The City of Avondale has teamed up with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to undertake a restoration effort aimed at rejuvenating the Base & Meridian Wildlife Area. Scheduled to kick off on October 1, this initiative aims to repair the damages wrought by persistent flooding, ultimately enhancing the site's accessibility and safety for its frequent visitors.
Major improvements are on the docket to properly address the deteriorated conditions left by the floods. New concrete paving at the river crossing, embankment stabilization, and smoothing out of the areas leading to the kayak launch are in the works. In addition, the project plans to cut back overgrown vegetation and install sharper signage to better guide and protect those who come to enjoy the area. However, the public has been advised to temporarily steer clear during the restoration phase.
With the project window spanning from the start of October to the end of December, the entire wildlife area, including its adjacent parking facilities, will be off-limits to the public. This precaution ensures safety during the extensive construction activities. According to the City of Avondale's official announcement, a brief hiatus in the restoration efforts will occur from October 27 to November 3 to accommodate the influx of NASCAR Race Week activities, with the work set to resume promptly on November 4th. However, area closures will remain constant throughout the duration of the project.
For those interested in visiting the area, the eastern portions of the Gila River can still be accessed via the Tres Rios entrance, provided visitors have a Tres Rios pass. Ongoing updates on the project's progress, as well as changes to accessibility, will be available on Avondale's website and the Arizona Game & Fish Department's Facebook page. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to check these resources frequently to stay informed on the project's status and any pertinent announcements regarding area closures or re-openings.
