in front of the saloon, ride a live bull and proudly wave Old Glory during a patriotic Fourth of July parade on Main Street, is ripe for a breakout.
And why not? How many other desert communities have sweeping views of craggy peaks in an adjacent wilderness area, enough water and sewer capacity to double its current size and new voter-endorsed transportation funding to build a sleek highway linking itself to a regional airport that’s literally taking off?
The PHX East Valley is growing by leaps and bounds, and Apache Junction is growing right along with it. But while growth and development are important, our goal is to carefully preserve Apache Junction’s Old West charm while expanding tourism and paving the way for new opportunities in economic development.
City leaders are doing just that, working from a new vision plan for state land use, downtown development and trail connectivity. This tool is guiding our decisions on optimizing existing hiking, walking, biking and horse trails in and around Apache Junction, maintaining spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains and creating a sense of place for our downtown.
Earlier this month, we enlisted local stakeholders’ ideas for a new transportation plan to make bicycling, walking, horseback riding and other activities safe and enjoyable for all. Because — let’s face it — you can’t beat our surroundings: Lost Dutchman State Park and Tonto National Forest, for outdoor experiences.
As part of the burgeoning PHX East Valley, Apache Junction’s economic development strategy is moving forward, too. A case in point: the city team is working diligently to attract potential buyers for a 12-square-mile parcel of state land south of the U.S. 60, an ideal spot for residential, commercial and industrial development to meet the needs of single professionals, young families and retirees alike.
(A note to builders in weather-challenged parts of the country: We’re Florida without the hurricanes.)
The city is ready for light industrial uses and has begun to make its mark in the health care industry. Banner Health has established a foothold in the city with plans for expansion. And Central Arizona College has one of the few accredited radiology programs in the state. The city also has partnered with Arizona State University on its “Startup School” to introduce new entrepreneurs to the world of business.
When we imagine what Apache Junction could be, we see a spectacular resort and golf course nestled in the lush vegetation near the Superstition Mountains. There’s a convention center/hotel to which visitors from around the country and the world come to enjoy horseback riding (we have stables), water sports (we’re close to beautiful Canyon, Apache and Roosevelt lakes) and ghost-sighting and gold-panning (we have a famed ghost town and the myth — or not — of the Lost Dutchman and his gold).
In the future what we envision for Apache Junction, includes hosting more popular music festivals at the new Flatiron Community Park downtown and competitive events at the Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds (we’re currently negotiating its acquisition), and thriving small businesses as diverse business opportunities are developed.
We see more wine-tasting events with Dr. Sky at Lost Dutchman State Park (stargazing is like no other in the Valley due to our dark skies), and we notice we’re still doing what Apache Junction does best — community events, including the popular Festival of the Superstitions in November, February’s Lost Dutchman Days and our down-home Fourth of July Celebration.
And when it’s time for visitors to go home, rather than ride an hour to Sky Harbor International Airport, they zip 10 minutes down a spiffy new freeway to catch a flight at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
This vision, along with a business-friendly attitude, community input and aggressive marketing, undoubtedly will make us a destination city, but with the small-town character that residents and visitors expect and enjoy.
Jeff Serdy is mayor of Apache Junction.
John Lewis is president and CEO of East Valley Partnership.
