City of Peoria Peoria, Arizona Government Full-Service city Council-Manager form of Government Population and Location Population approximately 65,000 100 square miles located on the west border of Glendale, and northwest border of Phoenix, in the Valley of the Sun. 25 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport Conveniently located to I-17, I-10 and the Outer Loop 101 runs through the center of the city. Home of: Peoria Sports Complex Challenger Learning Center Cowtown, Arizona Lake Pleasant Regional Park Pleasant Harbor Marina Desert Princess cruise ship Turf Soaring School Canyon Raceway Ultralight Flight Center History of Peoria The early settlers of Peoria enthusiastically headed west because of William J. Murphy’s glowing reports of a soon to be reclaimed desert agricultural Mecca, which would be springing forth as the result of the construction of the 40 mile Arizona Canal. The first families set up residence and named their new community after their hometown of Peoria, Illinois. The 1888 establishment of the Peoria Post Office gave the little town’s chosen name “legal status”. Sometime between 1887 and 1897, two other residents of Peoria, Illinois, Delos S. Brown and K.B. Greenhut, obtained four sections of land from the government and their original plat of the townsite of Peoria, Arizona was filed on March, 24 1897. Peoria Today Until recently, Peoria appeared on maps as a patchwork of parcels sandwiched between Glendale to the east and Sun City to the west. A rapidly growing population and recent annexations have made Peoria one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. One of the best school districts in the state, affordable housing, and close proximity to downtown Phoenix are largely responsible for the influx of new residents. While many Peoria residents may work within the city limits, the majority are employed in neighboring Phoenix or Glendale. The continuing housing market growth is managed through the city’s Master Plan. The city has attracted commercial, light industrial, medical and tourism development and has a strong economic base. Peoria Sports Complex The nation’s largest Spring Training facility, home of the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners. Built in 1994, the Padres and the Mariners, through 20 year leases, utilize the complex all year round for Spring Training and Player development. The facility boosts a 11,000 seat lighted stadium with a full press box, luxury boxes, auxiliary clubhouse and full concession stands, and 12 major league sized practice fields and 2 half fields. There are also two 40,000 sq. ft. clubhouses and indoor and outdoor batting tunnels. The 2 team clubhouses contain minor and major league locker rooms, training rooms, a weight room, multipurpose room, a media room and a fan reception area. March spring training offers 30 straight games of baseball. The Arizona Fall Baseball League features the Peoria Javelinas and the Sun Cities Solar Sox, October through the first weekend in December. The stadium also hosts a full slate of activities throughout the year, such as other baseball leagues (Korean, Japanese, who use the facility or instructional and pre-spring training workouts, and Little League), concerts, car shows, and trade shows. There are also three baseball fantasy camps run out of the complex each year. The Peoria Sports Complex, comprised of the Stadium and 12 practice fields, is available for rent. The unique setup is ideal for adult, college, high school and youth baseball tournaments and championships. The Sports Complex is also available for special events such as concerts, art shows, exhibits, trade shows, weddings and receptions. The facilities can accommodate private parties and/or business meetings as well. Development in the area surrounding the Complex includes Arrowhead Mall, five new hotels, a variety of restaurants, an office complex, an ice rink and an 18 screen movie theatre complex. Challenger Learning Center The Inspiration... January 28, 1986: The Challenger Space Shuttle carrying seven astronauts, including the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe, explodes 73 seconds into launch. All crew members aboard are killed and America is faced with questions concerning the future of the space program. As the nation mourned the loss of its space pioneers, the grieving families vowed that the mission of education would continue in honor of the astronauts who started it. In an effort to memorialize their loved ones with something more than a stone monument, the families started a project designed to inspire and encourage enthusiasm for space science among all ages, particularly students, turning tragedy...into triumph. Thus was born the Challenger Learning Center, a program aimed at paying tribute to the Challenger Seven by perpetuating their legacy through the education and motivation of America’s young. The Mission... With now a network of over 40 centers spanning across the country, as well as in Canada and Great Britain, Peoria is proud to call itself home to the Challenger Learning Center of Arizona. The 41st site, CLC of Arizona was established for the purpose of creating unique educational opportunities for students, educators, business people, and community members alike from Arizona and the southwest. The Center’s mission is to provide the opportunities offered through the objectives of the national organization to the local citizens of our state. Lake Pleasant Regional Park The City of Peoria is proud to be the “Gateway to Lake Pleasant”, one of the finest water recreation areas in the Phoenix area. Lake Pleasant is a 24,000 acre water wonderland surrounded by beautiful high desert. The park features hiking trails, campgrounds, a 10,000 acre lake, the Pleasant Harbor Marina that features boat ramps, a convenience store, deli, harbor slips and dry storage. The marina also rents a wide variety of water craft ranging from party boats to jet skis, power boats and fishing boats. Park Facilities: Main Entrance: The entrance to the park is located 2 miles north of State Route 74 off Castle Hot Springs Road. The following are accessed through the main entrance: Desert Tortoise Campground - 76 sites for RV & tent camping with picnic tables, ramadas and grills. 10-Lane Boat Ramp - paved and functional to a water level of 1,600 feet. Parking available for 590 vehicles with boat trailers Roadrunner Campground & Picnic Area - 72 sites for RV & tent camping with picnic tables and grills. All have water and electric hookups. 20 sites are for tents only in the picnic area. Overlook/Visitor Center - open weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information about Central Arizona Project, Waddall Dam and Lake Pleasant Park are available. North Entrance: The 2nd entrance to the park is located 3 miles north on Castle Hot Springs Road, past the main entrance. The north entrance provides access to the four-lane boat ramp, two restrooms, shoreline camping and the Cottonwood day use picnic area. Cowtown USA An Authentic 1800’s western ghost town. Features live gunfights, blacksmith shop, cantina, saloon, general store, horseback riding, Hummer and Bronco Tours, paintball combat zone and a museum. Originally built by Hollywood stuntman Ron Nix, Cowtown has been used as a western set for television shows and movies such as Deadman starring Johnny Depp. Man street consists of 50 buildings with detailed interiors Special public events held monthly. Available for private parties. Golf Courses Country Meadows Golf Course 18-hole semi-private traditional course. Tee-time reservations are 3 days in advance Amenities: Proshop, driving range, banquet facilities, snack bar Dress Code: Collared shirts are not required. Visa & Mastercard accepted Hours: Dusk to Dawn Westbrook Village Golf Club - Vistas Course 18-hole semi-private traditional. Tee-time reservation policy is 2 days in advance for non-members, course is owned by members, must be a resident. Amenities: Clubhouse/Proshop, driving range & practice area, snackshop, lessons, club rental, carts, restaurant, bar, locker room. Dress Code: Collared shirts required, no jeans Visa, Mastercard & American Express accepted Hours: Dawn to Dusk Westbrook Village Golf Club - Lakes Course 18-hole semiprivate traditional. Tee-time reservation policy is 2 days in advance for non-members, course is owned by members, must be a resident. Amenities: Clubhouse/Proshop, driving range & practice area, lessons, motorized carts Dress Code: Collared shirts required, no jeans. Visa & Mastercard accepted Hours: Dawn to Dusk For more information on Peoria go to www.peoriachamber.com