By Mike Scerbo

After years of planning, the Tusayan Town Park is now a reality.  On December 19^th the ribbon was cut on the park at Long Jim Loop. Years ago local leaders such as Pete Shearer and Clarinda Vail explored the idea and it took shape at the Grand Canyon School Board.

This year funding from the Town of Tusayan, civic groups, and private businesses bankrolled the first round of construction which brought us the sports courts pictured here.

Project Manager Andrew Aldaz says power to the lights should happen by mid-January if not sooner. Aldaz said there is more work to be done long term and short term, “The next project is to continue the fencing of the sports court, the fencing of the tot lot, and the timber for the tot lot, the wood chips and start installing some equipment.”

When it’s finished the park will include a playground or ‘tot lot’ and a Ramada for community functions.

The Grand Canyon School District is concerned about alcohol being served at any community functions.  Most of the park sits on school district land and the District Board is expressing concern about the possibility of the Town permitting events that serve alcohol.

School Board member Luis Garcia stated, “It’s a family oriented community center.”

 Vice Mayor Al Montoya countered that it’s too soon to reject the idea outright, “I am reluctant to say no in its infancy.”

School Board member Kate Morris said, “I have major concerns. We should with our current policy.”

That debate was held at a joint meeting of the School Board and the Town Council. The district has a policy that prohibits drinking and smoking on district property.