Southwest Valley Chamber Podcast - Sharolyn Hohman, CEO
You can join Sharolyn’s progressive Chamber online by visiting http://www.SouthwestValleyChamber.org or contact them at: Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce 289 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85338 Phone: (623)932-2260 & Fax: (623)932-9057 Email: info@southwestvalleychamber.org
Discover the unique charm and diverse entertainment available in the Southwest Valley communities of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson. Just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, the West Valley is a best kept secret that is fast becoming a favored destination point for out-of-towners and natives alike. Looking for an authentic Arizona experience away from the urban bustle? GO WEST and see for yourself where the best of Arizona’s past and present comes together.
IN THE BEGINNING
Less than 150 years ago the land that is encompassed by the Southwest Valley cities of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson was still part of Mexico.
With the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ending the war between the United States and Mexico, the international border was moved south to run down the middle of the Gila River until it empties into the Colorado. A marker at the top of Monument Hill, which today denotes Arizona’s Initial Point for the surveying of property in the state, stands on the exact location of the earlier border monument.
In 1854, when the Gadsen Purchase was validated, the border moved further south to its present location, opening new territory for settlement.
Over the next century and a half the area suffered attack by hostile Indians, and witnessed a few wild camels that had been turned lose by the U.S. government’s failed camel expedition. The last camel sighting in Arizona was about 1915.
Since those early days communities and cities have blossomed, creating a lifestyle that ranges from city to rural and an atmosphere of growth that is drawing a diversity of business from Mom and Pop operations to major industries such as Rubbermaid, Lockheed Martin and others.
As expansion of the agricultural interest took place, the necessity of having somewhere to house the visiting representatives of companies supplying equipment, and executives and specialists from Akron increased. The trip to Litchfield Park from Phoenix was long and arduous, so during the winter of 1918-1919 Goodyear constructed what they called “Organization House”, where visiting executives could be accommodated. The facility became so popular that it opened to the public on Thanksgiving Day in 1929. Over the years it has evolved from a guest house for visiting executives to a guest ranch, eventually becoming the famed five star resort it is today, the Wigwam Resort.
In the early 1940’s Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company built a plant on the corner of Western Avenue and Litchfield Road. With it as a anchor for employment the West Valley began an era of solid and continuing growth.
ON THE RISE
The gem of the Southwest Valley and now one of the fastest growing population corridors in Central Arizona, the Southwest Valley community of Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Tolleson has a combined population of just over 100,000 in an area that covers approximately 167 square miles.
What makes this section of the Valley so enticing? As realtors are prone to say… Location… Location… Location. Easy access to the Phoenix metroplex via I-10 can have residents anywhere in the Valley within a matter of minutes, while they retain a more relaxed lifestyle. Home buyers have a wide choice of property types and prices. Older homes vie with new subdivisions and horse properties.
More employment opportunities are becoming available as the business community expands. With easy access east and west via I-10, and a fast growing labor base, more businesses and industries are looking to locate in the area. There are over 20,000 jobs in the Southwest Valley in the areas of service, light industry, distribution, and technology.
Education is high on the list of priorities. New schools and improvements to existing facilities are ongoing at all levels. Ground breaking at Estrella Mountain Community College took place in March of 1998, beginning construction on the college’s Phase IIa. More classrooms and additional science laboratories are among the additions. The Southwest Skill Center also broke ground at the same time, bringing the long awaited center to the Southwest Valley.
Entertainment is available in a variety of forms. Four major events are put on annually by the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce: Billy Moore Days in October, Christmas In The Park in November, Tolleson Whoopee Daze in April and Goodyear Rodeo Days in February.
In addition, the West Valley Arts Council provides a number of cultural events throughout the year, such as the Native American Festival, Cool Desert Jazz Festival, Youth Arts Festival and Phoenix Symphony Pops Concert at Estrella.
Cricket Pavilion is just minutes away. With nearly 50 shows annually they offer something for almost every taste.
Phoenix International Raceway’s one-mile paved oval plays host to NASCAR, Indy Racing League and USAC open-wheel cars throughout the spring and fall. Located 15 miles southwest of downtown Phoenix, over 300,000 race fans on an annual basis come from throughout the world to see the top drivers compete for a victory on the desert mile.
For those who enjoy the great out-of-doors, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking and camping are available at Estrella Mountain and White Tanks Regional Parks.
Golfers have a plethora of courses to chose from including three championship courses at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Palm Valley, Pebble Creek, Estrella, Estrella Mt. Ranch Golf Club, Coldwater and Villa de Paz.
Tennis and swimming are available at a number of facilities. Fishing, boating and gliding are only minutes away.
Wildlife World Zoo is constantly expanding and improving. Originally started as a breeding facility for endangered species, the zoo opened to the public in 1984. With more than 2,000 individual animals of nearly 400 different species, Wildlife World Zoo is home to the largest collection of exotic animals in the state.
The Southwest Valley area is a cosmopolitan area with a down to earth, hometown feeling.
Southwest Valley Communities
Population Statistics
|
|
Avondale
Goodyear
Litchfield Park
Tolleson
|
1990
16,169
6,258
3,303
4,434
|
2000
29,080
19,640
4,876
4,467
|
2020
84,766
92,579
14,688
8,207
|
|
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Projections by Maricopa Association of Governments
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Weather
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|
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall |
Average Daytime Temperature
71.4
94.7
104.1
78.4
|
Precipitation
0.79 in.
0.17 in.
0.90 in.
0.65 in.
|
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