Cactus Village Community

Paseo Highlands Park: The Journey Home ...by Councilman Seibert

Jul 09, 2003

The word "Paseo" is Spanish for "promenade, pathway or walkway." For the Paseo Highlands Park and Goelet A. Beuf Community Center, a stroll through the new park originally began as a journey through years of bumps and turns. What began in 1989 as a straightforward community park development concept for northwest Phoenix, turned into an almost 15-year odyssey. Happily, this trip has had a successful ending, culminating with the dedication of the Paseo Highlands Park and Goelet A. Beuf Community Center on July 12.

Paseo Highland?’s journey began all the way back in 1989 at a completely different site. Late that year, the city purchased a 22-acre park site at 41st Avenue and Yorkshire for $1.2 million. Despite a lack of funds to develop the site, staff and neighborhood leaders pushed ahead to develop a park master plan. They envisioned lighted sports fields to address the recreational needs of this rapidly growing area. By 1997, though, community opinion began to shift. Many feared the park did not match their traditional outdoor recreational lifestyle. Though the project was in jeopardy, the Paseo journey was about to take a turn for the better and a great idea was about to find a new home.
City Councilman David Siebert, District 1, appointed a citizen group to resolve the controversy. Working together, they proposed a solution: re-zone and sell the land for residential development and use the proceeds to start improvements on an alternate site. Less than a year later, Councilman Siebert requested the Planning Commission initiate a zoning change for the current site. In the request, was the dedication of 40 acres for the city of Phoenix. Paseo Highlands had found a new home. The journey was over.

Voters citywide also played a role. When they overwhelmingly approved the 2001 Bond propositions and the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative, the city had the $10 million required to develop the park and a prototype community center. This innovative community center will house a fabulous indoor/outdoor recreational center. But it will do a lot more. Within its walls, the Police will operate a Precinct Station; the Development Services Department will issue building permits and review plans; and the Human Services Department will offer nutrition and social services to seniors. Residents will now have a ?“one-stop shop?” far from downtown to access city services.
The story did not end here. Along the way, a tragedy took place in this community that has left an indelible mark. Police Officer Goelet A. Beuf was killed in the line of duty chasing down a suspected drug dealer. The community has memorialized Officer Beuf?’s great sacrifice by naming the 48,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose center in his memory. A commemorative bust of Officer Beuf will be dedicated during the July 12 ceremony. Paseo Highland Park?’s journey is fittingly commemorated by the strength and immortal spirit of an outstanding public servant who gave his life to protect this community. . .☺