Chandler, Arizona
Chandler is a city southeast of Phoenix, Arizona. Chandler’s population in 2021 is estimated to be 278,245. Its many parks include Desert Breeze Park, with vintage train rides on the Desert Breeze Railroad. Veterans Oasis Park has wetlands and a Sonoran Desert landscape, plus the Solar System Walk, a scale model of the planets. Tumbleweed Park features Playtopia, a playground with themed zones. The Arizona Railway Museum exhibits antique trains.
The town of Chandler began in 1912, with the opening of the Hotel San Marcos in 1913. In 1920 the Town of Chandler was incorporated, with Dr. Chandler as its first Mayor. The San Marcos Resort and Spa is the oldest golf resort in Arizona and is located in historic downtown Chandler, adjacent to Dr.
Chandler, Arizona Economy
Computer chip manufacturer Intel has an influential role in city growth strategies with four locations in the municipal area, including its first factory to be designated “environmentally sustainable” under current Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. Other high-technology manufacturing firms have partnerships with the local government, their operations employing approximately 25% of non-government workers in 2007. Although per capita employment growth in the sector has been in decline in Arizona since 2000, semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing were largely unaffected; a series of customized grants for the training of net new employees, incorporating the Phoenix urbanized area (27,000 workers now commute to work in other communities), resulted in a larger market share of (Californian) industry.
Since 2003, more than 2,900 jobs and investments totaling $3 billion have been created along with the Price and Santan freeways, in the Price Road Corridor. Three shopping malls provide a “strong attraction” to such an open-ended, high exposure trade area: the 1,300,000-square-foot (120,000 m2) Chandler Fashion Center, opened in 2001, has spurred on several courts and laneway developments. In the southern end of the Corridor, Wal-Mart is expected to draw business from as far south as Hunt Highway, bringing with it a “large consumer population” which will improve “the image and perception of the area” in the mindset of many Greater Phoenix residents and state commercial retailers. The northern portion is “attractive and possesses the historic character” for success, which “can be grown to the south”.
Companies headquartered in Chandler include Infusionsoft, Microchip, and Rogers. Bashas’ headquarters is located on a county island surrounded by Chandler.
Popular Attractions in Chandler
Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery
The Eddie Basha Collection, housed in the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery, draws admirers from all over the world. The impetus behind the collection, as well as the gallery itself was one of love, respect, and great admiration. Eddie Basha grew up captivated by the American West. In 1971 under the encouragement and guidance of his Aunt Zelma, Eddie began collecting art. What began as a hobby quickly grew into an inspirational passion, combining his keen interest in the history of the American West, his admiration of the American Indian, and his appreciation for art. His collection has grown into one of the largest private collections of contemporary Western American and American Indian art in the world.
The focus of the Eddie Basha Collection lies in two specific areas: Contemporary Western American Art and Contemporary American Indian Art.
It is a vast composite of oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, pastel and charcoal drawings, pen & inks, bronze, wood and natural stone sculptures, wood-turned bowls, basketry, pottery, katsinas, and jewelry. There are well over 3,500 pieces of art depicting numerous mediums displayed throughout the gallery.
In January of 1999, a complete renovation of the gallery brought about a unique presentation of the collection in its entirety. Color and lots of it. The bright and bold palette provided a splash of charisma to an already impressive exhibit.
KOLI Equestrian Center
KOLI Equestrian Center, located in the heart of the Gila River Indian Reservation and just minutes away from Downtown Phoenix, offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback riding trails that you and your family are sure to enjoy while visiting the Phoenix area. With wide-open views and landscape, you just might be able to see the wild horses on a private horseback trail ride at Wild Horse Pass. Out here at KOLI Equestrian Center, there is never any “head to tail” single-line horseback riding. Everyone is spread out and can get to know each other along the way. Friendly, qualified wranglers will advise you of the surroundings and what you need to know about our well-trained horses during your horseback riding adventure. If you are looking for relaxation and fun in the Phoenix area, KOLI Equestrian Center is the place to be. Book your horseback trail ride today where our knowledgeable wranglers and gentle horses are waiting for you… To avoid the Phoenix heat, we leave earlier in the day so you can enjoy your horseback trail ride. Whether it is Summer or Winter, within a 24-hour notice we can provide Private Horseback Trail Riding at any time. We recommend advance reservations to ensure your horseback ride time during your stay in Chandler or the Phoenix area. Contact us for the latest pricing. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled horseback riding time for our group to depart promptly.
Veterans Oasis Park
With 113-acres, a beautiful community fishing lake, scenic hiking, and horseback riding trails, tranquil pavilions, and an outdoor amphitheater, Veterans Oasis Park hosts plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities.
Nestled in southeast Chandler 78-acres of the park is designed for groundwater recharge and wetlands, making it the perfect home to an abundance of unique Sonoran Desert flora and wildlife. Park-goers can enjoy seasonal events and monthly bird walks throughout the park or visit the Chandler Nature Center to view nature displays. As a community park, Veterans Oasis offers a peaceful escape from the daily grind
