Chandler Heights Project Instrumental in Crown Community Award

Phoenix, AZ - The City of Chandler was selected by American City & County® magazine as one of ten American Crown Communities for 2008. Chandler was selected primarily for its Chandler Heights Community Facilities Project constructed by Mortenson. The project showcased a collaborative effort among three City departments: Municipal Utilities, Police and Community Services. The 113-acre site includes Veterans Oasis Park and its five-acre urban fishing lake, the Environmental Education Center, the Chandler Heights Police Substation, and the Chandler Heights Water Recharge Facility featuring 80-acres of riparian areas.

This is the second major award earned by this project. In September, Chandler was honored with a first-place Crescordia prize in the prestigious Environmental Excellence Awards, presented annually by the Valley Forward Association.

Recipients of the annual awards are selected by the editors of American City & County based on nominations submitted by the magazine's audience, municipal leaders, and associations. Any local government initiative substantially completed within the last year can qualify for the awards, including those that repair infrastructure, introduce new technology, improve quality of life for residents, or beautify public places. Entries are judged on uniqueness, short- and long-term value to the community, and effective/innovative financing.

“This award reaffirms what many Chandler residents have already discovered”, said Chandler Mayor Boyd W. Dunn. “We have a very special place in southeast Chandler for fishing, bird watching, hiking, picnicking and just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. And because of the cooperation among several City departments, we are better able to meet many of the recreational, environmental and public safety needs of nearby residents in a fiscally responsible manner.”