By Tom Blodgett and Lucie Flagg | YourValley
What is your view toward future amenities in town parks and paying for any such amenities?
Bill Spence, retired U.S. Navy nuclear engineering officer
“Access to Gilbert’s parks was one of the most requested items from residents during the pandemic. I think that the town has developed a solid plan for the use of our parks and facilities. While I personally would like to see more sand volleyball courts, the town has done exceptionally well to meet the requests of residents in a cost-effective manner. There is a positive effect on housing values and business prosperity, as well as an immeasurable impact on our quality of life.”
Jim Torgeson, owner Mesa Sign Shop
“Having community amenities is fantastic, but we are going too far. For instance, Cactus Yards is poorly designed, poorly negotiated and poorly placed. An abysmal failure the town reacquired control over in a lawsuit. Barry Bonds didn’t become the greatest of his era because of a park like that, but he did have ball fields available. Let’s make sure kids have parks, but let’s not try to be the primary entertainment source for residents. If you have a partnership, it needs to truly be a win for all residents or don’t do it.”
