Quality of Life

An excellent quality of life is a point of pride for Chandler residents. It gives Chandler a sense of place, with a focus on arts and cultural experiences, accessible public art, special events and recreation opportunities.

Downtown Development

Downtown Chandler grew tremendously in 2023 with seven new businesses opened: Elliot’s Steakhouse, Maple House, Crispy Cones, Buqui Bichi, Aqua Di Mare, Spin the Bottle and DTC Sports Grille.

DC Heights completed its first phase of construction, offering more options for modern apartment living downtown.

An agreement with Jackson Dearborn Partners will develop One Chandler on the southeast corner of Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue into a mixed-use project including ground-floor retail, second-story office and multi-family housing on the third through seventh floors.

An agreement for New Square Phase 2 was amended to expand the Hilton Garden Inn for needed conference space and add a new Italian restaurant, Jeanie Martini’s.

City-owned property at 200 and 210 S. Oregon St. was purchased by a developer to become a two-story food hall that will have eight to 12 restaurants ranging from breakfast to late-night dining.

Impact of the Arts

Chandler participated in the Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey for the first time, demonstrating the economic and social impact of arts and culture events. The arts and culture industry was found to have an economic impact of $12 million in Chandler through businesses that employ people and vendors, contribute to tax revenue and attract visitors.

Chandler Center for the Arts, through its partnership with the Chandler Cultural Foundation, received $82,750 in grants to support arts programs. In addition, over $135,000 in event sponsorships were awarded from corporations and individuals.

Engaging Public Art

The Chandler Arts Commission engaged artists through the Public Art Program to complete around the city, including:

Pueblo Alto Mural along Chandler Boulevard near Espo’s Restaurant
Beautification of the shade pavilion in Provinces Park with assistance from students at Shumway Elementary School
Illuminated benches in Downtown Chandler just north of SanTan Brewery
Three-dimensional wall installation at the Chandler Public Library downtown branch
Artwork was added to traffic signal control boxes at five intersections

Chandler on Display

Chandler Museum hosted its fourth signature exhibition, “Chandler A to Z” and two community collaboration exhibitions:

“Picturing Home” in conjunction with Hamilton High School art students
“Querencia: Place and belonging in Chandler” with 12 new oral histories from Southside Chandler residents.

Get Ready to Play Ball

Construction of the Diamond Field Complex at Tumbleweed Park began in the summer to provide additional amenities for Chandler residents. The complex is approximately 31 acres and will include four lighted turf diamond fields, 420 parking spaces, restroom facilities and landscaping when completed in 2024.

The project includes an extension of Pioneer Parkway and all infrastructure improvements including water, sewer, storm drain and electrical systems.

Expanding the TRC

City Council approved a series of agreements to move forward with an 11,000-square-foot expansion of the Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

It will create additional space for active and passive recreation programs and gathering places. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2024.

Tennis Center Upgrades

Renovations upgraded the Chandler Tennis Center locker rooms with updated showers, lighting, fixtures, family restroom, ice machine and acoustic panels in the lobby.

The tennis court lighting system controls were updated to allow lights to be scheduled remotely.

Urban Forestry

Trees are an essential part of our parks, neighborhoods and urban environment. In collaboration with State Forestry, Chandler created a training program for our parks staff on proper tree planting, pruning and ongoing maintenance.

Arbor Day Foundation awarded Chandler Tree City USA status for the 11th consecutive year. Chandler earned the foundation’s Growth Award for the first time given in recognition of communities that demonstrate higher levels of tree care and community engagement.

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s Community Challenge Grant Program awarded Chandler a $40,000 grant towards the city’s tree inventory, urban forest management plan and tree asset management program.

U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Chandler a $767,000 grant in partnership with the Chandler Unified School District to plant trees in disadvantaged neighborhoods and city parks and make irrigation system improvements. The project aims to increase Chandler’s tree canopy while educating students and residents about the importance of trees at city parks and public properties.

Trees By the Numbers

1848.00

Trees Pruned

328.00

Trees Removed

98.00

Trees Planted

323.00

Stumps Removed

Enhancing Parks and Pools

Chandler continued to invest and renovate established parks, offering upgraded recreational amenities for residents. Upgrades at the Sunset Branch of the Chandler Public Library and Sunset Park paved the way to expand library programming in the park. The Mesquite Groves pool remodel started this fall and will be completed in time for this upcoming swim season. Other improvements included:

Park Pickleball/Tennis Courts at Arrowhead Meadows
New Playground Equipment at Harris Park
Landscaping at Jackrabbit Park
Chemical Controllers at all six Aquatic Centers with online monitoring

Park Pickleball/Tennis Courts at Arrowhead Meadows

Chandler Events 101

“How to Have a Special Event in Chandler” was created to assist individuals who would like to hold an event in Chandler. The Temporary Special and Promotional Event process was updated, including an informational handbook and redesigned.

Chandler’s Special Events

Special events showcased our cultural diversity, inspiring talent and hometown traditions. Residents began the year with musical and dance performances at the Multicultural Festival, celebrated the rich history of jazz during the Chandler Jazz Festival, sparkled at the All-American Bash and concluded the year with the Parade of Lights and traditional lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree.