Local resident Todd Brandys raised an interesting possibility in a post on Fountain Hills Connection. He suggested developing the State Trust Land as a natural park area with an included music venue along the lines of Ravinia in the Chicago area. This would draw people from all over the Valley, and beyond – people who would spend a lot of money at Fountain Hills restaurants, bars and retail businesses.

It’s a very cool idea! And it fits with the art festivals and other large events that we’re already doing (St. Patrick’s Day, July 4th, etc.).

If the State Trust Land were developed in this way, maybe it could also tie in with a redevelopment of our downtown toward cafes with lots of personality and individual character (with outdoor patios like Sofrita and All American), shops, microbreweries, a small arts district (with working artists in studio?), an actual street scene (the Fountain Hills Food Cart is leading the way here with occasional live music at the food cart – I imagine they’ll do more of that when the weather cools).

It seems to have been taken for granted that the State Trust Land will be developed as residential, with some open space and maybe a convenience store. Ho-hum. But Todd’s idea could be really exciting for Fountain Hills and the whole Valley.

There could be a contest to choose a name. Ravinia, Tanglewood, Red Rocks and ours would be…?

Anybody interested?