Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce

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Buckeye Valley History

In 1877 the founder of the settlement that was to become the Town of Buckeye led a party of six men, three women, and ten children from Creston, Iowa, bound for Arizona. The leader of this party, Thomas Newt Clanton’s, purpose was to retain his health. It was a good move; he lived in Arizona for 49 years before his death at of 82.

Development in the Buckeye Valley received a boost with the construction of the Buckeye Canal. In 1884, Malin Jackson named the canal in honor of his native state of Ohio, the Buckeye State. Clanton built ten miles of the canal, which was completed in 1886.

In 1887, Clanton and his family moved to Buckeye, becoming the first permanent Anglo residents. Clanton and Jackson envisioned a town site near the center of the Buckeye Valley, so in 1888 the two, along with William “Bucky” O’Neil, who was later known as a famous Rough Rider, laid out the town site on a portion of the Clanton Homestead.

The first post office in the area was established the same year, with the postal station called Buckeye. Also in 1888, Bucky O’Neil and Associates organized the Buckeye Irrigation Company. Jackson named the town Sidney after his home in Ohio. However, because of the significance of the canal, over time the town became known as Buckeye, and the name was legally changed in 1910.

Advances in transportation put Buckeye on the map. In 1910, the Arizona Eastern Railroad came to Buckeye; in 1911, the first car; by 1912, a steam rail line connected with Phoenix; and by 1915, a state highway. The coming of the railroad was so significant that the business district was moved to accommodate the location of the railroad station.

As a result, Buckeye was booming. By 1912, major buildings were constructed along with expansion of the business community. Buckeye was incorporated in 1926 and included 440 acres. The first mayor was Hugh Watson, who founded the Buckeye Valley Bank. His son, Hugh Watson, Jr. served as mayor from 1956 to 1958.

In 1935, the Buckeye Chamber started the Helzapoppin Days, which has become a local tradition. The festivities included street dances, a parade, a carnival, and a rodeo. Proceeds were given to local churches to distribute to the needy and for scholarships. Celebrities, such as cowboy singing star Gene Autry, attended the events. Similar holidays, such as the annual Pioneer Days and the Helzapoppin’ rodeos, are still celebrated today.

Buckeye Main Street

Old U.S. Highway 80 is Buckeye’s historic main street (Monroe Avenue). It was originally called the Dixie Overland Highway or the Broadway of America. Before 1926, developers and towns scrambled to join together to be on a coast-to-coast route. The Dixie Overland Highway was the first all-year, coast-to-coast route. Since many of these highways shared the same roadbed through parts of the country, people began to be confused by the many colorful names given these routes. In 1926 the Federal government stepped in and replaced the names with a numerical system. Old U.S. Highway 80 started at Tybee Island, Georgia and crossed the country entering Arizona near Douglas and continuing through Tucson, Phoenix and Buckeye, south to Gila Bend, and exiting the state at Yuma. Its western terminus was San Diego.

Tourists are becoming so interested in following the historic routes that most states have formed route associations that provide websites for information. The Main Street communities in each state are very active in providing input to these associations. Visitors are looking for original pieces of the roadbed, as well as historic sites along the highways. They are also interested in stopping at longtime businesses such as stations and diners that still exist. Once they have stopped in a community, they are exposed to all the businesses we have to offer.

The national interest in old highways has presented historic downtown Buckeye with a tremendous economic opportunity. At the National Town Meeting, participants learned that HUD monies will soon be available for communities along these highways. Approximately $30 million will be set aside to acquire and renovate vacant properties in Main Street towns along these routes. The Arizona Department of Commerce is working with the Buckeye Main Street Coalition and has offered to help establish a website to promote old U.S. Highway 80 and the businesses in our historic downtown.

Buckeye Main Street

Transportation

Buckeye’s air transportation needs are served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Goodyear Airport, and the Buckeye Municipal Airport.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and is a 35-minute drive from downtown Buckeye. Phoenix Goodyear Airport is a reliever airport for Sky Harbor and is located ten minutes away.

The Town of Buckeye is home to the Buckeye Municipal Airport. The airport is located two miles south of Interstate 10 and the Palo Verde Road interchange. Currently, the airport is equipped with a 5,500-foot runway that can accommodate corporate aircraft as well as small general aviation aircraft. Storage hangars, parking, fueling facilities, and other aviation services are accessible.

Maricopa County 85, State Route 85, Interstate 10, old U.S. Highway 80, and the Sun Valley Parkway all intersect the Town of Buckeye. Old U.S. Highway 80 is a two-lane scenic by-way with a steel truss bridge that crosses the Gila River. Driving over the bridge you can see the Gillespie Dam. During the flood of 1993, the water in the Gila River rose so high that it caused the dam to break and flood the farms to the south.

In 1912 the Southern Pacific Railroad made a tremendous impact on the Town of Buckeye, connecting the town to Phoenix.

The railroad is still a major mode of transportation for goods produced in Buckeye.

Government

Buckeye has a Town Manager and a seven-member council. Administrative offices are located at 100 North Apache. For more information on town departments or functions, call (623) 386-4691.

Health Care

Buckeye health care workers provide the best health care possible. The workers are part of a comprehensive, focused effort that includes the most sophisticated medical technology available.

Experienced physicians are committed to excellence in medical and surgical care, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, maternity, emergency care, and a wide range of services for the aging. Specialized surgical capabilities include open heart surgery, and a range of advanced and general procedures supported by state-of-the-art equipment. Board-certified emergency medicine specialists and nurses trained in emergency care serve patients. Local hospitals feature mental wellness services including integrated inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, counseling, and chemical dependency treatment. High quality nursing care is available.

Homes

The homes of Buckeye reflect the tradition of steady growth and progress. Wonderful homes nestled within quiet, friendly neighborhoods offer the best in affordable suburban living. Home buyers can choose from newer single-family residences, homes located in the historic district, or custom homes at the base of the White Tanks Mountains. Many residents, who commute to work in Phoenix and elsewhere in the area, find that they can take advantage of Buckeye’s small town ambiance while also receiving a great deal more for their real estate dollar.

Living in surroundings dominated by a desert climate means adjustment for many of the new residents. Average spring temperatures range from 48 to 72 degrees F and summer temperatures range from 65 to 108 degrees F. Average rainfall is just over four inches.

Taxes, 2004

Property

Elementary/High School 8.66

City/Fire District 1.55

County wide 3.09

Total $13.30

Sales

Town of Buckeye 2.00%

Maricopa County 0.70%

State of Arizona 5.60%

Total 8.30%

Buckeye is a Small Town with Big Plans

Everybody’s talking about Buckeye – the little town that was just a gas stop for California- and Mexico-bound travelers is now projecting major growth over the next 20 years. Having a 600-square-mile planning area, Buckeye one day could be home to more than 1,000,000 residents, which is 55 times more than the current population. More than 30 master-planned communities have been approved and developers are pitching more ideas daily. Through selective planning and burgeoning development interest, Buckeye soon will be the largest community in the Valley.

Verrado

Verrado opened in January 2004, and after much buzz and anticipation, is Buckeye’s first major master-planned development. With up to a 20-year build out planned, the project has the capacity for 14,000 homes. Verrado builders are now beginning the second phase of the project. The first part includes 900 units from builders such as Pulte Homes, Engle, T.W. Lewis, Aston Woods Homes, and Monterey Homes.

A Bashas’ Main Street Market and a Bank of America occupy a portion of the 40,000 square feet of commercial space in the heart of Verrado’s Main Street, with 45 rental apartment units on top. Plans also include 325 acres of parks and open spaces. Every neighborhood is designed around a park, so no home will be farther than two blocks from a park. Verrado Middle School, part of the Litchfield Elementary School District, opened last year. Verrado’s multi-phase project offers 100 unique home designs, ranging in price from the $200,000 to $600,000.

Douglas Ranch

After months of heated debate, Buckeye voters overwhelmingly approved the annexation of Douglas Ranch. At 36 square miles, this is Arizona’s largest master-planned community to date. Douglas Ranch was approved by a 67 percent margin. This vote was important to the town because it proved the people are interested in becoming engaged in Buckeye’s growth process, and they are welcoming the quality development. Buckeye scored another big plus in annexing Douglas Ranch – the rights to the Hassayampa River groundwater aquifer, the largest untapped aquifer in the state.

The Douglas Ranch site is about 25 miles northeast of downtown Buckeye, and is in a infrastructure planning stage. The finished project could have the potential to include 83,000 homes and 250,000 residents. The community is divided into 27 separate planning areas, including 2,000 commercial acres and 947 acres for employment space. Educational facilities will be built all over the community, with 12 high schools and 25 elementary schools already planned. At least 22 percent of the land in Douglas Ranch will be left open for trails and parks, and developers plan to build 22 golf courses. Home prices in Douglas Ranch will range across the board– the community will feature all types of housing, from entry-level to custom-built.

Tartesso

Although this master-planned development’s name is derived from an ancient Phoenician cultural center, Tartesso aspires to be among the most modern of communities. The sprawling 12,000-acre development has been approved for 40,000 homes.

The first phase, located at Sun Valley Parkway and Tartesso Parkway (Indian School Road), will include sites for 17 elementary schools and three high schools.

Open space will be abundant in Tartesso, with plans for 26 parks in the works. The largest of these parks will feature full-size baseball fields, lighted basketball courts, facilities for smaller children, and picnic areas. A Tartesso golf course has not been planned. Commercial or mixed-use sites in Tartesso potentially could encompass 717 acres, or more than 10 million square feet. Tartesso will be accessible from Interstate 10 by two existing interchanges at Sun Valley Parkway and Miller Road. Three additional interchanges eventually will be installed at Johnson Road, Bruner Road, and Wilson Avenue.

Festival Ranch

Festival Ranch plans to start building more than 24,000 housing units this year, 7,000 of which will be included in the “active adult” part of the community – the next Sun City. Fourteen golf courses, seven million square feet of commercial space, and schools built in the Wickenburg Elementary School District are part of Festival Ranch’s master-plan.

Business and Industry

The Buckeye business community mirrors the successes found throughout Maricopa County. Its diverse employment base is comprised of many thriving small businesses, combined with large enterprises. This is the key to a strong and flexible local economy. Over the past ten years, Arizona has been one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. Tremendous job opportunities, a great lifestyle, and a highly desirable climate have fueled the population increase. The community serves as one of the fastest growing economic hubs. It is easy to see why so many business success stories begin right here in Buckeye.

Large Employers

Public

Town of Buckeye

Buckeye Union High School District

Buckeye Elementary School District

AZ Department of Corrections

Liberty Elementary School District

Private

Quincy Joist

Schult Homes Corporation

Wal-Mart Distribution Center

Rip Griffin’s Truck/Travel Center

Arizona Public Service (APS)

Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

Quincy JoistShult Homes

Wal-Mart Distribution Center

Travel Centers of America

Hospice of the Valley

The Wigwam Resort

Beazer Homes

Shea Homes

Arizona-American Water

Costco Wholesale

Meritage Active Adult at Sundance

Turner Construction

Yates/Buick Pontiac GMC

Keller Equipment

The Orcutt/Winslow Partnership

H-Four Farms

The Lyle Anderson Company

Sundance Golf Club

Dining

Restaurants which dot the town and the surrounding area range from fine dining to fast food. Whether it’s Southwestern with spice and zest, or good old-fashioned home cooking you crave, you’re sure to be pleased with the variety, value and quality of food right here in Buckeye.

Lodging

Visitors and tourists in the Buckeye area will find accommodations to suit every need and budget. Hotels, motels, extended stay and executive facilities are located in Buckeye and neighboring communities. Thousands of rooms, convention facilities and conference centers are located within a ten-mile radius.

Recreation

People in Buckeye love to get outdoors and play. Natural recreational opportunities abound throughout the area. Bikers, hikers and nature-lovers all enjoy the wide-open spaces and the many paths that travel through White Tanks Park and Buckeye Hills. Robbins Butte, home to a variety of species, attracts bird watchers throughout the year. For those who like horseback riding, Eagle Mountain Boarding Stables, located in Rainbow Valley just south of Buckeye, offers several options from desert trail rides to mountain riding experiences.

Buckeye Town Park, adjacent to downtown, is home to the Buckeye Historical and Archeological Museum which features an impressive collection of pottery made by the Hohokam, early inhabitants of the valley. The journey takes the visitor through the rich agricultural heritage of the settlers from the midwest, including the building of the Buckeye Canal. Be sure to enjoy this local treasure.

In addition, the Town Park is home to an Olympic-sized swimming pool complete with 35-foot-high water slide and other water features that keep everyone cool and relaxed. Take advantage of the volleyball pits, ball fields, picnic tables and skate park. Any of the local restaurants will provide a great picnic meal for the park.The White Tanks Mountain Regional Park offers direct access to the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The park provides a rugged experience with hiking, mountain bike and horse trails, as well as overnight camping. Ancient petroglyphs, wildlife and a waterfall can sometimes be seen at the park.

Outdoor activities are not confined to the White Tanks. Sportsmen find that dove, quail and javelina hunting abounds. Bird watchers can take advantage of the many wildlife preserves. Golf aficionados find the views from area golf courses unsurpassed. And the more adventurous can experience the thrill of skydiving at Desert Sky Diving, located at the Buckeye Municipal Airport.

Don’t miss the many local events that take place throughout the year. Professional rodeos, demolition derbies, Pioneer Days, Countryfest, Fourth of July, the Electric Light Parade, and the Holiday Arts and Crafts Boutique are a few of the annual events.

In El Dorado, located in Tonopah just minutes west of Buckeye, visitors enjoy a large subterranean hot springs of pure, odorless, tasteless mineral water naturally heated by Mother Earth. Some say it’s like bathing in liquid silk, making one’s hair and skin feel like velvet.

Civic Clubs and Organizations

Buckeye is home to numerous civic clubs and community organizations. These organizations are devoted to creating strong ties, providing leadership, and helping the needy.

American Youth Soccer Association

Marguerite Dever (623) 386-4418

Sue Kurtz (623) 386-3046

Boy Scouts, Grand Canyon Council (602) 955-7747

2969 North Greenfield Road, Phoenix 85016

Buckeye Elks Lodge #2686 (623) 386-4710

PO Box 326, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Food Bank (623) 386-7839

104 North 5th Street, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye D.A.R.E.

Sergeant Dick Sartor (623) 386-4421

100 North Apache, Suite D, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Lions Club

PO Box 26, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Little League (623) 386-6309

PO Box 1042, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Pop Warner

Alfredo Ramos (623) 386-2730

Buckeye Police Explorers

Sergeant Dick Sartor (623) 386-4421

100 North Apache, Suite D, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Main Street Coalition (623) 386-0526

508 East Monroe, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Rotary Club (623) 393-0520

PO Box 594, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Valley Family Resource Center (623) 386-4008

215 South 6th Street, Buckeye 85326

Buckeye Women’s Club (623) 386-4829

5801 South Apache, Buckeye 85326

Bullfrogs Swim Team (623) 393-8098

2036 South 224th Avenue, Buckeye 85326

Friends of the Library (623) 386-5932

310 North 6th Street, Buckeye 85326

4-H (602) 470-8086

Maricopa County Extension Office, University of Arizona

Girls Scouts, Arizona Cactus Pine Council (602) 331-7298

111 East Coronado, Phoenix 85004

Rebekkah’s (623) 386-4744

306 North 4th Street; PO Box 306, Buckeye 85326

V.F.W. (623) 386-2589

301 North 5th Avenue West, Buckeye 85326

Useful Telephone Numbers

Animal Control (602) 506-7387

Buckeye Aquatic Center (623) 386-7760

Buckeye Food Bank (623) 386-7839

Buckeye Head Start (623) 386-2105

Buckeye Police Department (623) 386-4421

Buckeye Public Library (623) 386-2778

Buckeye Municipal Airport (623) 386-9482

Buckeye Municipal Court (623) 386-5908

Buckeye Valley Fire District (623) 386-5906

Building Permits (623) 386-8299

Drivers License (602) 255-0072

Economic Development (623) 327-1812

Inspections (623) 386-8299

Parks and Recreation (623) 386-2778

Planning and Zoning (623) 386-8299

Post Office (800) 275-8777

Southwest Regional Landfill (623) 393-0035

Town of Buckeye (623) 386-4691

Town of Buckeye Fire Department (623) 327-0824

Vehicle Registration (title and registration only) (602) 255-0072

White Tanks Regional Park (623) 935-2505

Utility Providers

Cable Television

Cox Communications (602) 277-1000

Electricity

Arizona Public Service (APS) (623) 386-4474

Natural Gas

Southwest Gas (602) 861-1999

Sanitation

Allied Waste (602) 237-2078

Telephone

Qwest (800) 244-1111

Water and Sewer

Town of Buckeye (623) 386-4691

Valencia Water (623) 386-4252

Arizona-American Water (623) 815-3113

Zip Codes

Arlington AZ 85322

Buckeye AZ 85326, 85396

Palo Verde AZ 85343

Tonopah AZ 85354

Worship

Buckeye’s faith community is as strong and vibrant as ever. You will find a deep commitment to spiritual growth and sense of community in our residents. The region is home to various denominations, and local worship facilities strive to serve and enrich the lives of all participants. Religious leaders encourage worship, provide guidance, and offer assistance to those in need.

Just How Big is Buckeye?

* The Town of Buckeye has over 660 square miles in its planning area.

* Currently, there are over 260 square miles incorporated into the town.

What is Buckeye’s Population?

* The population in July 2005 was estimated at 33,000.

President’s Message

The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome you to Buckeye. We are a community with a 117-year agricultural history. It is very exciting to be experiencing a new era of growth and change in our community, and our Chamber members are a huge part of that change. If you are a new resident we hope you feel at home here and enjoy the quality of life we have worked hard to achieve.

Buckeye offers Little League, Pop Warner, AYSO Soccer, and a great swimming program for young athletes to get involved in. We have an active Woman’s Club, Friends of the Library, Elk’s Lodge, Lion’s Club, and Rotary International for adults. We have two festivals – Pioneer Days in March, featuring a parade, carnival, melodrama and PRCA Rodeo; and Countryfest in November, featuring a parade, carnival, arts and crafts, lawnmower races, car shows, and a Demolition Derby. For more information on anything going on in Buckeye, call the Chamber at (623) 386-2727. If we don’t know, we’ll find out for you!

With our explosive growth, we count on partnering and working together with the Town of Buckeye, the Buckeye Main Street Coalition, and local clubs and organizations. The Chamber building at 508 East Monroe Avenue, is home to Buckeye Economic Development, Buckeye Main Street, and the Town of Buckeye Public Works administrative offices.

The purpose of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership, support local businesses, and build strong partnerships dedicated to promote business, education and community interests of Buckeye.

Welcome to Buckeye!

Benefits of Chamber Membership

Create a Strong Local Economy

* Sponsor Business Seminars

* Distribute Welcome Packets to new residents

Promoting Community

* Visitor Information Center

* Past President and Community Awards Banquet

* Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo

* Helzapoppin’ Sr. Pro Rodeo

* Spring and fall Demolition Derby

* 4th of July Celebration

* National advertising

* Welcome/information packets

Represent Business Interests/

Political Action

* North and West Valley Chamber Alliance

* Candidate questionnaire sent to representatives and senators from districts 4, 12 and 25, county sheriff and county attorney

Networking Referrals and Exposure

* Monthly Chamber Luncheons

* Monthly Chamber Mixers

* Publications and website

* Welcome packets with directories, coupons, flyers, and promotional items from Chamber members

* Sponsorships at all Chamber special events

* Membership business referrals

* Business card and flyer display

* Monthly newsletters

Leadership

Executive Committee

Charlene Powers-Broadbent

President

Powers-Leavitt Insurance

Owner

Jackie Meck

Past President

Buckeye Water Conservation & Drainage District

District Manager

Tammy Noble

Treasurer

Buckeye Feed & Country Store

Owner

Ken Wolf

President Elect

Arizona Public Service

Manager

Staff

Deanna Kupcik

Executive Director

Rachel Thompson

Assistant Director, Special Events Coordinator

Board of Directors

Dee Barber

Southwest Valley Sun

Roger Brown

Southwest Valley Sun

Billy Bynum

Sundance Golf Club

Manager

Marcus Colbert

Stockmen’s Bank

Manager

Tim Grandy

Buckeye Valley Natural Resource Conservation District

Manager

Dr. Beverly Hurley

Buckeye Union High School District

Superintendent

Keith Watkins

The Cypress Group

Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Ex-Officio

Carroll Reynolds

Town of Buckeye, Town Manager

Richard Chapman

Buckeye Valley Development, Inc.

Jim Harkin

Buckeye Main Street Coalition

2006 Events

February 3-5

* Helzapoppin’ Senior Pro Rodeo

* Two Rodeo Performances, Cowboy Breakfast,

DARE Dinner and Auction

March 17-19

* Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo

* Three Rodeo Performances, Rodeo Dance,

Pioneer Days Celebration

May 6

* Helzapoppin’ Spring Demolition Derby

* Car Crushing, Lawn Mower Racing

July 4

* Buckeye’s Fabulous Fourth of July

August

* Swing and Sweat Golf Tournament

October 31

* Community Halloween Carnival

November

* Helzapoppin’ Fall Demolition Derby

* Car Crushing, Lawn Mower Racing,

Country Fest Celebration

December

* Holiday Glo on Monroe Electric Light Parade

December

* Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Queen Pageant