Apache Junction commemorates completion of largest park in city history

PHOENIX — The city of Apache Junction celebrated the completion of Painted Sky Park on Aug. 19, the largest recreational project in its history.

The 16-acre milestone landscape is located in the community of Blossom Rock at Superstition Vistas at 10109 S. Dutchman Drive, about eight miles straight east of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

Painted Sky Park features a 1.5-acre lake that allows for catch-and-release fishing and includes ramadas and spacious lawn space.

Another highlight of the new expanse is a 3.5-acre adventure playground called “Miner’s Run,” that boasts climbing structures, rope swings and a climbing wall.

🎉 We’re thrilled to announce the recent opening of Painted Sky Park near the Blossom Rock Community! Located at 10109 S. Dutchman Drive, this 16-acre public park is designed to be a vibrant outdoor space for all our residents.

Learn more at: https://t.co/q3ol0x6oao. pic.twitter.com/hViasaPelL

— Apache Junction, AZ (@AJCityAZ) August 29, 2024

The park’s recreational offerings extend across Blossom Rock Trail and Ruff Ranch dog park, with three fenced-off areas that feature game courts for bocce ball, cornhole, outdoor chess and ping pong.

Brookfield Properties, a North America-serving home and community builder, oversaw the park’s development.

“From the state land department to our developer partner in Brookfield, and so many of our city departments who made this possible, we are truly looking forward to serving this area with our services and creating this space for our entire community,” Apache Junction city manager Bryant Powell said in a press release.

City officials, local stakeholders and project developers all joined for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the park’s completion. The grand opening, however, will not be until Nov. 2. Community members were invited to attend the fall day’s festivities and more details will come out as the date gets closer.

Two other public parks were also announced as future additions within the Blossom Rock community. These projects will focus on providing long strips of land set aside for walking, jogging and cycling.

“Because parks and trails are essential for creating vibrant, healthy and connected communities, we made certain in our early planning efforts that we thoughtfully included public amenities for all Apache Junction residents in addition to the neighborhood spaces created for the new residents of this region,” Apache Junction parks and recreation director Liz Langenbach said.