What's new: 

The Corps of Engineers has deferred approval to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the City has submitted all necessary documents for a determination of suitability to SHPO and the Arizona State Museum.  There has been no indication of how long the review process will take, but best guesses are that the City may have some direction this summer or by the end of summer. 

Because of the significance of the archaeology of the Palo Verde Open Space site in your community, the process of gaining approvals to develop any portion of the park is, and has been a long and involved one. Both the Federal Government and the State Government have oversight over the disposition of Palo Verde. The site is significant in terms of cultural history. The current issue of Archaeology Southwest has this to say about Palo Verde: “Palo Verde Ruin may have been an important node in the regional exchange network, probably contributing significant quantities of meat from large game and highly valued manos and metates. In addition, clear evidence for middleman traders who enjoyed direct access to the exchange market was uncovered.” - David R. Abbott, ASU. The article suggests that Palo Verde once served as a distribution center for trade and cultural activities. Numerous ball courts have been found in the area suggesting that they may have functioned as magnets for trade fairs and marketplaces. Such is the importance of scientific investigation and study of the Palo Verde Open Space.

The City has engaged archaeologists to survey and test the site, and the City recently received the results of the site testing and subsequently developed a proposed plan for development. The proposed plan must clear approval of US Army Corps of Engineers and the State Historic Preservation Office. Submittal has been made to the Corps and we expect a determination by summer. Once we have direction from the Corps, we will submit our design and preservation documents to the State Historic Preservation Office for approval to continue the process through design and construction. We are still committed to seeking citizen feedback on the future park layout and design adjacent to the 73rd Ave. frontage. Once we have been authorized by the Corps to proceed with the proposed project, we will begin our public involvement process through public meetings to seek out those preferences for park development. However, we continue to be hopeful that the Corps will be supportive of our proposals to protect the important areas and still meet the expectations of the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, the City is engaging a consultant to begin the process of developing an erosion control plan for the site. The rip-rap drainage channel along the north edge of the Open Space has actually contributed to the severe down cutting and erosion of Old Frog tanks Road in the middle of the site. Construction activities to correct severe erosion at Frog Tanks Road will most likely start this summer. In order to protect the site from motorized vehicles and vandalism, a pipe barricade was installed along the New River frontage. Efforts now are being made to restrict the Open Space from bicycle users. Dirt ramps that were illegally constructed will be cleared and the site posted for no bicycle use. This is necessary because anything other than foot traffic degrades the scientific value of the site.

The City appreciates any assistance the Terramar residents can offer in helping the City keep the Palo Verde Open Space secure from looting, vandalism, and non-motorized activities within the site. The cultural remains are protected by State and Federal law. If you see anyone digging in the open space, or observe any mechanical equipment within the site, please notify the City Police Department immediately by dialing 911. In addition to digging, any alteration of the existing ground surface through mounding for dirt bikes or operation of motorized recreational vehicles is also prohibited and illegal. If you have information that may assist the police department in an arrest, please call the non-emergency line at (623) 773-8311 and leave a voice message. An officer will call you back.
 

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