here in Arizona is Papago Park? By Shanna Hogan, Tribune April 20, 2006

Scottsdale City Councilwoman Betty Drake held up an enlarged postcard of the scenic buttes inside Papago Park with a caption that read Cactus Park at Apache Trail, AZ.

I have another one at home that says Papago Park is in Tucson, she said.

Drake and six other city leaders from Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix met this week to discuss how to remedy the parks identity crisis and other issues.

The ideas are part of an effort started last year to develop a comprehensive master plan for the 1,600-acre park that shares its borders with the three cities.

We should start with steps that are achievable, Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross said. Projects that well get the most bang for our buck over the next five years.

Developing common artwork and signs to identify the park and its boundaries was one idea officials agreed would help.

They also agreed that improving transportation inside the park with a bus or trolley system and forming a primary management company to coordinate efforts among the cities were projects that should take precedent.

Disagreements arose on the best way to fund the projects.

Some suggested a regional tax similar to the one enacted for the Diamondbacks stadium. Others said the state should pay for part of the changes.

The meeting followed recommendations made earlier this year by an 11-person panel of local developers and environmental groups assembled by the Urban Land Institute.

Among the panels suggestions were creating one high-end golf course while leaving the other a low-fee course, improving transportation through a trolley system and branding the park with common signs.

Tuesdays meeting was brought together to decide which of the panels ideas should be moved forward.

The park has not been exploited as the true diamond-in-the rough that it is, said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. This is a chance for all of us to come together and do something of true significance.

Contact Shanna Hogan by telephone at (480) 970-2339.