UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
DIVE IN MOVIE NIGHTS
GREEN WASTE SPRING CLEANUP
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
PRIMARY ELECTION
U.S. ARMY FLAG
RAISING CEREMONY
YOUTH COUNCIL OPEN HOUSE
EXCITING STORIES
CAMELBACK PARK PROJECTS
CHARTER CITY RESULTS
COUNCIL CANDIDATES
FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET
GOLF CART USE RULES
LITCHFIELD SQUARE UPDATE
RIDECHOICE SERVICE
City staff recommended a new format for this year’s State of the City, moving it from Saturday morning to Thursday evening at 6 and adding appetizers. The new format proved to be a hit as we had 258 confirmed attendees, which is our largest State of the City We reviewed many City topics including our finances which are excellent; we have sufficient resources to service our bond debt related to Litchfield Square even without the development of new businesses and without impacting our normal operations or capital programs
Litchfield Square is progressing with the completion of infrastructure improvements on track for September 2024 At that point the fencing will come down, the streets and the park will be open The City will begin sponsoring events in the park and using the facilities Building plans for the first mixed use building are in plan review We hope to see that building break ground in the fall of 2024
Our elected Freeholders completed drafting a Charter for the City. City residents passed the Charter by an overwhelming 82% in favor of the Charter. We have now sent the Chart to the Governor for her review and signature. Thank you to all of you who voted for the Charter.
Our next major capital projects are repairing the intersection of Dysart and Indian School and upgrading Camelback Park. The City has jurisdiction over the northern portion of this intersection. We will be reconstructing much of the eastside curb, gutter and driveways up to Las Cruces, and repaving the area from Las Cruces south to the middle of the intersection. At Camelback Park we will be constructing another section of our new wall, which will move to the north of its present location, adding significant land to the park. We will also install new parking and reduce the speed limit around the Villa Nueva curve to protect the families using this park.
We continue to progress while protecting our current lifestyles centered on our families, our neighborhoods, and our friends. Please contact the City Council or City Staff if you have any comments or concerns. You can reach me at 623935-5033 or tschoaf@litchfieldpark.gov
ThomasLSchoaf,Mayor tschoaf@litchfieldpark.gov
PaulFaith,ViceMayor pfaith@litchfieldpark.gov
JohnRomack,CouncilMember jromack@litchfieldpark.gov
AnnDonahue,CouncilMember adonahue@litchfieldpark gov
LisaBrainard-Watson,Council Member lbrainardwatson@litchfieldpark.gov
RonClair,CouncilMember rclair@litchfieldpark.gov
JustinJames,CouncilMember jjames@litchfieldpark gov
I am very excited that the CityLine is back in production My former career as PIO at the Litchfield Elementary School District allowed me the opportunity to write for the CityLine on updates for our Litchfield Elementary School District I now have the opportunity, in my last term on City Council, to mention a few highlights of things happening in the community
First and foremost, thank you to all the citizens who attended our State of the City event. There were over 250 people in attendance, our largest attendance ever, and from my view, a lot of new faces. I had citizens tell me they walked away from that event very excited about the future.
Included in the city’s future is the project up on the hill, where the former Litchfield Park Historical Society will move up to Paul Litchfield’s former winter home and
develop the new P W Litchfield Heritage Center to honor all of the history in the southwest valley Watch as dirt begins to move in the very near future
There is so much history in Litchfield Park, which is over 107 years old We have a number of historic properties in Litchfield that are ripe for applause That’s why we are very excited to be working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to become a Certified Local Government What that means is we will be able to put some of those properties on the historic list where we can preserve and honor their heritage Stay tuned for further details, but this is exciting to put Litchfield Park on the state historic preservation map
I’m also excited about my request to have the tennis courts and basketball courts open on Sundays and holidays Up until this point, when our recreation center office was closed we did not open this outdoor space Beginning in April, we will open the courts on Sundays and holidays. You are now able to play tennis, pickleball, and basketball for free on those days. It will be a first come first serve basis, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
As I mentioned in my State of the City comments, so many citizens often comment on the changes around us. I asked them to replace the word “change” with “progress”. These are exciting times for the City of Litchfield Park and, in the words of Doug Baldwin, “Change is inevitable, change will always happen, but you have to apply direction to change, and that's when it's progress.”
CITY COUNCIL
April 17
May 15
June 18 DESIGN REVIEW
April 04
May 02
June 06 PLANNING &ZONING
April 09
May 14
June 11
RECREATION& PUBLICGROUNDS
April 11
May 09
June 13
The City of Litchfield Park will be hosting a brief, yet memorable, Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 7:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place in front of the WWII Memorial on the west side of Litchfield Elementary School. The program, led by Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf, will include patriotic music and the placing of a floral tribute at the memorial, followed by a prayer and moment of silence. Taps will be played in honor of the brave men and women who died while serving our country. This will be followed by a special memorial program presentation. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 30 minutes and is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available in the school parking lot on the south side of the school. For details, please call 623-935-9040 or visit litchfieldpark.gov.
The Constitution of the State of Arizona has a provision for cities within the state with a population of over 3,500 to create their own city charter, basically the City’s own constitution This allows for far greater local control as charter cities may set their own laws, except for matters addressed in the constitution or matters which are to be considered of statewide concern and not in conflict with state statute.
Litchfield Park became a City in 1987 and there has not been a new Charter City in Arizona since 1982 In Arizona today, there are currently 91 cities and towns, of which 19 are Charter Cities City staff began exploring the process to become a Charter City in the winter of 2022-2023 State statutes lay out the process to form a Charter City, which includes two elections: one election to decide if the city should move forward with the charter process and, if so, to elect a board of freeholders; and another election for voter approval of the charter drafted and proposed by the board of freeholders. If approved by a majority of the voters, the charter then goes to the Governor for signature If the city charter is approved by the voters and by the Governor, it becomes the foundational law of the city and any future charter amendments would require additional city elections
In November 2023, 18 city citizens ran for 14 seats to serve as the City Board of Freeholders. The 14 who were elected were: Suzanne Allen, Lisa Brainard-Watson, Paul Charnetsky, Sonny Culbreth, Chuck Emmert, Martin Etchart, Michael Faith, Will Feliz, Susan Fix, Andrew Fraser, Ken Jones, Gay Romack, Anne Schassetz-Clair, and Robert Zaabadick
The Board of Freeholders were responsible for writing the charter that was considered by the voters. The Freeholders met bi-weekly for roughly 60 days, held a public input meeting, and voted on the final charter on January 11, 2024. The Board of Freeholders discussed many key policies and processes including ordinances, taxation, term limits, election timelines, and city officers Thank you, Board of Freeholders, for all your hard work!
At the March 12, 2024, election 82% of city registered voters voted in support of the City’s Charter. Thank you everyone who voted. As the charter was approved by the voters, it will go on to Governor Hobbs for signature.
This has been an educational process for everyone involved and I hope that other Arizona cities will look to become Charter Cities as well
It has been a pleasure to work with our Board of Freeholders and I am happy to see Litchfield Park become Arizona’s 20th Charter City.
Sincerely,
Matthew C Williams City Manager, City of Litchfield Park mwilliams@litchfieldpark.gov
Contributor: Paige Peterson, Assistant City Manager and Finance Director
We are approaching the end of Fiscal Year 2024 (ends June 30, 2024) and are preparing for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. City sales tax continues to remain strong this fiscal year as we have seen year-over-year growth of 10%. Operating revenues are projected to exceed operating expenditures by $5 million this fiscal year General fund one-time capital expenditures this year include $7 9 million for Litchfield Square The total project cost is $40 million and began in 2021 The City funded the project by issuing $26 5 million in bonds and expending $13 5 million of city cash The project will be completed in the fall of 2024.
Strong revenues and conservative budgeting have put the City in an overall strong financial position with a projected June 30th ending fund balance of $24 million with $18 million in unassigned fund balance Planned expenditures that could impact the unassigned fund balance include $900 thousand for the Hilltop renovations and $3 5 million for Camelback Road improvements. The chart below depicts operating revenues versus operating expenditures from Fiscal Year 2006 to projected Fiscal Year 2031 and the ending fund balance. Please note the decrease in fund balance in Fiscal Year 2024 is the one-time $7 9 million capital payment for Litchfield Square after all bond proceeds were exhausted
There will be a City Council budget work study session for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget on April 17th at 6:00 PM The tentative budget will be proposed to the City Council on May 15th at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. A public hearing regarding the final budget will be held on June 18th during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Once the public hearing concludes, the final budget will be presented to the City Council for final budget adoption All meetings are presumed to be held in the Library Community Room at 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted on the meeting agendas The meetings are open to the public and we welcome public comments and participation
Contributor: Terri Roth, MMC, City Clerk
On March 12, 2024, Litchfield Park held a Special Election to adopt the final charter. The voters approved the charter submitted by the Board of Freeholders and City Council Canvassed the Vote on March 20, 2024.
The city will hold a Primary Election, for the purpose of electing three (3) Council Members. Due to the recent passage of House Bill 2785, the Primary Election will now be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 A General Election may be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, if needed.
The following candidates have filed their Statements of Interest to run for a seat on the Litchfield Park City Council during the July 30, 2024 Primary Election.
Suzanne Allen
Ron Clair
Andrew Fraser
Candidate information can be found here
Congratulations to the follow Commission Members who were reappointed to their positions by City Council during the March 15, 2024, Special Meeting. Each of these incumbents will serve another 3-year term through March 2027.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Robert Darre
Andrew Fraser
Brian O’Connor RECREATION & PUBLIC GROUNDS COMMISSION
Andrea Phillips
Adam Schwartz
Anthony Taddei
Litchfield Park is currently seeking candidates for the Board of Directors of Friends of Rancho La Loma Homestead, Inc. Friends of Rancho La Loma Homestead is a 501(c)3 formed to raise funds for improvements and maintenance of the Rancho La Loma Homestead. Preferred candidates are those persons who have experience in fundraising and service on boards for other nonprofit organizations. Applications are available online and at the City Clerk’s office. For more information, please call 623-935-5033.
The Governor’s Office of Constituent Engagement seeks to ensure that government is accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of Arizonans. Governor Hobbs’ top priority is to serve the people of our state. She wants to make sure that government works for the people. She understands that navigating state government can be a daunting task, which is why she has a dedicated team to assist you. Our Constituent Advocates are here to help!
Constituent Advocates engage with Arizonas in order to listen to their viewpoints, address their concerns, connect them with information and resources, help them obtain services they need, and ensure they find solutions to their problems. Here are a few of the ways the Office of Constituent Engagement can help:
Assistance with State Agencies: If you are experiencing a problem with a state agency or service, we can help you navigate the system and advocate on your behalf. We can also provide information about state agencies and services.
Voice Your Opinion: We are here to listen to your concerns and help make your voice heard.
Proclamations and Commendations: Constituent Engagement also produces proclamations and commendations to recognize community events and people.
To request help or assistance, please contact us by email at engage@az.gov, or by phone at 602-542-4331, or by regular mail at Governor’s Office of Constituent Engagement, 1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007.
We look forward to assisting you.
Contributor:
Jon Froke - City Planner and Special Projects Manager
LITCHFIELD SQUARE is taking shape to augment Downtown Litchfield Park. Construction of this 26-acre mixed-use development project began in July 2021. Located on Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Square is envisioned as a project that will complement the City’s residential neighborhoods, the downtown area and the Wigwam Resort.
LITCHFIELD SQUARE PARK is currently under construction. The park is centrally located between Old Litchfield Road and Litchfield Road and the initial phase of the park will open in 2024. Grading and drainage work is underway, to be followed by the installation of irrigation systems and sod. The sod will be installed this spring. To the left is an illustration of the park.
As part of creating a walkable community in the downtown area, the City recently installed a 3 way stop sign at the intersection of Honeysuckle Street and Old Litchfield Road. New crosswalks were painted to allow pedestrians to cross east/west from The Wigwam to the shops and restaurants located on the west side of Old Litchfield Road. Temporary stop signs have been placed at the 3-legged intersection. Permanent stop signs have been ordered and will replace the temporary stop signs. Pictured Right: Image of the intersection facing southwest.
Camelback Park, located at the southwest corner of Dysart Road and Camelback Road will be getting a parking lot. The Camelback Park Parking Lot Project is moving forward into the final concept and design phase. The City has held several public input meetings, coordinated with various stakeholders, received feedback from all City Departments and has determined that this project will generate a valuable asset to the community. Combined with traffic mitigation on Villa Nueva, Camelback Park will have on-street parking that will keep residents, park visitors and the traveling public safe.
The City of Litchfield Park is currently developing a conceptual design and layout for this proposed perimeter wall. This perimeter wall will match the style of previous phases that were installed along the south side of Camelback Road west of this area, as well as along the east side of Litchfield Road between Wigwam Boulevard and Camelback Road. This proposed wall segment is anticipated to begin a few hundred yards west of Camelback Park, extend east across the park frontage, turn south along the west side of Dysart Road, and continue south to the midpoint between Camelback Road and Indian School Road. The wall will provide additional privacy and noise control to the residents of the City of Litchfield Park.
Arizona summer is quickly approaching! Draining and backwashing your pool may need to take place before the heat hits, but how you discharge that water is also one of the most important ways you can help protect the environment and respect your neighbors’ properties Pool water should never be discharged to the street It is both a nuisance to neighbors and a violation of local, state, and federal regulations
When draining large amounts of pool water use the home’s sewer clean-out – a threaded cap about 3 or 4 inches in diameter If you cannot find the clean-out, consult a plumber You may need to have one installed Another option is to purchase or rent a submersible pump (look for one that operates at or below 700 gallons per hour), connect it to a garden hose and slowly empty the pool. Keep in mind, the maximum recommended discharge rate is 12 gallons per minute The safe flow rate may be less, depending on the size of the drain line, distance to the sewer main, and the condition of the pipe.
Collection Day is April 22nd
When possible, use the water to irrigate your landscaping Do not drain water into the street, alleyway or other City ROW.
CAUTION: Remember that pool water contains more salt and chlorine than regular tap-water Bermuda grass and Oleanders will take this water without much problem. Avoid using on citrus, hibiscus, or other saltsensitive plants.
Cover the pool when not in use to control evaporation
Limit the frequency of pool draining and refilling Only drain/refill when required for water quality. Check the pool regularly for cracks and leaks and make repairs promptly. If water level drops more than one inch per day, investigate for problems or leaks
Utilize a pool vacuum that recycles water when cleaning the pool.
Public Works will be collecting green waste only for recycling, on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 6:30 AM-2:00 PM Collection will include: tree trimmings, small branches, garden pruning's, bushes and shrubs You may begin placing your green waste at your curbside on Friday, April 19, 2024 after 3:00 PM. Please DO NOT put your green waste in trash bags. Please bundle neatly at the end of driveway and DO NOT block sidewalk Please place your waste by the date and time specified above to avoid non-collection. Questions/Concerns contact: Public Works (623) 935-1066.
Contributor: Brian Bertucci - Chief Building Official
Energy codes went into effect in 2009 and were adopted by the City. Homes built after this time are required to have energy efficient windows & doors, higher levels of insulation, and energyefficient air conditioning systems
Existing older homes can make some improvements to increase their energy efficiency Many come with rebates and incentives from the utility companies Most do not require any permits and inspections!
Insulation is gauged by its ability to resist the transfer of heat and cold This is known as the ‘R’ value. The greater the ‘R’ value, the greater resistance.
Current Codes require:
• Walls– Min R 19 (2 x 4 walls)
• Walls– Min R 22 (2 x 6 walls)
• Ceiling– Min. R 30 (Max. R 42)
Types: Blown-in, batt and spray foam
Current building codes require a minimum SEER rating of 18 If your unit is older than 5 years old, a new unit would increase the efficiency by over 25% Insulating or replacing existing solid metal ductwork can increase comfort and efficiency New codes require all ductwork to be insulated. A duct test can reveal leaks in existing systems
State and Federal laws require the use of low- flow water fixtures. Upgrading to these fixtures can reduce the use of water by up to 10,000 gallons each year for a family of four
An insulated water heater can save up to 45% in heat loss over an uninsulated unit. Tankless water heaters can save in energy use and heat loss as well Recirculating pumps reduce the loss of hot water
Low E, dual pane windows can provide up to 20% savings on energy bills while reducing out- side noise, and UV infiltration and increasing the efficiency of the AC unit.
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar System converting sunlight to electricity , Photovoltaic (PV) panels or Solar Panels used for water heating and Photovoltaic (PV) panels or Solar Panels (SP) used for space heating or cooling and for swimming pool heating all require permits and inspections.
The City’s building permit fee for solar system projects is a flat fee, used to cover related City services, including plan review, inspection and related administrative services
https://www.litchfieldpark.gov/1613/CityLine-Newsletters
The addition of roof mounted solar panels alter the appearance of a building’s exterior. Because ofthis, the solar project must be reviewed and approved by the City’s Design Review Board (DRB) before a building permit applicationcanbemade.
SOUTHWESTGAS
•Solarandconventionalwaterheaters
•Lowflowshowerheads
•Newwindows
•Washer/dryers
•Weatherization
•SmartThermostat
Checkthewebsiteforcurrentupdates: https://www.swgas.com/en/ search/rebates-and-promotions
ARIZONAPUBLICSERVICE
•HomePerformanceCheckup
•A/CTune-ups
•A/CReplacement/upgrade
•DuctTesting
•SmartThermostat
Checkthewebsiteforcurrentupdates:
https://www aps com/en/residential/rene wableenergy/%20renewableenergyincenti ves/%20Pages/home.aspx
https://arizona libertyutilities com/%20litc hfield-park/residential/
For more information, visit the entire “Guidelines When Building Within the City” series at www.litchfieldpark.gov
If you intend to drive a golf cart on any public roads it is important to clearly understand the City and State laws and restrictions. While on the roads, golf carts must follow the same laws as vehicles, not drive on major roadways and cannot go above 25 miles per hour.
Below are some of the laws and restrictions for operating golf carts on the City of Litchfield Park roadways:
A person shall not drive a golf cart on a roadway without a valid driver license and proper endorsement.
Golf cart operators must carry liability insurance in/on their vehicles.
Golf carts must be registered and have a license plate.
Equipment requirements: Brakes, Brake/Stop lights, Two headlights, Horn, License plate light, Tail lights, Rear view mirror, and Reflectors.
No person shall operate a golf cart on any sidewalk except to cross such sidewalk when entering or leaving a driveway.
No person shall operate a golf cart on any pathway, public or private property unless permitted by a sign which is clearly visible to those entering upon such pathway or property.
A person operating a golf cart upon a pathway, public or private property shall yield the right-ofway to pedestrians and bicycles and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian or bicycle.
Any person operating a golf cart on a pathway that is about to enter or cross a street shall yield the right-of-way to all the traffic on such street.
All persons riding in or operating a golf cart shall remain seated while the golf cart is in motion.
No person shall ride or operate a golf cart at excessive speed or in an unsafe manner, or to cause damage to the personal or real property of another.
A person operating a golf cart on a street at less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the street, unless passing a bicycle, moped, golf cart or vehicle; preparing for a left-hand turn, or avoiding surface hazards. The city can place signs designating the existence of a pathway and otherwise regulating the operation and use of golf carts.
At the moment, state laws allow golf carts to operate on streets with a posted speed of 35 miles per hour or less. However, the City of Litchfield Park strongly advises golf cart operators to never enter any arterial roadways no matter what the posted speed limit is. Vehicles on arterials typically travel well above those posted speeds and create a very dangerous condition for golf carts.
Contributor: Dawn Morocco - IT Technician
Social engineering attacks have been around for many, many years and the internet has made it easier to launch these attacks.
If you can imagine, there was an advance-fee scam back in 1924, in which a crook sent a letter pretending to be trapped in a Spanish debtors' prison. The sender requested that the recipient send a check for $36,000 to pay off his debt. The sender promised to pay the recipient back after he was freed and would give the recipient an extra $12,000 for the trouble! Criminals still use this very scam today.
Here are a few best practice ideas to help users avoid falling for social engineering attacks:
Watch out for unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, especially if they request sensitive information or immediate action. Phishing messages can create a sense of urgency or fear to pressure recipients into quick responses.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Scammers use attractive offers to appeal to victims.
Never be afraid to ask someone else for their opinions on a specific email or interaction. Sometimes a second set of eyes on a suspicious email can help you see the scam for what it is.
Check the email address the offer came from. Many times, the email address doesn’t match the company the scammer says they are representing.
Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for your accounts online, especially accounts with sensitive personal information such as your finances or email. Never give your MFA code to anyone who asks for it, only to the webpage you are actively logging into.
In Spring 2023, City staff was contacted by multiple residents with ADA accessibility needs Staff began investigating possible
bus service and transportation options for them, including WeRide, RideChoice, and others. In May 2023, the City partnered with Valley Metro to start offering RideChoice to our community. This on-demand transportation service became available as of July 1, 2023
Valley Metro’s RideChoice program utilizes multiple transportation providers such as Uber, Lyft, and Canyon Taxi, who offer ambulatory services or ADA accessible vehicles as part of their rideshare service. RideChoice is available to residents who are ADA paratransit certified with disabilities and to our seniors aged 65 and over This service has an average of three riders per month in our community They average 13 monthly trips per user
Eligible riders can take up to 20 trips per month, requesting rides to travel to work, the grocery store, or medical appointments, for example. The cost is $3 for each RideChoice trip up to eight miles, and $2 per additional mile
To
Contributor: Sam Nuanez - Executive Director of Communications & Partnerships
As families return from their spring break adventures and students refocus their efforts towards testing and finishing the academic year, the journey of educational excellence continues in the Litchfield Elementary School District (LESD79). At the heart of this journey lies the district’s commitment to providing outstanding facilities for students to learn, and exciting developments are on the horizon
A significant milestone was reached at the May 9, 2023 Governing Board meeting, where board members voted and approved the authorization of a $100 million bond. This bond, made possible by the positive votes from our community, is a testament to their dedication to the education and wellbeing of our students With nearly half of the bond, $48 million, allocated for the construction of a new school (School 17), LESD79 is addressing growth and overcrowding issues in many of our district schools.
First-year Superintendent, Dr Carter Davidson, expressed his gratitude to the community, stating, “We are grateful to our community for their unwavering support in passing the bond. This investment not only underscores their commitment to education but also reflects their vision for a brighter future for our students.”
In addition to the new school, $40 million will be dedicated to school renovations and facility improvements, ensuring that existing facilities meet the evolving needs of our students and staff. Furthermore, $7 million will be allocated for school safety and security upgrades, with additional funds earmarked for technology and buses.
As we embark on this journey of growth and progress, we look forward to the transformative impact that School 17 and the associated improvements will have on our students, staff, and community as a whole Together we can build a brighter future for generations to come
Are you searching for something fun for your young children to do this summer? Then sign them up for Explorers Summer Camp!
Our camp is open to kids ages 3 5 through 6 years old. Each week will focus on a new theme Popular themes from prior camps include: Bug Week, Superhero Week, Lego Extravaganza Week and Wonderful World of Magic Week
Campers will enjoy expressing themselves through arts & crafts, music and dance sessions, science projects, sports activities, and strategy games Programming also includes weekly movie days and pool days.
Register now for our June and July sessions These popular camps fill fast! Residents pay a discounted session rate of $213 per child per session. Nonresidents pay a session rate of $262 per child
We offer both morning and afternoon sessions Morning sessions are from 8am-11am and afternoon sessions are from 11:45am-2:45pm. Sessions run for three weeks on Mondays through Thursdays unless otherwise stated Registration is open until filled
The Recreation Center is a Red Cross certified facility Our pool is open to the public from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend During the summer, we offer public swim hours with lifeguards on duty
Purchase a summer pass for yourself or your family and get access to the pool, the tennis and basketball courts, and the facility’s weight room . Individual summer passes cost $80 for residents or $100 for non-residents Family summer passes are a great deal at only $160 for residents or $200 for non-resident households
In addition to open swim, we offer a range of swim lessons for all skill levels, including parent-tot, group lessons for kids, and private lessons for kids and adults Our certified instructors are excited to help you have a family full of confident swimmers. We also have an outstanding summer swim team, the Litchfield Lagartos, who are celebrating their 50th year this year!
Pricing varies depending on the swim program and your residency status Discounts are provided to City residents and activity duty military households. Online, phone and in-person registration opens on April 15th
Litchield Park’s Youth Sports Leagues are off during the summer months, but your kids can continue to play the sports they love We kick off the summer by teaming up with Challenger Sports to host their longstanding Challenger Soccer Camp the week of June 3-7.
Challenger Sports provides a soccer skills development camp in the morning for Tiny Tykes ages 2-4 years. This is an introduction to soccer skills for preschoolers For 5-14 year old players, Challenger Sports offers a half day camp Camp fees are $110 for Tiny Tykes and $195 for the half day registrants
Our Recreation Staff also offers Intro to Basketball and Intro to Tee ball skills clinics. Basketball clinics are held June 10-14 and July 8-12 Kids will learn the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting and defense. Tee ball clinics are held June 17-21 and July 15-19. Kids will learn the basics of hitting, throwing, fielding and base running
Registration costs $40 for residents or $50 for non-residents These clinics focus on beginners and are designed to teach the skills that enable young kids to successfully play in our city’s recreation leagues Online, phone and in-person registration opens on April 17th
Explore our Recreation Center’s Activity Guide for program details, class schedules, and registration information or contact the Recreation Center at 623-935-9040.
Contributor: Tricia Kramer - Community & Recreation Services Director
On March 16th & 17th, more than 130 volunteers descended upon Historic Litchfield Park to paint the City’s orange trees. The process of whitewashing their trunks each year helps to protect the orange trees against sunscald, which may stunt their growth and expose the trees to potential diseases.
This year’s volunteer team was comprised of families, church groups, girl scouts, student organizations, and local businesses. They gave their time and energy to paint almost 550 orange trees This labor of love was led by the City’s Recreation and Public Grounds (RPG) Commission.
This is the third year that the RPG Commission organized this fun community service event. Many of the volunteers have participated all three years It has grown into an annual project that volunteers seek out because it is collaborative and rewarding Several volunteers shared that they love to walk or ride by the trees they painted themselves They feel a special sense of pride The volunteers know that their hard work protects the health of the orange trees It also adds to the beauty of the city’s landscape
We would also like to thank the following businesses who generously sponsored this service event:
Thank you to these amazing volunteers!
Free Season Finale concert!
FRIDAY, APRIL 12 FROM 6-8PM
THE WIGWAM LAWN
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy your favorite dance, rock & country hits!
Proudly Presented By
The City of Litchfield Park is hosting its annual Community Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, April 20th. The event offers residents and those who buy from them a fun and economic way to reduce, repurpose, and reuse household goods. Litchfield Park residents will hold garage sales at their homes between the hours of 7am and 5pm that day. This is a citywide event that averages 50 participating homes each year. A list of the participating city addresses can be found on the City’s website. For further details call 623-935-9040. To add your address to the list, please complete the online form
Congratulations to the Montgomery family on Oro Vista. Their yard, pictured above, was selected by the Recreation and Public Grounds (RPG) Commission as the Yard of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Yard of the Quarter is a recognition program for attractive homes and yards in our community. Litchfield Park residents have the opportunity to nominate themselves or a neighbor whose property stands out as being attractive and well-maintained. Nominations are evaluated quarterly by the RPG Commission.
Nominations for the first quarter of 2024 closed on March 31st and are in the review process.
Nominations for the second quarter of 2024 are now open and will be accepted through June 30th. Residents may submit a Yard of the Quarter nomination online at litchfieldpark.gov.
Cool off on hot summer nights at Litchfield Park's Dive In Movies!
I do a lot of running around as Chief, rushing from one meeting to the next in a maze of conference rooms and offices or doing a walkthrough of a complex crime scene. The boots of the everyday cop get more miles than my own – foot pursuits through an alley, searches in an open field, and dizzying circles in a traffic crash investigation. .
At heart, we are servants. In body, we are athletes. Every year, these two elements of our work combine at the incredible Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Since 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised awareness for Special Olympics. Each local run includes the lighting of a wick, the carrying of a flame, and financial fundraising for our Special Olympic Athletes; those lovers of sport with intellectual disabilities who grind their way to athletic excellence.
On April 17th, Avondale Police will lead the West Valley policing agencies in a 1.5-mile Torch Run beginning at The Blvd. district and finishing in celebration at our city’s Visitor and Conference Center. The run sheds light on Special Olympics Arizona, and it fuels us in our mission to serve.
I remember my first Torch Run in 1998. I had the honor of representing Avondale Police by carrying the Flame of Hope through our city. The flame was passed to me from Goodyear Police at Litchfield Rd. and Van Buren St. I passed it on to Tolleson Police at 107th Ave. and Van Buren St. Eventually, the flame made its way to Phoenix for the Arizona Special Olympics opening ceremony. Leading the Flame for the West Valley agencies in 2024 gives me the same inspiration and pride of leading that first flame in 1998. In many ways, it’s even better.
So, the next time you find yourself running in a hurry, take a moment to ask yourself; who am I running for? And take another moment to remind yourself, I am not running alone.
Contributor:
Tanja Tanner, Community Education Coordinator Goodyear Fire Department
Here are some essential safety tips to prevent such incidents:
Use Manufacturer
Recommended Chargers:
Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer of your golf cart Using third-party chargers may not be compatible and can pose a fire hazard.
Proper Ventilation: When charging your golf cart, ensure it's in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid charging in enclosed spaces where gases emitted during charging can accumulate.
Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the charger, charging cables, and battery for any signs of damage or wear. Replace any damaged components immediately.
Avoid Overcharging: Do not leave your golf cart connected to the charger for longer than necessary Overcharging can lead to battery damage and potential fire hazards.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for charging frequency and duration.
Unplug When Not in Use: Once the charging is complete, always remember to unplug the charger from both the cart and the power source
Educate Users: Ensure all users are trained on safe charging practices and are aware of the potential risks associated with improper charging.
By following these safety precautions, we can minimize the risk of fires and ensure a safer environment for everyone enjoying golf cart usage. Let's prioritize safety and responsible charging practices to prevent any future incidents.
Thank you for your attention.
https://www.litchfieldpark.gov/1613/CityLine-Newsletters
Contributor:
Kyle Ames - Public Works DirectorCore aeration is a procedure used to relieve the negative effects of compacted soil – soil that is compressed or densely packed. Soil can become compacted for many reasons. Foot traffic and even mowing the lawn can cause compaction, and compaction is also especially common in certain types of soil (for example, soils that have a lot of clay in them) Because air, water and nutrients need to get down to the roots for grass to grow properly, it makes sense that compacted soil is not good for the health of your lawn.
Core aeration is the solution to compacted soil The term aerate has to do with air circulation, so when you aerate your lawn, you are adding air and space to the soil in order to loosen it up and provide optimal conditions for grass growth
Now that you understand the basic idea behind core aeration, how do you actually accomplish the goal of adding air/space to your lawn? The answer is with a specialized piece of equipment called a lawn aerator. The aerator is a machine that is designed to pull out plugs of soil from your lawn (these plugs are also known as cores, which is where the term core aeration comes from) The aerator pulls out plugs of soil that are ½ to ¾ inches in diameter and up to 4 inches deep, about 2-3 inches apart across your entire lawn
Although digging into your lawn like this may sound like a bad idea, aerating your lawn does wonders for the growing conditions of your soil. The plugs aren’t too noticeable and will quickly disappear after some rainfall or mowing After a few days, you’ll notice the plugs starting to fill in with new roots, a sign that your lawn’s health is already improving
There are many benefits to aerating your lawn including:
Improving the movement of air and water down to the roots of your grass
Improving the uptake of fertilizer nutrients
Growing stronger roots
Reducing water pooling and runoff
Breaking down the thatch layer between the new grass and the soil (which prevents roots from getting the water & nutrients they need)
Improving new grass seeding because grass seeds now have more contact with the soil
Developing better soil water uptake to make your grass more resistant to heat and drought
When you aerate your lawn, all of these benefits work together, and the result is grass that can get everything it needs to grow properly This means strong roots under the surface, and a healthy beautiful lawn on top of the surface.
Most lawn services recommend aerating your lawn about once a year, although depending on the conditions of your lawn, you may need to aerate more or less frequently. Core aeration is performed primarily in the spring and the fall. Spring core aeration is done typically between March and May and fall core aeration is typically done between August and November
The P W Litchfield Heritage Center has been raising funds to refurbish the historic Litchfield/Denny home to serve as its new museum and is pleased to announce it is now preparing for the first phase of the project
Located on the Rancho La Loma hilltop property on the northwest corner of Camelback and Litchfield Roads, this was once the winter retreat of Paul and Florence Litchfield.
This first phase will focus on refurbishing the original portion of the Litchfield/Denny historic home, which will provide the museum with 4,000 square feet of space. The renovation will include seven donor-sponsored galleries, one of which is the original living room/library with its historic mural. In addition, there will be a gift shop, archival storage, office space, and a large terrace for rentals and special events.
Originally built in the 1920s, the home became the primary residence of Paul and Florence’s youngest daughter, Edith, and her husband, Wally Denny, who expanded the home after they inherited it in the 1970s.
The La Loma hilltop was once thick with a variety of trees, gardens, and lawns and irrigated by a canal that wound through the property A sanctuary for over 130 species of birds, the Litchfield’s also kept as many as 30 peacocks on the grounds
The property was a point of pride for the community, enjoyed by the public at various gatherings, but also featured a peaceful, secluded location on the western slope called Sunset Terrace where the family would take in the sunset over the White Tank Mountains every evening.
The Litchfield Heritage Center board of directors is eager to begin this project and looks forward to the day when the hilltop can once again be a place for the h
(623) 935-7091
(623) 935-5041
(623) 333-7070
(623) 932-2300
(623) 935-2089
(602) 506-7387
(602) 935-9367
(623) 935-9367
(877) 860-6020
(888) 964-9780
(480) 627-6200
(623) 974-4791
(602) 237-2078
(800) 383-0834
(623) 935-1100
(602) 542-4251
(800) 782-5348
(602) 876-1011
