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Pamela Smith
Gilbert Area Information
Named after William “Bobby” Gilbert, Gilbert has been ranked 28th out of the 100 best places to live in America as well as the 28th safety city in the country. A part of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Gilbert has remained unincorporated as a town rather than a city, in spite of its population of over 207,000 people. Listed as one of the fastest growing places among all the cities and towns in Arizona of any size, the center of the population of Arizona is located in Gilbert.
In the last two decades, Gilbert has gone from a historically agriculture based community to an urban center and suburb of Phoenix, growing at a great pace with an increase in population of 5,717 to over 215,000 by April, 2009. The city government has recognized the need for a strong, diverse economy while preserving its great quality of life. In July 2001, Gilbert adopted its “Growing Smarter” legislation, insuring that Gilbert’s future would be as bright as its past.
To learn more, visit: http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/
History
In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of land for the right of way to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. With the establishment of the rail siding, the town of Gilbert sprung up around it. Gilbert was known for its great farming land, thanks to the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals, in 1911. Gilbert remained a farming community and was known as the “Hay Capital of the World” until well into the 1920’s. It began to take its present shape in the 1970’s with the approval of a strip annexation that added 53 square miles of land and began to grow to its current size. It’s now become a young, affluent suburb of Phoenix with a broad overview, bringing in new businesses and residents who are looking for a great smaller community to live without giving up the amenities of the larger urban area.
To learn more visit: http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/busdev/profile/history.cfm
Attractions & Activities
Hale Centre Theatre
Privately owned and operated, this theatre company opened in 1947 and has become a legend! Since its doors first opened, not a single week has gone by when there has not been a performance on it its stage. Dedicated to providing theatre goers with the finest theatrical experience possible while offering the intimate and friendly atmosphere they’d find at home, Hale Centre is a must see when you come to Gilbert. To learn more, visit: http://haletheatrearizona.com
Riparian Institute
Riparian Institute’s goal is to promote awareness of Arizona’s ecology and natural history with an emphasis on desert and riparian environments. They offer Bird Walks, Naturalist Led Walks, Garden Tours and Volunteer Desert Gardening, supervised by experienced staff who will love to show you around! For more information, visit:
http://www.riparianinstitute.org/default.cfm
San Tan Village
Come to San Tan Village and shop ‘til you drop! Offering more than 100 stores, they come in all shapes and sizes and include salons, restaurants, movies and more. For more information, visit: http://www.shopsantanvillage.com/
Parks and Recreation
McQueen Activity Park
Open Monday-Saturday, McQueen offers many activities with a gym, indoor and outdoor games and a gymnasium, just to name a few. Horseshoes, tennis and volleyball are only some of the offered outdoor activities, so grab those sneakers and come on down.
For more information, visit: http://www.gilbertaz.gov/parks/popups/macpac.cfm
Crossroads Park
Bring your pooch to party! Crossroads is a dog park where Rover can rove and visit with his buddies. Two fenced areas and lighting for night use enhance this space, so bring your best friend and let him run free.
For more information, visit: http://www.gilbertaz.gov/parks/popups/crossroad-park.cfm
Discovery District Park
Forty eight acres holds two lakes and lots of fields for sports as well as picnic tables, playgrounds and trails for the avid walker. Bring your bike a picnic and a book and have a great day in the outdoors.
To learn more, visit: http://www.gilbertaz.gov/parks/popups/discovery-park.cfm
Events
Gilbert Global Village Festival
Held every April, Gilbert's Global Village Festival is a multi-cultural celebration for all ages. The festival brings neighbors together in a friendly, educational way to learn more about each other. The world is at your doorstep with ethnic food and art and international gifts for sale.
For more information, visit: http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/parks/gvf.cfm
Concerts in the Park
Held the second Thursday of the month at the Freestone Park Amphitheater, there’s no charge for great concerts, all you need is a blanket to sit on and your fun. Food and beverages are available for sale and they offer a wide variety of musical styles. To learn more: http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/parks/concert.cfm
Gilbert Annual Golf Tournament Held in October at Western Skies Golf club, the format is a four person scramble, with closest to the pin contests and longest drive contest.
For more information, visit: http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2010/05/11/20100511gilbert-officer-slain-golf-tournament.html
For more details about Gilbert, AZ please visit: http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us
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