Greenlee County Fairgrounds update

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Greenlee County: Greenlee County has been busy with upgrades to the Greenlee County Fairgrounds and wants the public's input on future plans.

Contributed Article/Courtesy Greenlee County

DUNCAN – Now that the 2024 Greenlee County Fair has come and gone, Greenlee County would like to share some of our recent accomplishments and our vision for the future.  Over the past year and a half, Greenlee County has started a transformational project to rethink and redesign the county fairgrounds in Duncan.  Some components have already been completed, some are in the works, and some are still in the development stage.  Attached are some pictures of some of our completed projects and concept design options for future plans.

After making improvements to the rodeo arena, one of the first projects was to update and upgrade the kitchens and food service areas underneath the grandstands, which include new appliances, counters, food preparation areas, and decorative accents that make these areas more efficient and provide an overall better experience for both vendors and customers.  Even the public restrooms have received a beautiful makeover.

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Greenlee County: The North Kitchen

The next improvement focused on a major overhaul of the livestock barn.  The entire space for animal pens, grooming and fitting, wash racks, and the show/sale arena are now under a single covered barn with space for foot traffic that doesn’t obstruct the view of the show.  The design was a collaborative effort between the County and our local 4-H, FFA, and GCYLA youth groups.  It provides a well-cooled, efficient, and professional space for one of the fair’s most popular events.

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Greenlee County: Sheep/goat pens

Under the Board of Supervisors’ forward-thinking direction, the dance floor, which needed some significant repairs, has been expanded and the cover replaced with a new, all-metal pavilion.  This space is an excellent venue for weddings, dances, and a variety of other community events.  The dance floor and a newly purchased event tent provided much-needed and much-appreciated shade for fairgoers and performances.

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Greenlee County: The dance floor received a new metal covering.

How is the county paying for these upgrades?  With federally sourced dollars that were allocated to rural counties during the pandemic.  The Board of Supervisors has not and will not raise taxes to pay for either the completed or anticipated amenities.

But the County is not done with the makeover. It is in the planning stages for additional amenities and facility upgrades involving the rodeo arena, baseball/softball fields, and a robust playground that will include a splash pad, pickleball courts, a shaded playground, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, a walking path, and lots of shade to watch your kids play.

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Greenlee County: Restrooms

During the fair, the county placed illustrations of potential redesigns around the fairgrounds to get input on projects still in the planning stages.  The options are general and are not meant to represent the final product.  However, the county would like to broaden the opportunity for constituents to give us feedback on the ideas.  We love the positive way our community can work together to have a real, multi-generational impact for the betterment of our community.  Please scan the QR code on the illustrations and take the brief survey where you can share your thoughts and ideas.

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Greenlee County: Redesign concept options

We appreciate the Board of Supervisors’ leadership on this ambitious project and hope to continue providing excellent service and unparalleled opportunities for those we serve.