Progress on the local park and sports complex will be moving more efficiently as attorneys for the Town of Tusayan and the Grand Canyon School District work to revise an intergovernmental agreement (IGA).

The park, which sits on land owned by the Grand Canyon School District, already has several amenities largely paid for by the Town including a sports court, Ramada, restrooms, a community garden and more. 

But in order to take on more ambitious projects like baseball diamonds, soccer fields, track and field facilities, and more, the IGA will need to be modified to handle additional timelines to pay for and construct these new amenities which will benefit both the town and the school district.

That’s why there was a joint meeting of the Grand Canyon School Board and the Tusayan Town Council November 19th. Both entities agree “there is a need to get unstuck.”

One of the primary concerns is to ensure the land does not revert back to the Forest Service. The decision to grant nearly 80 acres of national forest land to the school district was approved by the Kaibab National Forest supervisor in 2006.

Indeed, Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail was on the Grand Canyon School Board at the time and was instrumental in obtaining the park land.

After incorporation Tusayan began making improvements to the property thanks to the existing IGA.

Mayor Vail noted as Tusayan collects sales taxes largely paid by visitors, the lion’s share of improvements will be funded thanks to the town’s robust tourist economy. She says improvements can be made in phases and not every improvement will require bonding.

Vail said the complex will benefit the entire community and GCSD. Superintendent Mat Yost added he is eager to keep working with the Town.