Diamond Field Complex newest addition to Tumbleweed Park

Chandler Girls Softball will begin its fall season in September, marking the grand opening of our new 30-acre state-of-the-art diamond field complex at Tumbleweed Park. The complex features four lighted fields for diamond sports with a dirt infield and turf outfield that rivals the makeup of professional sports surfaces. I look forward to celebrating the first use of this new facility on opening day!

Sports and recreation are an important part of our residents' lifestyle, particularly during the formative years of childhood. I've participated in youth recreation and competitive softball as an umpire for many years. These experiences offer young athletes the benefits of physical activity and teach essential life skills like teamwork, competition, self-confidence and sportsmanship.

Parks and recreational amenities greatly contribute to our residents' quality of life. Investments in parks and recreation date back to our founding with the development of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in the historic downtown square. Today, our park system spans nearly 70 parks and investments are guided by a parks masterplan.

Tumbleweed Park is our largest park, spanning more than 200 acres. While most of the park has been developed, there are significant projects under construction or beginning this year.

The Tumbleweed Recreation Center expansion that is underway will add 11,000 square feet for recreation programming, fitness and wellness activities next spring. Construction begins this fall on an 18-court pickleball facility to be located east of the Tumbleweed Recreation Center to help meet demand for this popular sport.

The idea for Tumbleweed Park was born out of discussions to develop a regional park in the mid-1980s. These efforts were initially paused as investments were redirected to the Ocotillo area for the Milwaukee Brewers spring training and minor league operations. That land is now part of the Snedigar Sportsplex.

In the 1990s, the vision for Tumbleweed Park was revisited and 154 acres was acquired from Shrader Farms. The Chandler Tennis Center opened in 1996 as the first park amenity and the park was officially designated Tumbleweed Park in 1997.

In the early 2000s, an additional 50 acres was acquired for the park and the Ostrich Festival moved from Downtown Chandler to Tumbleweed Park. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Playtopia, Celebration Plaza and the Arizona Railway Museum became new park attractions during the mid-to-late 2000s.

Since 2015, we've added six lighted multi-purpose athletic fields at Tumbleweed Park and now the new diamond field complex. Beyond the expansion of Tumbleweed Recreation Center and pickleball complex, future improvements are planned for Tumbleweed Ranch and another 27 acres of the park is undeveloped.

As a City Council, we're committed to create and sustain the quality and safety of Chandler's parks and the many amenities they offer residents. Maintaining and updating existing parks is our primary focus. Opening new park amenities, like the diamond field complex, offer moments to celebrate that continued investment.