CHANDLER, Ariz. – Renovations of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park will begin in January as the result of agreements awarded by City Council.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in Downtown Chandler is the location for signature events and festivals, including the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and a weekly farmer’s market. Last renovated in 1986, the park has experienced increased usage alongside Downtown Chandler’s significant growth in multi-family, office and retail development.
With over 100 events hosted annually, a new Master Plan was completed in 2017 to address infrastructure needs, including drinking fountains, restrooms and landscape/irrigation, and to enhance event space.
In 2024, the Master Plan was updated to better align with current needs and priorities, addressing previous infrastructure concerns and introducing a new phased approach to the improvements. Phase one includes removing outdated water features, increasing shaded areas, updating the landscape and irrigation, activating the park’s east side, adding comfortable seating and gathering spaces, constructing new restrooms, expanding event and programming space and improving the Arizona Avenue pedestrian crossing.
Construction of phase one of this project will begin in January 2026. The construction services agreement was awarded to Willmeng Construction and professional services agreements were awarded to Dibble Construction Management and Dig Studio to support the park renovation.
The project consists of the demolition of existing pavements, water features and structures, and construction of new decorative hardscape plazas, relocated and new public art, park lighting, power infrastructure and a new crosswalk signal at the existing Arizona Avenue pedestrian crossing.
Event space and shade are key features of phase one as the project will add event lawns, seasonal plazas with social activities, seating and site furniture, two park pavilions, two restroom buildings, storage rooms, two large shade canopies and shade tree infrastructure including below ground soil improvements.
Throughout the planning process to gather input from residents and businesses, city staff worked collaboratively with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) and with property and business owners to shape the design, determine the timing and manage the anticipated construction impacts of the improvements.
For more information about this project, visit Downtown Improvements.
View and download renderings for this project.
Media contact:
Toni Smith
Marketing and Communications Manager
Office 480-782-2701