Maricopa County to fund improvements at 3 community spaces in Mesa

Visitors at the city of Mesa’s Firefighter Memorial, Historical Society and i.d.e.a. Museum will soon enjoy an even more memorable experience thanks to renovation funding approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on June 26.

“These three facilities and gathering spaces honor our first responders, educate our youth and instill community pride,” Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, who represents District 2 on the board of supervisors, said in a release. “They highlight the city’s rich history to inspire future generations and introduce them to the wonders of the wider world. Through this investment, Maricopa County is enhancing quality of life for Mesa residents and the East Valley region.”

The board is contributing $100,000 toward the cost of renovations for the Firefighter Memorial, $50,000 toward replacing six A/C units for the Mesa Historical Society’s auditorium renovation and $200,000 toward various interactive exhibit updates at the Mesa i.d.e.a. Museum.

“This is a significant investment in improvements at some of Mesa’s most beloved community spaces,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said in the release. “I am deeply grateful to the board for their commitment to our city and would like to thank Vice Chairman Galvin for spearheading this effort. I look forward to seeing Mesa residents and visitors enjoy these renovations when they are completed.”

The improvements are being funded using $350,000 of Maricopa County community solutions funding allocated by Vice Chairman Galvin through Dec. 31, 2024. The board’s community solutions funding is designed to help advance Maricopa County’s strategic goals and provide clear public benefits for Maricopa County residents, the release states.