** UPDATES ARE POSTED CHRONOLOGICALLY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE**
We are excited to share the story of how our church and the playground got started. It's our hope that you become aware of just how much we love our community and the people in it.
In 1962 the Arizona Land Commission deeded 5 acres of choice land on the main street running through unincorporated Arizona City to Southern Baptist Pastor Morris Mulkey on one condition - that a church building would begin construction within 6 months. Pastor Mulkey kept his promise and First Baptist Church of Arizona City (FBC) was organized under the Arizona Southern Baptist Church Convention, a 501c3 IRS organization, and began construction on its first building in May 1963. From the beginning and continuing today, the church exists to promote spiritual support and help meet practical needs of our community.
As the population of Arizona City grew, it became necessary to build an elementary school. The best suited land for the school was also home to the only public park. Developers promised to try to relocate the park, but with time and money quickly fleeting, the only place in Arizona City for families to gather for recreation was never relocated.
First Baptist Church had a vision to be a community partner from its beginning. The master site plan of its five acres included volleyball courts, outdoor shuffleboard, tennis courts and play equipment. In the early 1970’s several pieces of playground equipment were installed on approximately two acres. With no fences or gates surrounding it, the community was welcome to use it year round. Today, the original equipment still serves the community.
Over the years, civic groups in the community have asked the church about the possibility of helping refurbish and replace the old equipment. But membership was down to 12 people in 2010 and the church was struggling to keep its doors open. To take on a project of this nature was impossible. But God wasn't finished with this church. Through a series of events, in 2013 God brought a new pastor with a fresh vision for church revitalization and the tide began to turn.
Today the church is a healthy organization with over 70 members. New programs have been started to meet needs in Arizona City like line dancing classes (yes, in our Baptist church) and Vacation Bible School. These programs are offered for the community, free of charge, regardless of attendance or membership to the church.
A playground committee was formed in 2016 to begin the work of refurbishing and revitalizing the playground. They proposed a three phased plan which included 1) installing a full size basketball court 2) installing a modern playground structure and additional play equipment 3) installing a walking trail and picnic area. To date all of the above has been accomplished! We have also added a Tiny Tots play area in front of the Fellowship Hall. This is located there for the protection of the children because it is fenced, protecting them from traffic in the parking lot! It also has benches and picnic tables! But we aren't done yet! There are more pieces to be added as funds become available.
And now you are invited to be a part of this playground project too. No donation is too small to play a big part in making our park into something beautiful and useful for our community. There is no timeline to accomplish this endeavor, but we are committed to doing it debt free. And so, as the funds are available more improvements will be made.
Watch our progress on our facebook page @FirstBaptistChurchazcity
Checks can be sent to:
First Baptist Church
Playground Fund
P.O. Box 218
Arizona City, AZ 85123
8.13.17
Thank you to those who have supported our playground fund lately...including the Evangelical Methodist Church (Arizona City), The Arizona City Chamber of Commerce, and several local residents. We continue to make improvements to the playground as monies come in. This summer we have added gravel around the picnic area, a trash recepticle and created a boundary with posts on the West and South side to designate parking.
More improvements are on the way once it gets cooler. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we move along. We love our community!
4.12.2018
The first piece of commercial play equipment has been installed! This play structure is for ages 3-5 years of age and cost right at $20,000. Thank you to the many supporters who have continued to give to our playground revitalization efforts. Most recently, the Arizona City Fire District and the Arizona City Fire Station each made a donation that made it possible to move forward with the installation of the newest equipment. We continue to plan for more development of the land as we are financially able. We hope you and your children enjoy the new play station!
11.2020
Great News! We have added a 40' X 60' canopy over the main playground equipment! The children can play in the comfort of some shade from the Arizona sun and hopefully equipment that is not so hot!
Just a note: to date funds spent on the playground: $98,762.41
