Gilbert, Arizona

Things to Do

Gilbert offers a wide array of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Some popular points of interest and things to do include:

– Gilbert Riparian Preserve: A 110-acre nature preserve featuring walking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
– Freestone Park: A large park offering recreational facilities, such as sports fields, playgrounds, and fishing ponds.
– SanTan Village: A popular shopping center with various retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
– Hale Centre Theatre: A local theater showcasing live performances and productions throughout the year.

Local Festivals and Events

Gilbert hosts several annual festivals and events that celebrate the town’s culture, heritage, and community spirit. Some popular events include:

– Gilbert Days: A week-long celebration featuring a rodeo, parade, and various community activities.
– Gilbert “Spark!” Festival of Creativity: An event promoting art, innovation, and creativity, with interactive installations, live performances, and workshops.
– Downtown Gilbert Art Walk: A monthly event showcasing local artists, musicians, and vendors in the heart of Gilbert’s historic downtown area.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Gilbert is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the community. Some examples of the town’s sustainability initiatives include:

– Recycling programs: Gilbert offers curbside recycling services and drop-off recycling centers to encourage responsible waste disposal and reduce landfill usage.
– Water conservation efforts: The town promotes water-wise landscaping and efficient irrigation practices to conserve water resources in the arid climate.
– Green building standards: Gilbert encourages sustainable building practices and energy efficiency in new construction and renovation projects.

In summary, Gilbert, Arizona, offers ahigh quality of life, with a strong economy, excellent educational opportunities, and a wide array of recreational and cultural activities. The town’s rapid growth and development are a testament to its appeal as a thriving suburban community within the Greater Phoenix area.

Notable Residents

Throughout its history, Gilbert has been home to several notable residents who have made significant contributions to various fields, such as sports, entertainment, and politics. Some of these residents include:

– Jim Bechtel: A professional poker player and World Series of Poker Main Event champion.
– Ryan Fitzpatrick: A professional football player, currently a quarterback in the NFL.
– Jineane Ford: A former Miss USA (1980) and television personality.
– Lindsey Stirling: An acclaimed violinist, dancer, and performer known for her unique blend of classical music and electronic dance music.

Government Services

The Town of Gilbert provides a wide range of services to its residents, aimed at maintaining the community’s safety, well-being, and quality of life. Some of the key services include:

– Police and Fire Departments: Ensuring public safety through law enforcement, fire prevention, and emergency response services.
– Public Works: Managing the town’s infrastructure, including streets, water and wastewater systems, and solid waste services.
– Community Development: Overseeing land use, zoning, building safety, and economic development initiatives.
– Parks and Recreation: Managing the town’s parks, recreational facilities, and programs for residents of all ages.
– Library Services: Providing library resources, programs, and services through the Southeast Regional Library, a branch of the Maricopa County Library District.

For more information on these services and others, visit the Town of Gilbert’s official website

Clubs and Organizations

Gilbert is home to numerous clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests and hobbies, providing opportunities for residents to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to the community. Some examples include:

– Gilbert Rotary Club: A service organization focused on community improvement and volunteerism.
– Gilbert Toastmasters: A group dedicated to helping members develop public speaking and leadership skills.
– East Valley Astronomy Club: A club for astronomy enthusiasts, offering educational programs, star parties, and other events.
– Gilbert Visual Art League: An organization promoting visual arts in the community through exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Shopping and Retail

Gilbert offers a diverse array of shopping and retail options, ranging from local boutiques and specialty shops to larger shopping centers and national retailers. Some popular shopping destinations in the area include:

– SanTan Village: A large, open-air shopping center featuring popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
– Gilbert Town Square: A mixed-use development offering shopping, dining, and entertainment in a pedestrian-friendly setting.
– Downtown Gilbert: The historic heart of the town, featuring a variety of local shops, restaurants, and services in a charming, walkable environment.

Outdoor Recreation

Given its favorable climate and abundance of open spaces, Gilbert offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities. Some popular outdoor attractions and activities in and around the town include:

– Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: A 110-acre nature preserve with over 4.5 miles of walking trails, a variety of wildlife habitats, and educational programs.
– Veterans Oasis Park: A 113-acre park featuring a lake, walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center.
– Usery Mountain Regional Park: Located just outside of Gilbert, this park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas and camping facilities.
– San Tan Mountain Regional Park: Another nearby park, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails through the beautiful desert landscape.

Notable Annual Events

In addition to its many attractions and amenities, Gilbert hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate the town’s vibrant culture and community spirit. Some of these events include:

– Gilbert Global Village Festival: A multicultural event celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions present in the community, featuring food, music, dance, and art.
– Gilbert Off the Street Art Festival: A two-day event showcasing local and regional artists, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
– Gilbert Turkey Trot: A Thanksgiving Day tradition, this 5K and 1-mile fun run event benefits local charities and promotes health and fitness in the community.

With its wide range of attractions, amenities, and events, Gilbert, Arizona, has much to offer both residents and visitors. The town’s rapid growth and development are a testament to its appeal as a thriving suburban community within the Greater Phoenix area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a high quality of life in a vibrant and diverse setting.

Art and Culture

Gilbert is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, performance venues, and cultural institutions offering a variety of artistic experiences for residents and visitors alike. Some noteworthy art and cultural attractions include:

– Higley Center for the Performing Arts: A state-of-the-art facility hosting concerts, plays, dance performances, and other live events, featuring both local and touring artists.
– Art Intersection: A contemporary art space dedicated to supporting emerging and established artists through exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs.
– Gilbert Historical Museum: A local history museum housed in a historic school building, showcasing exhibits on the town’s past and offering educational programs and events.
– Hale Centre Theatre: A community theater producing a wide variety of plays and musicals, featuring local talent and providing entertainment for all ages.

Climate

The climate in Gilbert is characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and relatively low precipitation. The town experiences more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a warm, sunny climate. Average summer temperatures range from the upper 90s to low 100s (°F), while winter temperatures typically range from the upper 30s to low 70s (°F). Monsoon season typically occurs between July and September, bringing brief periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Community Involvement

Gilbert encourages its residents to actively participate in the community through a variety of volunteer programs and civic engagement opportunities. Some ways to get involved include:

– Gilbert’s Volunteer Program: Connects residents with volunteer opportunities within town departments and community organizations.
– Adopt-A-Street: A program in which volunteers help to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of Gilbert’s streets by participating in regular clean-up events.
– Boards and Commissions: Residents can apply to serve on various town boards and commissions, providing valuable input on local issues and policies.

For more information on community involvement opportunities, visit the Town of Gilbert’s website: [https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-recreation/volunteer](https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-recreation/volunteer)

Sports and Recreation

Gilbert offers a wide range of sports and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and skill levels. The town’s Parks and Recreation Department manages numerous parks, sports facilities, and recreational programs, including:

– Freestone Recreation Center: A 50,000-square-foot facility featuring a gymnasium, fitness center, rock climbing wall, and various classes and programs.
– Cactus Yards: A premier sports complex featuring eight baseball/softball fields, a playground, and a splash pad.
– Youth and Adult Sports Leagues: Gilbert offers a variety of organized sports leagues for both youth and adults, including soccer, basketball, softball, and more.

Dining and Nightlife

Gilbert boasts a diverse and vibrant dining scene, offering a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues to suit all tastes and preferences. Some popular dining and nightlife options include:

– Downtown Gilbert: The town’s historic downtown area is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering everything from casual fare to fine dining.
– Postino East: A popular wine bar and restaurant serving a variety of bruschetta, paninis, salads, and an extensive wine list.
– Joe’s Real BBQ: A local favorite, offering authentic smoked barbecue dishes in a unique, historic setting.
– Whiskey Row: A lively nightlife destination featuring a large bar, live music, and a dance floor.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Gilbert is committed to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment through various initiatives and programs. Some of the town’s key sustainability efforts include:

– Green Gilbert: A comprehensive sustainability plan aimed at reducing the town’s environmental impact and conserving resources.
– Water Conservation Program: Offers resources, rebates, and educational programs designed to help residents and businesses reduce water use.
– Recycling and Solid Waste Management: The town provides recycling and solid waste services to residents and promotes waste reduction through education and outreach efforts.

For more information on Gilbert’s sustainability initiatives, visit the Town of Gilbert’s website: [https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/public-works/environmental-services](https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/public-works/environmental-services)

Transportation and Accessibility

Gilbert is well connected to the Greater Phoenix area through a variety of transportation options, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the town and access nearby cities and attractions. Some key transportation options and services include:

– Valley Metro: The regional public transportation system serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, offering bus and light rail services. Gilbert is connected to the Valley Metro system through several local and express bus routes. For more information, visit: [https://www.valleymetro.org/](https://www.valleymetro.org/)
– Commuter and Bike Lanes: The town has an extensive network of bike lanes and shared-use paths, making it easy for cyclists to navigate the area safely and efficiently. Additionally, many of Gilbert’s major streets feature dedicated commuter lanes, which can be used by carpoolers and transit vehicles during peak hours.
– Proximity to Major Highways: Gilbert is conveniently located near several major highways, including US Route 60 and Loop 202, providing easy access to the surrounding region and connecting the town to the rest of the state.
– Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: Located just southeast of Gilbert, this regional airport offers commercial flights and serves as a hub for domestic and international air travel. For more information, visit: [https://gatewayairport.com/](https://gatewayairport.com/)
– Gilbert Park-and-Ride: A facility offering free parking for commuters who wish to carpool or use public transportation, located near the intersection of Gilbert Road and Page Avenue.

Public Art and Cultural Attractions

Gilbert is home to a variety of public art installations and cultural attractions, which contribute to the town’s unique character and sense of place. Some noteworthy public art and cultural attractions include:

– Art Walk: A rotating outdoor sculpture exhibit located in the heart of Downtown Gilbert, featuring sculptures by local and regional artists.
– Water Tower Plaza: A public gathering space in downtown Gilbert, featuring a historic water tower and various art installations, including a large interactive mural.
– Gilbert Heritage District Mosaics: A series of mosaic art installations located throughout the town’s historic district, celebrating the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
– The Art House: A community art studio offering classes, workshops, and gallery space for local artists to showcase their work.

Environmental Initiatives

Gilbert is dedicated to preserving the area’s natural beauty and conserving resources through various environmental initiatives and programs. Some of the town’s key environmental efforts include:

– Tree City USA: Gilbert is a recognized Tree City USA community, demonstrating a commitment to urban forestry and the planting and care of trees within the town.
– Riparian Habitat Maintenance: The town actively maintains and restores riparian habitats, such as the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, which provide important wildlife habitat and contribute to the area’s overall ecological health.
– Solar Energy: Gilbert has made significant investments in solar energy, with solar panels installed on several town facilities, including the South Area Service Center and the Cactus Yards sports complex.

In summary, Gilbert, Arizona, offers a rich and diverse array of attractions, amenities, and services for residents and visitors alike. The town’s rapid growth and development have created a thriving suburban community within the Greater Phoenix area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a high quality of life in a vibrant and diverse setting. From its extensive recreational opportunities and thriving arts scene to its commitment to sustainability and community involvement, Gilbert truly has something for everyone.