WILLCOX, AZ — The City of Willcox is a step closer to bringing additional upgrades to two community spaces, Keiller Park and Quail Park, following the Willcox City Council’s recent acceptance of significant grant funding. With a combined total of over $2.6 million awarded—$1,375,000 for Keiller Park and $1,247,000 for Quail Park—these improvements mark a significant moment in the parks’ histories, building on decades of development.
While the city must match half of the project costs, financing through in-kind services, additional grants, and partnerships with organizations like Champions for Youth are bringing these upgrades closer to reality.
Keiller Park has been a staple of Willcox since the 1960s, its origins tied to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). In 1966, a LWCF grant was awarded to fund the construction of the park’s original wading and swimming pools, bathhouse, and tennis courts, laying the foundation for a space that would grow with the community. Twelve years later, in 1978, another LWCF grant enabled the addition of a baseball field, expanding the park’s recreational offerings. More recently, in 2017, an LWCF grant resurfaced the park’s half-mile walking path, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for residents.
The park has also benefited from local nonprofit support. The Legacy Foundation has contributed over $134,000 for improvements, including new playground equipment, baseball field lighting, and the newly installed outdoor workout equipment. Part of the Arizona Complete Health Grant will be used for a shade covering at the pool.
Parts of the park are in disrepair or require upgrades for safety and enjoyment.
The latest round of grant funding, accepted by the Willcox City Council, will elevate the park to meet modern needs while preserving their historical significance.
Keiller Park’s Planned Upgrades:
New ball field fencing and scoreboard installation
Renovations to the restrooms at the pool and park
Permanent lifeguard chairs
Ramada and grill upgrades
Concession stands renovations
Shade over workout equipment
Benches
City officials plan to bridge the remaining funding gap over the next three years through in-kind services, additional grants, and volunteer efforts.
Quail Park, a 22-acre multi-use complex, emerged from a grant secured in 1994 to develop the rodeo grounds and softball fields. The first event at Quail Park was a mud bog in the spring of 1995, followed the first rodeo, the Rex Allen Days Rodeo, in the fall. This project transformed the land into a destination for various events, with subsequent grant funding adding lighting to both the rodeo and softball areas.
The park has also received support from the Legacy Foundation, which funded restroom upgrades. Last year, the city was awarded a grant for new seating. Construction on the new Willcox Farm, Ranch, & Youth Event Center, a 56,250 square foot covered space, began in the spring of 2024 with support from donors.
Quail Park’s Enhancements
The grant for Quail Park will support:
Restroom renovations and additions
Event center panels
Irrigation and reseeding
Electrical work for the event center
Sewer holding tanks
Fencing improvements
A significant boost of funding comes from Champions for Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development and agriculture education, which has pledged $250,000.
Thank you to Dennis Williams, Rex Allen Days Rodeo President, and Dos Cabezas Coffee Company for supporting Willcox coverage.
Comentários