The town of Clarkdale is celebrating the grand opening of the Selna Mongini STEAM Park on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 9 a.m. at 701 2nd N. St.
After many years of community input and planning stemming back to 2018, the park has been revitalized as a learning and play space designated to bring to life science, technology, engineering, arts and math, or STEAM.
Both the Selna Ballfield and Mongini Park sites were subject to soil remediation under the United Verde Soil Program.
In 2018, the Parks and Recreation Department began public outreach of community needs; the current site plan is a result of that collaborative input, from open houses, a public hearing and online suggestions.
In 2022, Clarkdale was awarded a $500,000 Heritage Fund grant for improvements to the park from the Arizona State Parks & Trails Board. In 2023, the Federal Land Water Conservation Fund awarded Clarkdale a $1 million award for the park, bringing funds to $1.5 million, with the town committing another $500,000. Over 50 local donors contributed nearly $1 million in cash and in-kind support. The final design stages were completed this year.
In March 2024, 40 attendees provided input at an open house. In November, the town approved a construction contract and moved into its construction phases. Local artists were asked to submit proposals for an art wall.
“This project is truly a collaborative effort and it couldn’t have happened without the generosity and belief of the Clarkdale community,” Town Manager Susan Guthrie said. “Selna Mongini Park is a space where all ages are invited to connect, play and learn in Clarkdale.”
The community celebration will feature live music, refreshments and booths featuring Verde Valley educators, artists and sustainability experts. Regional community partners, including representatives from Arizona State Parks and the National Park Service, will be present to honor the completion of the project.
The new park will include a multi-age playground with a zipline and Americans with Disabilities Act access, Clarkdale’s first toddler play area, a full-size and fully lit basketball court, walking paths, shaded areas, restrooms, picnic tables, benches and art wall.
With an emphasis on STEAM education, the park will feature education stations, such as a bird identification zone and rock zone, pollinator gardens and sustainability demonstrations, such as a gray water zone and solar table. There will also be a lending library, bike repair station and chess table.
In the coming months, sculptures, educational signage and a shaded workout station will be installed. Tree planting is currently in progress.
“The STEAM Park represents our commitment to creating spaces that enrich our community through education, sustainability and creativity,” Mayor Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer said. “This is a milestone for Clarkdale and we hope every resident feels a sense of pride and ownership in this park.”
For more information, visit clarkdale.az.gov or call (928) 639-2460.
