July-September 2021 CityLine

CityLine

July - September, 2021

COMMUNITY IN ACTION Dedicated Police Force 3 City’s 2022 Budget 6

A Message from Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf It has been wonderful to get back to something near normal. Few times when masks are necessary, many times seeing your family and friends in person, shaking a hand or maybe sharing a hug. Who would have guessed how much these simple aspects of our life would be so missed? Our City Hall is full of energy once again now that City Staff is back in person. Your Council will begin meeting in person again shortly.

Because of budget uncertainty, we postponed many of our large capital projects during the pandemic. These are now getting started up. We have a significant number of road projects both for maintenance and repaving, two significant storm drainage projects, another section of the perimeter wall along with many smaller projects. We will be very busy during the next year getting our capital projects caught up.

We have also completed the engineering work for the City Center infrastructure. This includes extending Village Parkway across Litchfield Road to the east, performing the rough grading, building the streets, curbs and sidewalks, installing utilities and starting construction of the park. We have analyzed the impacts of constructing this infrastructure on our budget. Even under our worst-case projections for City revenue and our worst-case assumptions for the time to begin selling lots, we can afford to get this development started. So, you will finally see dirt being moved in the City Center very soon. We hope this activity will jump-start the process of selling individual parcels for new mixed-use projects.

As we get back to something like normal remember your local businesses. From very large ones to smaller ones, they have each suffered during the pandemic. Please support them with your business, I know they will appreciate it. Your Council and City Staff are here to support you, your family and our shared lifestyle. Let us know if you have any questions, concerns or need any assistance. You can reach me at tschoaf@litchfield-park.org or 623-935-5033.

Litchfield Park Mayor & City Council

Thomas L. Schoaf, Mayor tschoaf@litchfield-park.org Paul Faith, Vice Mayor pfaith@litchfield-park.org John Romack, Council Member jromack@litchfield-park.org Ann Donahue, Council Member adonahue@litchfield-park.org Tom Rosztoczy, Council Member trosztoczy@litchfield-park.org Lisa Brainard Watson, Council Member lbrainardwatson@litchfield-park.org

(Back row l to r): Ann Donahue, Tom Rosztoczy, Vice Mayor Paul Faith, and Ron Clair (Front row l to r): John Romack, Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf, Lisa Brainard Watson

Ron Clair, Council Member rclair@litchfield-park.org

Funds Awarded to Area Nonprofits Tricia Kramer, Community & Recreation Services Director

Each year the City of Litchfield Park appropriates funds to nonprofits whose services benefit city residents. Arizona Constitution allows for this as long as there is a public purpose. The funds cannot be used to foster or promote private or personal interests of any individual. There must also be sufficient public benefit received from the entity in order to justify the expenditure of public funds. Finally, each community organization is expected to show accountability for the expenditure of their funds.

Interested nonprofits applied and submitted materials for consideration by Litchfield Park’s City Council. On May 12, Council held a Special Meeting to review all applications. The applicants were invited to attend the meeting. Then at the May 19 Regular Council Meeting, City Council voted to award a total of $17,500 to the following nonprofits: • Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank - $2,800 • Blue Star Moms of SW Valley - $1,800 • Litchfield Elementary PTSA - $700 • Catitude Arts - $500 • New Life Center - $1,900 • Litchfield Park Historical Society - $2,900 • City of Avondale Senior Center - $1,800 • Southwest Lending Closet - $1,400 • Litchfield Park Little League - $1,400 • Homeless Youth Connection - $1,100 • Meals of Joy - $1,200 These organizations cover a broad range of services and are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. They focus on outreach that is relevant to our community members. Some deliver hot meals to seniors, feed and clothe those less fortunate, and help residents to borrow medical supplies. Others focus on offering sports, arts, educational, and military support programs for youth and families. We encourage you to become familiar with these nonprofits and their positive impact on Litchfield Park.

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Dedicated Force for Litchfield Park Matthew Williams, City Manager

The City of Litchfield Park is excited to announce our partnership with the City of Avondale for law enforcement services. As of July 1, police services will no longer be provided by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, they are being provided by the City of Avondale.

We have partnered with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) since 2012. However, the City is growing and changing and City Council as well as staff believed it was time to invest more in public safety while encouraging “community policing.” Litchfield Park provides a lifestyle with certain amenities and one of the core responsibilities of a City is to provide public safety for its citizens. For these reasons, City Council determined to make a 65% increased investment in public safety by contracting with the City of Avondale.

Other quotes were considered including MCSO and the City of Goodyear.

MCSO had been providing 4 officers to the City. Under the Avondale contract we now have 5 officers, a sergeant, and a detective/SRO/ traffic officer. These officers are dedicated to the Litchfield Park beat, and will only work within our City limits. Avondale officers will be utilizing the Flock Safety cameras that are already installed within City limits. Officers have been asked to handle issues such as frequent speeding, truck restriction enforcement and most importantly to practice community policing. We encourage our officers to be visible, be involved and get to know our citizens and business owners on a first name basis whenever possible.

The City will be purchasing 3 new police vehicles that will be owned by the City. Avondale will be providing VIPs (volunteers in policing) for City events and will continue to assist with City programs such as block-watch. The City of Goodyear will continue to provide Fire Department services.

We would like to thank MCSO and the Sheriff’s Posse for their years of service to the City of Litchfield Park.

Calling All Teen Leaders

Board & Commission Members

Are you a student leader who attends Millennium High School or resides within the 85340 Zip code? The City of Litchfield Park’s Youth Council has hands-on opportunities for students to learn about city government and to develop a better understanding of community needs within the city. Membership is open to freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors and should be students interested in city government, politics and youth issues. Please contact City Hall for a membership application.

Every January, the City requests residents to perform their civic duty to get involved with their community and serve. Board and Commission Members are vital to the City Council in order to make sound decisions for the community. Applications are kept on file for one year and are used to fill vacancies when they arise.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE TODAY We are looking for high school students interested in government and youth issues and who have a willingness to participate in meetings and organized functions.

For applications or more information, please call 623.935.5033 (option 1) or email estinebaugh@litchfield-park.org.

Terri Roth, CMC, City Clerk

During the March 17, 2021 special meeting, the Council interviewed incumbents and new applicants to fill several vacancies for 2 and 3-year terms on the Design Review Board/Board of Adjustment, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Recreation and Public Grounds Commission. To view a list of Boards and Commissions, please visit litchfield-park.org/29 and get involved today!

The following residents have answered the call to serve: Design Review Board & Board of Adjustment Susan Charnetsky - Incumbent David Ledyard - Incumbent Rachel Dudley - Incumbent Brian O’Connor - Incumbent Industrial Development Authority Board Michael Faith - Current Diane Landis - Current Todd Kinney - Current John Wenzlau - Current Planning & Zoning Commission Vickilyn Alvey - Current

Debra Lawrence - Current Robert Darre - Incumbent

David Ledyard - Incumbent Michael Faith - Incumbent

Brian O’Connor - Incumbent Andrew Fraser - Newly Appointed Recreation and Public Grounds Commission Brian Culbreth - Current

Andrea Phillips - Incumbent Brian Faith - Current

Adam Schwartz - Incumbent Susan Fix - Incumbent

Anthony Taddei - Incumbent Christoph Gerz - Newly Appointed

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Do You Know the Rule for Recycling Plastic?

Over 250 companies worldwide pledged to use recycled plastic in their products to decrease their environmental impact, thereby increasing the demand for recycled plastic. Companies in the US need your recyclable plastics to make new products. For these reasons, we ask that you recycle all your empty and clean plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs.

You make a huge difference.

Plastics. You use them every day, from your car to your kitchen appliances to the packaging your food comes in. But only a few are recyclable. Why? There are 1,000s of different kinds of plastics with different molecular structures (called resins), and end markets only exist for a few of them.

To learn more about recycling, go to wm.com/RecycleRight.

Laila Amerman, Recycling Education & Communications Specialist

End markets: Companies who buy recycled goods as commodities, using them as raw material in the manufacturing process.

The Simple Rule for Recycling Plastics Simply use the shape of a plastic container to determine if it should go into the recycling bin. Recycle clean plastics in the shape of bottles, tubs, and jugs. All other plastics should be reused or thrown in the trash.

Do not use the number on the bottom of a container to determine if it should be recycled. Judge by the shape.

Please, only recycle empty containers. They don’t have to be squeaky clean – just give a gentle rinse or use a spatula to scrape out the sticky stuff.

Please Recycle. It Matters.

In the world of recycling, plastics are in high demand. When the pandemic struck, many companies shut down production facilities, including crude oil refining operations. For resins, this declining supply was in the face of increased demand, since most personal protective equipment is made from this material. Demand is up, and supply is down.

Bulk Trash Pick Up 2021 Below are the bulk trash pick up days according to your regularly scheduled trash days: Mon/Thurs pick up July 29 August 30 September 30 October 28 November 29 December 30 Tues/Fri pick up July 30 August 31 September 28 October 29 November 30 December 31 For more information call 623.935.5033

RECYCLE RIGHT

IT’S ALL ABOUT

SHAPE Recycle plastics based on their SHAPE, rather than the number printed on the packaging.

ONLY recycle plastics shaped like bottles, jugs and tubs.

wm.com/RecycleRight 4

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City Center Update Woody Scoutten, City Engineer

The last few months have been a busy time for the City Center project with final design wrapping up and infrastructure construction about to start.

In addition, the marketing group has developed some ideas for branding and naming the City Center that have been presented to the City Council.

The details of financing the infrastructure for the project are being finalized, and the engineering and architectural aspects of the Park have been finalized and will be vetted through the Design Review Board and City Council.

Phase 1 of the City Center infrastructure includes the reconstruction of a portion of Litchfield Road at the Village Parkway intersection which will include a roundabout for that intersection. Not only will the roundabout serve as the main entrance to the City Center and allow for easy access, it will also provide the residents living west of Litchfield Road a safe and efficient way to make turns to the north or south. Phase 1 also includes the extension of Village Parkway into the City Center for a couple of blocks and the first phase of the Park. The first phase of the Park will include the Palm Plaza, public restroom, clock tower, event lawn, splash pad, and a water feature with tables and chairs.

A public Wi-Fi system will also be installed with Phase 1, along with electrical outlets for future food truck events at the Park, as well as other events.

We recently learned that Southwest Gas will be installing a 12-inch gas main in Litchfield Road as part of a major project to provide more gas capacity to the rapidly growing areas to the north and west of the City. This gas main will be installed beginning in early November 2021 and be completed within a few months. We were able to shift our schedule for construction of the Litchfield Road improvements until Southwest Gas’ work is completed. While the gas main is under construction, we will be focusing on construction of the City Center interior infrastructure.

Our Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor, Achen-Gardner Construction (A-G), has continued to serve as a member of our design team to offer constructability and value engineering ideas to help us achieve our vision for the City Center at the most efficient cost. A-G has also provided cost estimates for the infrastructure as it is being designed, which allows us to have good numbers for planning how to finance the project.

We have also been working with our bond financing consultants to determine an overall strategy for financing all of the infrastructure for the City Center including future parking garages. The details of the financing plan will be presented to the City Council for their approval soon.

Once the financing plan is approved, construction will begin. A-G has prepared GMP 1, which has been reviewed by City Staff and will be presented to the City Council during their June meeting. GMP stands for Guaranteed Maximum Price, which is the maximum amount this portion of the infrastructure will cost the City. GMP 1 includes clearing the 30-acre site, demolishing the old site improvements, grading, and preparing the site for construction. It is anticipated that this work will begin in July. GMP 2, which is following closely behind GMP 1, will install all underground utilities.

GMP 3 will include the Phase 1 streets and the first phase of the Park. It’s exciting to know that the construction of this long-awaited project is just around the corner, and we will all have fun watching it develop from the bare dirt lot it is today.

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City Prepares to Adopt 2022 Budget

The pie chart below illustrates our ongoing revenues by source.

Paige Peterson, Finance Director

On June 16th, Litchfield Park’s City Council adopted a tentative budget of $45,233,877 for Fiscal Year 2022, which runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The tentative budget sets the maximum expenditures allowed for a fiscal year. It is a balanced budget that can adequately cover City expenses without using any reserve funds or collecting a property tax.

Since the City does not levy a property tax on property owners, the City relies primarily on the local economy to fund City operations. The City’s largest revenue source is local sales tax, which accounts for 75% of the general fund’s total revenue. The City sales tax rate is 2.8% for most categories including retail and restaurants. The remaining revenues are derived from state shared sales tax, state income tax, vehicle license tax, and other small revenues such as licenses and permits.

The City has a fund balance policy of keeping cash on hand at a minimum of 15% of expenses plus 35% for stabilization reserves. In Fiscal Year 2021, the required minimum balance was $1,290,000 and the required stabilization reserve was $3,010,000. At the close of Fiscal Year 2021, the City had a fund balance of $15.3M, which is well over our required minimum reserves.

The City also has a policy of only funding ongoing expenses with ongoing revenues. The City’s total ongoing expenses for Fiscal Year 2021 were just over $7.7M. Our total ongoing revenues were close to $10.9M, giving us an operating surplus of more than $3.1M for Fiscal Year 2021. The local economy proved to be stable during the pandemic, and conservative spending City-wide contributed to the City being in a strong financial position entering Fiscal Year 2022.

Our tentative budget reflects this and is on par with pre-pandemic programming and operations.

One-time revenues also factor into the City’s budget distributions.

It is the City’s policy to allocate one-time revenues, which are not guaranteed or may vary from year to year, to pay for one-time expenses. Federal funds for a specific purpose, such as our AZCARES Fund Allocation, fall under this category. Construction sales tax is also considered a one-time revenue because construction activity fluctuates and the City is nearing buildout. These revenues contribute to one-time large capital outlay costs such as vehicles and equipment.

Certain Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects are also part of the Fiscal Year 2022 tentative budget. These projects include utilities and park development at the City Center; the next phases of the perimeter wall reconstruction; and updates to the electrical infrastructure and holiday lighting in the downtown area. New play equipment and ramadas at Staggs Park, as well as additional parking at Camelback Park and Staggs Park are planned.

A public hearing on the adoption of a final 2022 City Budget is scheduled to take place on July 7, 2021. The public hearing will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Citizens may ask questions or speak for or against the proposed resolution to adopt the 2022 City Budget. To view the tentative budget, please visit our website at litchfield-park.org/696. Persons wishing to comment on the budget may request a public comment form from Litchfield Park City Clerk, Terri Roth, by contacting her at 623-935-5033 or at troth@litchfield-park.org.

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Water Conservation

Kurt Althof, Regional Program Manager, External Communications Liberty is encouraging customers to be more water efficient and Beat the Peak! Most water use occurs between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. when everyone is getting ready to start their day. The water use coupled with high heat can put a strain on the system. Here are some ways to increase your water use efficiency this summer: • Irrigate your lawn and landscaping before 6 a.m.

• Upgrade irrigation systems or landscaping to improve water use efficiency with tools such as weather based controllers or drip irrigation.

• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation.

• Check for and repair leaks inside and outside of your home, including irrigation systems.

• Replace water-using appliances with higher efficiency models.

Look for the WaterSense and ENERGY STAR labels.

Tools and resources to increase your water use efficiency!

No-Cost Conservation Devices: We offer easy-to-use, simple, water saving devices to our water customers at no cost. These devices include aerators, a hose nozzle, a soil moisture meter, a shower timer, and toilet leak detection tablets. To have a kit mailed directly to you, you can fill out a form online underneath the Smart Water Use tab on our website or call us at 844-367-2030.

Virtual Water Audit: We have partnered with WaterWise Consulting Inc. to provide free virtual indoor/outdoor water audits to help determine if there are any leaks on your property, ways to improve your water efficiency, and inform you of any programs available to you.

Contact WaterWise Consulting to schedule your no-cost consultation today by calling 888-987-9473.

Workshops: We offer free workshops for residents with topics ranging from fixing leaks to gardening practices. Join us for a Rainwater Harvesting Workshop on August 11th from 4:30pm – 5:30pm MST. Please visit the News and Events tab on our website to register and learn more.

To participate in one of the above programs, visit the Smart Water Use tab on libertyutilities.com or contact our water efficiency expert at 623-262-2020 or email conservationAZ@libertyutilities.com.

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WINE & DINE THIS SUMMER AT THE WIGWAM Join us for our exclusive Wine Dinner series featuring 4-course wine dinners that highlight wines of a different visiting winery. One Saturday each month, we’ll welcome a guest vintner to introduce a set of their signature wines, perfectly paired with a special chef-driven menu created by our acclaimed culinary team.

DOORS OPEN 6:15PM | DINNER 6:30PM Saturday, June 12 – Charles Krug Winery Saturday, July 17 – The Prisoner Wine Company Saturday, August 14 – Grgich Hills Estate Saturday, September 18 – Far Niente Winery For details & reservations visit wigwamarizona.com

Fun in the Sun is Back This Summer at The Wigwam!

The good times are heating up again at Litchfield Park’s very own The Wigwam, home to sparkling swimming pools, chef-driven restaurants, a world-class spa, and 54-holes of championship golf. And with The Wigwam’s new Summertime & Sunshine Package, now is the perfect time to plan your family getaway.

Just enter promo code SUNSHINE21 when booking and you’ll be treated to a $50 daily resort credit.* Use yours toward an unforgettable dinner at Litchfield’s, a pampered visit to LeMond’s Aveda Salon-Spa, or a round of golf on one of the Wigwam’s three renowned courses.

This summer, The Wigwam has weekend fun in store for the entire family, including Poolside DJ Sessions and Character Breakfasts for the kids, plus Superhero Training Camp and Wildlife World Zoo visits too.

Of course, you’ll also have three of the West Valley’s best restaurants and bars to choose from right on the property.

Taste the flavors of summer at The Wigwam’s acclaimed farm-to-table dining destination, Litchfield’s, featuring seasonal ingredients, plus live music and an exclusive monthly Wine Dinner Series.

For a relaxing breakfast or refreshing lunch, hit the Wigwam Bar, with its sun-filled patio overlooking the sparkling Tower Pool. Then pop back in for Litchfield Park’s premier happy hour--featuring craft cocktails made with fresh fruits and herbs, scrumptious appetizers, and a lively atmosphere.

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Splash Bash at

the Rec Center 10am to 5pm A patriotic party with swimming, lawn activities, and more. Only $3 per person. Kids 3 & under free!

4th of July in Litchfield Park Red, White & Boom at The Wigwam 7pm to 8:30pm Gather on the first tee of the Blue Course for food and fun and fireworks!

Fireworks Show Co-Sponsored by The City of Litchfield Park & The Wigwam

Or quench your summertime thirst at everyone’s favorite watering hole, Red’s Bar & Grill, with its famed burger and a great selection of local craft brews. The iconic Red’s is also serving up family fun all summer long, including Character Breakfasts for the kids every Saturday. *Subject to availability and stay restrictions. Offer is valid for stays May 1 - September 12, 2021. Cannot be combined with other offers or packages. Offer price does not include nightly resort charge. Resort credit is not valid on room rate, resort charge, or applicable taxes.

LESD Achievements Abound

Shelly Smith Hornback, Director of Community Relations Thanks to the support of our community, families, and staff, Litchfield Elementary School District has successfully emerged from a global pandemic with several prestigious achievements and a strong sense of optimism.

We are honored to be named the 2021 Best School District, Best Place to Work, and Best Preschool by the West Valley View. This was our second consecutive year to win Best School District and Best Place to Work! As one of Arizona’s highest performing elementary school districts, we are proud to serve Litchfield Park and the growing Southwest Valley.

Congratulations to Dreaming Summit Elementary School and Western Sky Middle School for being named A+ Schools of Excellence. Our Bulldog and Wildcat families epitomize academic rigor in a caring environment.

Kudos to Principal Sabine Hopper of Litchfield Elementary School for recently being recognized as a School Leader of the Month by Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson. Principal Hopper stands out in our district’s family of excellence for her warmth, teamwork, and remarkable love for this community, where she grew up in an Air Force family and raised her own children.

We remain focused on academic excellence, well-being, and preparedness for all students. This was reflected last school year when we quickly and safely returned students back to classrooms, served more than 650,000 free meals to children, and distributed 3,745 devices to distanced learners. We also mastered online education and opened our 17th school - LESD’s new Digital Learning Academy. With the support of our staff, families, and community, we were able to endure the challenges of COVID-19 and grow even stronger.

August 2 marks the first day of school. New students and staff members are welcome in our growing school family. We are grateful for the support of our community, and confident that we will continue building on our rich history of excellence. Thank you for your important role in our continued success.

Chief Braden Retires

Tanja Tanner, Community Education Coordinator Russ Braden, Battalion Chief of the Goodyear Fire Department is retiring. He started his career as a volunteer firefighter in early 1990’s and became a fulltime paid firefighter in 1996 for the City of Goodyear.

He moved up the ranks from volunteer firefighter to paid ff, Captain and finished his 25+ years as a Battalion Chief.

Russ spent many years as the Goodyear Fire Department’s Public Information Officer and wrote several articles to share with the residents to define and explain the many roles the fire department provides in the community. Goodyear Fire started servicing the Litchfield Park community in July 2010. The following article was written by Russ on the importance of being prepared.

Being Prepared Can Save a Life

Russ Braden, Battalion Chief - Goodyear Fire Department A question we often hear during an emergency is “what can I do to help?” You can help in many ways, which can result in the increased probability of saving a life.

• When calling 9-1-1, remain calm; speak in a normal tone and speed. Answer questions clearly and with detail.

• Know the location: Have location or address of the emergency. If the address is unknown, know the cross streets or describe landmarks. If a business, give the business name. If a large warehouse or school, include building number or gate entrance location closest to incident.

• Be ready to provide the operator with your contact information. There may be a need to call you back. This can be vital when dispatching a crew to an emergency scene.

• While on the road, be aware. During the summer months it can be difficult to hear the sirens over the AC and radio.

Frequently check mirrors and upon seeing emergency vehicle lights flashing or hearing the sirens, carefully pull over to the right side of the road.

• When stopped at traffic light and an emergency vehicle approaches, remain calm as signal lights are equipped to change to green in the direction of travel for the fire truck. If possible, safely pull forward and to the right.

• On the scene of an emergency, emergency personnel will ask individuals to step to an area outside of the “danger zone.”

This is for the safety of everyone involved. Please respect the request and move to a safer area as directed.

• Learn CPR. Community based CPR is an important part of the chain of survival for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Place hands in the center of the chest, push hard and fast. At least 2” depth and give compression at the rate of 100 beats per minute. This can save the life of a family member, friend, or anyone in need.

Finally, once firefighters arrive on scene, be confident in their abilities to assist those in need. They are trained and skilled professionals with the dedication to provide the highest quality of service necessary. The Goodyear Fire Department is Community Focused and Here for You. We will miss you Chief Braden, enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

For more safety information, email or call Tanja Tanner, the Community Education Coordinator for the Goodyear Fire Department. tanja.tanner@goodyearaz.gov or 623-882-7308.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

ARTS IN THE PARK

Save the dates for our signature events!

Save the dates for our free concert series on the front lawn of The Wigwam!

OKTOBERFEST October 2, 2021 Wigwam Front Lawn

FALL FESTIVAL OF ARTS November 6 & 7, 2021 Center of Town

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK December 11 & 12, 2021 Center of Town

LITCHFIELD PARK GATHERING January 8 & 9, 2022 Center of Town

TROUT FISHING DERBY January 22, 2022 Tierra Verde Lake

FRIENDS OF THE REC RUN February 26, 2022 Start/Finish Line on Old Litchfield Rd.

SPRING ART & WINE FESTIVAL March 5 & 6, 2022 Center of Town

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OCTOBER SEASON OPENER October 3, 2021 3-5pm

NOVEMBER CONCERT November 14, 2021 3-5pm

JANUARY CONCERT January 16, 2022 3-5pm

FEBRUARY CONCERT February 6, 2022 3-5pm

MARCH CONCERT March 13, 2022 3-5pm

APRIL SEASON FINALE April 8, 2022 7-9pm

Bands are currently being secured.

Details will be released once finalized.

Watch for updates on litchfield-park.org!

Litchfield Park: A History of a Community in Action Lisa Hegarty, Litchfield Park Historical Society

Community building has always been central to Litchfield Park. Not long after its founding, visitors marveled at the way it was designed to meet the needs of its residents. An article in the Arizona Republican in April of 1920 described the town in this way to its readers: “The comfort of the employee on the ranch and in the town of Litchfield has not been neglected. There is an emergency hospital, fully equipped, ready for immediate service, with nurses at hand. A theater provides nightly entertainment. Swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball field and other athletic conveniences are provided. The four school buildings and the one church, the stores, club and pool room, all have their use and their place in this model town the Southwest Cotton company has made to appear as if by magic.”

What may have looked like magic to visitors was the result of careful planning and hard work. From its very beginning, the structures put in place not only provided services and places of recreation but also fostered a sense of community. These communal spaces allowed residents to gather and celebrate.

They gathered at St. Thomas Aquinas Mission Church, which was central to the lives of many of the workers, and at a plaza for celebrations. Early community festivities included bands, fiesta queens, baseball games, and barbeques with beef provided by Goodyear Farms, the successor of Southwest Cotton Company.

Civic organizations were also a part of Litchfield Park’s community life early in its history. The Litchfield Park Community Club, organized in 1932, met on the third Monday of the month from September to May. Its purpose was, “to foster a Community spirit and secure unity of action in club matters and public welfare in our Community.” In 1942 it had a roster of 131 women who planned hospitality and appreciation events. Also integral to the early community were Boy Scout troops sponsored by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the first of which was established in Litchfield Park in 1929. Over the years, groups such as a library guild which raised money to build the Litchfield Park Library, the garden club, and Cultural Arts Society West, an arts organization founded in 1969 which later became West Valley Arts Council, served as important drivers of community in Litchfield Park.

Desert Devotionals announcement advertising Governor Howard Pyle as speaker

Events such as the popular Desert Devotionals in the 1950s brought the community together and put Litchfield Park on the map. Initiated by Paul Litchfield and Rev James Ostergren with the Church at Litchfield Park, Desert Devotionals was an interfaith program held at the open-air chapel on the Litchfield’s La Loma property. The programs included religious speakers representing many denominations as well as lay speakers. Speakers such as the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O. McKay and Arizona Governor Howard Pyle drew attendees from Litchfield Park and the greater Phoenix area through 1959.

When we celebrate local heritage, traditions, and artifacts, we build community. The Litchfield Park Historical Society works to preserve and highlight these artifacts and traditions from the past and in doing so, aims to foster connections today. One of the Litchfield Park Historical Society’s first community projects was replacing the town’s WWII memorial, honoring Litchfield Park residents who served in the war. Lectures, Founders Day celebrations, and Litchfield Park’s centennial event are all ways the Society has sought to educate and celebrate the community’s history. Visitors to the museum, whether local or from out of town, gain a better appreciation of this community and are often surprised at the richness of this area’s history. Our most recent event brought the community outdoors for a scavenger hunt which highlighted special locations in Litchfield Park and the surrounding area while offering bits of interesting local history.

Considering Paul Litchfield believed service and teambuilding were some of the most important ingredients to success, it’s no surprise that the town he founded has a long history of community engagement that continues to this day.

Visit www.LPHSMuseum.org today.

LPHS Museum Hours & Address Open Wednesday & 1st Saturday of the month 10am - 1pm 13912 W. Camelback Rd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Ride & Seek Bicycle Scavenger Hunt participants

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First Name 12345 Address City, State 00000

Frequently Requested Phone Numbers Animal Control 602-506-7387 Dust Control Violations 602-372-2703 APS (to report street outages) 602-371-7171 Goodyear Fire Customer Service 623-932-2300 Bus (Valley Metro) 602-253-5000 Library District (Litchfield Park) 602-652-3000 Chamber of Commerce (Southwest Valley) 623-932-2260 Liberty Utilities (water and sewer) 623-935-9367 City Hall after 4pm call 623-935-3395 • Administration/Clerk/City Manager 623-935-5033 Luke Air Force Base Information 623-856-5853 • Building Department 623-935-1066 New Life Center (Women’s Shelter) 623-932-4404 • Building Permits & Property Management 623-935-1066 Police (Avondale) Emergency 9-1-1 • Court 623-935-7091 Non-Emergency 623-333-7001 • Finance 623-935-4364 Recreation Center 623-935-9040 • Human Resources 623-935-5041 Southwest Gas Corporation 877-860-6020 • Public Works/Field Operations 623-935-4356 Waste Management 888-964-9780 Cox Cable 602-277-1000 The Wigwam 866-976-6894 Century Link 844-544-7524

2021 Holiday Office Closures City offices will be closed on the following dates

New Year’s Day Friday, January 1 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 18 Presidents’ Day Monday, February 15 Independence Day (Observed) Monday, July 5 Labor Day Monday, September 6 Veteran’s Day Thursday, November 11 Thanksgiving Day & Day After Thursday, November 25 & 26 Christmas Eve Friday, December 24 Christmas Day (Observed) Monday, December 27

2021 Flag Raising Ceremonies

Ceremonies held at 8:15am. Check City’s website for details.

Memorial Day Ceremony - May 31 7:30am - World War II Memorial US Army 246th Birthday & Flag Day - June 14 Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 14 US Coast Guard 231st Birthday - August 4 Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, August 4 US Air Force 74th Birthday - September 18 Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, September 17 US Navy 246th Birthday - October 13 Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, October 13 US Marine Corps 246th Birthday & Veterans Day - November 10/11 Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, November 10