City of Avondale, Arizona Game and Fish Partner on Restoration of Base & Meridian Wildlife Area

The City of Avondale and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are partnering on a restoration project at the Base & Meridian Wildlife Area to improve public access and safety at the popular outdoor recreation and event site.

The project, which begins Oct. 1, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by Dec. 31, 2025, will address damage caused by years of intense flooding. The area, bisected by the original low-water crossing of the Gila River at 115th Avenue (now Avondale Boulevard), features a walking path, trail connections, fishing areas, a kayak launch, and staging for the annual Tres Rios Nature Festival. However, repeated flood events have significantly damaged paved surfaces, creating hazards for large events, recreational use, and emergency or service vehicle access.

Restoration work will include new concrete paving at the river crossing, embankment repairs, level grading at key staging areas and along the trail to the kayak launch, vegetation reduction, and installation of new signage to improve safety and wayfinding.

To ensure public safety during construction, the entire wildlife area will be closed from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. This closure includes the adjacent parking lot located just south of the trail access. There will be a temporary pause in construction during NASCAR Race Week, from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3; work will resume on Nov. 4. However, the closure of the work area will remain in effect for the entire duration of the project. Visitors are advised to avoid the area. The public can utilize the Tres Rios entrance (with a Tres Rios pass) to access the eastern portions of the Gila River outside the project area.

All future engagements will be moved to a new and improved platform. Please follow the link to comment on the current project: https://avondale-az.civilspace.io/en/projects/city-of-avondale-arizona-game-and-fish-partner-on-restoration-of-base-meridian-wildlife-area