City Council adopted the Thunderbird Conservation Park Master Plan at its June 27, 2006 evening meeting. Thanks goes to the community for its efforts and commitment to developing a plan that helps protect and manage the park.

For information how to obtain a copy of the adopted master plan, please contact Marcheta Strunk at (623) 930-2822 or e-mail her at mstrunk@glendaleaz.com.

Why Develop a Master Plan?
The Thunderbird Conservation Park Master Plan will identify the community’s vision and priorities for future care and management of this natural resource.

TCP Master Plan Executive Summary (pdf)
On June 6, 2006, the City Council reviewed the master plan’s recommendations and indicated it was supportive of the plan. The plan is scheduled to be formally adopted by City Council at its June 27, 2006, meeting

Master Plan Documents (June 2006)

• TCP Master Plan Executive Summary (includes Master Plan Map Keys) (pdf)
• 55th Ave and Pinnacle Peak Master Plan Map (pdf)
• 59th Ave Wildlife Corridor Master Plan Map (pdf)
• 67th Ave Equestrian/Trail Master Plan Map (pdf)
• Sedimentation Basin Master Plan Map (pdf)

Other Documents:

• Focus Group Meeting Minutes
• Public Meeting Minutes - September 14, 2005
• Public Meeting Minutes - September 17, 2005
• Frequently Asked Questions
• On-Site Survey Results
• Watershed Analysis Report
• Information on Current Trail Maintenance at Park
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 3/13/06 Power Point Presentation
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 4/10/06 Power Point Presentation
• City Council Workshop Meeting Presentation 6/6/06 Power Point Presentation

Park History
In 1956, the City of Glendale entered into a sale/lease agreement with the Bureau of Land Management to obtain 1,062 acres of Hedgpeth Hills that would eventually become known as Thunderbird Conservation Park (TCP). In a land exchange with the City of Phoenix, Glendale acquired an additional 66 acres to add to TCP north of Pinnacle Peak Road. Land use restriction changes enacted by the Glendale City Council added an additional 57 acres. The current area encompassed by TCP is 1,185 acres.

In 1967, the City of Glendale adopted the Master Development Plan for Thunderbird Semi-Regional Park. This master plan emphasized development of passive recreation, such as picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding with some limited areas of development for a recreation complex, park headquarters, interpretive complex, amphitheater, a 9-hole golf course, driving range, and a maintenance compound. These activities were endorsed as being compatible with the pristine, unspoiled desert and open space that characterizes the park.

The Glendale Parks Master Plan 1985-1995 placed TCP in the conservation category. This plan maintained that conservation parks should include natural areas, varying topography, water features, picnic areas, hiking and riding trails, scenic drives, and other facilities not requiring intensive development.

The 2002 Parks and Recreation Department Master Plan continued to place TCP in the conservation category. Action items determined the levels of improvements required in order to maintain a high quality of experience compatible with the natural qualities of the site.