Apache Junction details large drainage repairs at Prospector Park; contractor work to finish this month

Apache Junction staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 6 that a major drainage reconstruction at Prospector Park is nearly complete and was installed by a contractor because the city lacked the equipment to handle the work. Project managers said the work required massive excavation to replace crushed culverts and to install large precast structures intended to carry storm flows away from the ball fields.

The improvements are carryovers from the prior fiscal year; city staff presented photos to illustrate the size of the excavation and the precast pieces and said crews hit hard pan during work, which required engineering adjustments and a larger amount of aggregate base than originally planned. Staff said the remaining item is placement of riprap along the channel around the ball fields; they identified approximately 3,785 tons of riprap scheduled to be placed and estimated the project would wrap up in mid to late August.

Why it matters: Prospector Park has experienced repeated localized flooding because an earlier, smaller culvert had been crushed. Staff said the new structures are substantially larger and intended to restore designed conveyance so rain events do not pond on or run across ball fields and other park infrastructure. The commission asked whether the heavy equipment shown in photos belonged to the city; staff replied the work is performed by a contractor because the city does not own gear large enough for the lifts and excavations.

City staff also said a separate property recently purchased for retention will help regional drainage at ultimate buildout but will not eliminate all flooding at Prospector Park because the washes are different. No formal action or vote was taken during the briefing; staff described timing and next steps and answered commissioner questions.