Since the land is owned by the Arizona State Land Department, the only way to acquire it is through their auction process. We cannot simply approach them with an offer to buy the land. First, we must apply, then we must go through the due diligence reporting which includes a state appraisal. Finally, they will set a date for the auction, and we must arrive at the auction with a cashier’s check for a % of the appraised value, with the balance due in 30 days. The application process costs around $35,000 and takes between 6 and 12 months.

We are accepting cash donations as well as pledges at this point. If we are the unsuccessful bidder, we will return the pledge forms to the donors. Since no money will have changed hands, these pledge contracts can simply be returned. For cash donations, donors will have already taken a tax deduction for their cash donations and so we will follow IRS regulations in this regard and will transfer these donations to another 501(c)3 organization, as directed by the donor.

Our goal is to impact the landscape as minimally as possible. We will create a trail system that flows with the topography and follows animal-created paths. Since much of the land is flat or gently rolling, most of the trails will be easily accessible. We estimate a loop of approximately 4 miles of trails. Additionally, we will have a parking lot, restroom facilities, and a ramada/picnic table area. A few benches will be strategically situated along the trails.

This will be a park preserved in its most pristine state as possible. This park is intended to create a space for residents and visitors who want to hike, walk their dogs, ride their bikes, or simply sit on a bench and take in the unparalleled beauty of the Upper Sonoran Desert. This will NOT be a park with grassy areas, dog play areas, pickle ball courts or grilling areas.

In 2021, the land was appraised at $6,695,000. We expect it may appraise at a slightly lower amount in 2024, however our goal is still to raise $7mil for acquisition. We expect that the amenities created will cost an additional $1,000,000. Funding will come from donations and grants.

If Carefree Park retains ownership, we are committed to ongoing fundraising and grant writing efforts to cover the costs of ongoing maintenance and insurance. We have already identified appropriate grant partners. If ownership is transferred to the Town of Carefree or to Maricopa County, the funding of ongoing maintenance and insurance will be defined through a joint agreement between Carefree Park and the Town of Carefree or Maricopa County.

Carefree Park will be the owner of the land through its acquisition and improvement creation. At that point, Carefree Park may maintain ownership or the park’s ownership may or may not be transferred to the Town of Carefree or to Maricopa County.

Carefree Park, a registered 501(c)(3), and their Board of Directors are responsible for all collected funds. Like all 501(c)(3) organizations, Carefree Park will file an annual IRS 990 Form. The Form provides information on the organization’s finances, programs, and governance. The purpose of this form is to determine whether an organization is operating for a charitable purpose and complying with tax laws. Carefree Park will also file all required income tax and governmental filings.