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Big League Dreams in Gilbert

Big League Dreams past one year mark

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The Big League Dreams Park in Gilbert  has received plenty of exposure since opening in January of 2008.  Critics cite the $40 million cost, originally estimated at $26 million, and deteriorating field conditions since opening day. Town officials defend the public/private partnership as a way to attract outside revenue and an alternative to traditional subsidized recreational activities.   Add in the sometimes bumpy relationship with Big League Dreams that operates the park and there is no doubt the first year of operation has been more eventful than anyone expected. Continue reading “Big League Dreams in Gilbert”

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Southeast valley waterfront homes 1st Quarter Report

ahwatukee-waterfront-picture Market analysis & trends of waterfront homes

Now that we’ve finished up with the 1st quarter of 2009, it is a good opportunity to review what transpired during the first 90 days of 2009 for waterfront homes for the southeast valley, including Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Sun Lakes, and the Ahwatukee Foothills.  The data is from the Arizona Regional MLS for waterfront property.  I used waterfront information for the 1st quater 2008 , 4th quarter 2008, and 1st quarter 2009.  I only used sales of single family homes.

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Riparian Preserve in Gilbert-a desert oasis

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch serves many purposes

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Synergy is an unlikely word to describe this 110 acre mulit-purpose facility, but it is very fitting.  The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a neighbor to the Southeast Valley Library, providing one of the most scenic libarary views in the city.  The preserve is also home to the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory, which is open every Friday and Saturday evening at nightfall.  The preserve is a bird lovers’ oasis where over 200 different species have been observed.  The lake is  stocked with catfish, trout, bass, and sunfish by the Arizona Game and Fish department.  Less obvious is  the water recycling which replenishes  the underground water supply. All of this comes together to contribute to family fun and entertainment  in an environmentally minded way. And there is no charge to enjoy this unique Gilbert attraction.

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Gilbert’s Cosmo Dog Park features waterfront activities

dog-jumping-into-waterAward winning dog park in Gilbert

I’ve driven by it many times and knew it was a dog park, but I never realized how impressive it was until I visited Cosmo dog park with our two dogs, my 11 year old son and his friend.  What I thought would be a 20 minute stay quickly turned into an enjoyable hour watching our two small dogs run un-leashed in the fenced enclosures and remind us how afraid of the water they are.  The dog in the picture is not either one of  them.  Here’s a quick video of a water loving dog

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