Phoenix extends contract with Enchanted Island operator

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board on Wednesday extended its contract with an Encanto Park amusement-park operator for one year to avoid any lapse in operations.

In that time, staff will negotiate with Kraig and Theresa Lyon, the operators of Enchanted Island, on a contract extension through 2020.

Last month, the board voted to put the contract out to a competitive bid. The decision sparked concerns from residents over the future of Enchanted Island, which the Lyons have operated for 10 years.

Their contract with the city had an option for a five-year extension. Without that, it would have ended May 31.

However, city staff had raised concerns about the park's operations.

Gregg Bach, a spokesman for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, said some of the concerns included the use of extension cords, how items are stored in the maintenance shed and cracked plastic windshields on a ride.

On Wednesday, more than a dozen residents, including the Lyons, spoke before the board voted.

"We desire a prosperous working relationship with the city," Theresa Lyon told the board. "We want to exceed their expectations."

Ester Avila, deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department, recommended granting the one-year extension.

"There were numerous violations," Avila said, noting they have been resolved.

She said she is now working with the Lyons on "cleaning up the gray areas."

The board unanimously approved a one-year contract.

The amusement park, in some form, has existed since 1948.

Maliah Alejandre, 10, and her sister Connie, 9, spoke before the board about their love of the park and their desire to see it remain open.

"We have so many memories there," Maliah said as board members examined a petition the two created to convince them to keep the park open.

"My son signed this," Parks and Recreation Board member Delia Ortega-Nowakowski said as the crowd chuckled.

"Their comments are probably the most valuable," Ortega-Nowakowski said about the Alejandre sisters. "Public process makes all the difference."

Board member Michael Lieb clarified that everyone is interested in seeing the amusement park remain open. "We are just looking for stronger accountability," he said.

"It's a victory for the people," Kraig Lyon said after the meeting adjourned.

The couple said they desired better communication between the department and private businesses such as themselves.