Goodyear City Council has approved its Public Art Plan for the next fiscal year, offering its support for a plan that presents six short- and long-term projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and beautify the city. The projects would begin installation in fiscal year 2026, and have a recommended funding level of $1.07 million, according to the plan.
With the approval of this plan as recommended by the Goodyear Arts and Culture Commission, the city is not approving the budget for the projects. That will occur during the annual budget process leading up to fiscal year 2026, which starts on July 1. The costs connected to each project are provided as context and are only recommended funding levels.
The priciest of the six projects that is part of the plan, at a recommended $515,000, is for Phase 2 of the Goodyear Recreation Campus. The project is the integration of an interactive series of public artworks into the design of the campus. Completion for this project is expected in 2031.
“As outlined in the fiscal year 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, parks and recreation will be completing Phase 2 of the recreation campus to develop the remaining 46 acres and expand recreational opportunities and amenities. As part of the expansion, we are looking to integrate an interactive series of public art to enhance user experience and create a more engaging vibrant environment,” Arts and Culture Coordinator Layne Ruiz said.
Other long-term projects presented by the city council include artwork along the Bullard Wash Trail Extension, funding recommended at $290,000 with expected completion in 2028, and integrated artwork at Fire Station 189, funding recommended at $190,000 with expected completion in 2029.
The Bullard Wash Trail Extension is part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and it received bond funding for extension from Interstate 10 to Goodyear Ballpark. The goal of this project, Ruiz said, is to establish a “scenic and accessible trail system and enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors by integrating public art into the trail.”
Fire Station 189 is not yet completed. Construction for the facility is underway at the northwest corner of Citrus Road and Indian School Road. Adding public art to fire stations, according to Ruiz, creates a welcoming environment for the community and reflects the spirit and history of the surrounding area.
The city is also looking to fund its traffic cabinet public art projects, light pole banners — suspended public art installations hung on light poles — and Pop Ups in the Park, with a total recommended funding of $79,000.
The city has funded several public arts projects in recent years, including the bronze sculpture outside the Goodyear Police Department, titled “Better Together,” and the community mural at Goodyear Recreation Campus. The city council also approved lengthy public art projects, including artwork at Estrella Bridge, with its installation anticipated by June 2028.
The Goodyear Arts and Culture Commission directs the city’s public arts program, utilizing its ever-growing arts collection, which supports existing residents and attracts new visitors. Its goals are to drive economic growth, provide arts for all, advance public art and build a culture of art, all of which improve the community. The commission also hosts events; in 2024, it had over 120,000 event attendees.
“Our mission is to provide leadership in developing a community identity through the arts that embraces, celebrates and unites all of our diverse histories, beliefs, cultures and aspirations,” Commission Chair Lisa Paulos said.