Fish and Turtles make way for Bingo!
The pond life, including plants, fish, and turtles were recently moved safely to a new location by the Casino Arizona and Greater Phoenix Pond Society. Volunteers from the GPPS volunteered time and effort to ensure the safe relocation of all pond life. Casino Arizona is preparing to construct a new 22,000 square foot Bingo Hall as part of their expansion. The new Bingo Hall is scheduled to open for business in late October, this year.
New Bingo Hall for Casino Arizona
Casino Arizona has plans for expansion – adding a new 22,000 square foot Bingo Hall, a coffee bar, and a deli ‘station’. The pond was formerly situated around the entrance of the casino which is located near McKellips Drive and Loop 101 on the Salt River Reservation. The coffee shop, deli ‘station’, and new Bingo Hall is slated for opening in late October. With the assistance and generous volunteer work of members of the Greater Phoenix Pond Society the casino was able to safely relocate plant life, fish, turtles and pond life from the casino to other areas on the casino grounds, local shelters, and some of the volunteers homes. The entire relocation was a success according to Shanna Wolfe, spokeswoman for Casino Arizona. Much of the relocation work and replanting was conducted by crews from the GPPS
Volunteers for the Greater Phoenix Pond Society to Thank for Safe Relocation
The new Bingo hall, coffee shop and deli will open soon now that construction can be underway. Thanks to volunteer crews from the local GPPS the relocation was efficient and safe for the pond life. Tom Briggs, one GPPS volunteer loaded other plants into a van for delivery to new locations. Fish, turtles, and plants were dug up or fished out from in and around the pond by volunteers like Tom Knights who caught fish in a bucket. Volunteers were able to replant many of the plants elsewhere on the casino grounds.
Many of the fish and turtles were scooped from the pond, with gentle care of volunteers. Gloria Skystad, Sun City Newsletter editor and member of GPPS held a turtle for cameras on the day of the relocation. Another volunteer of GPPS, Jerry Cook also participated in the successful removal of all things alive at the pond. Casino Arizona will now get to work on the renovations and additions in the 22,000 square foot facility. Patrons should be able to enjoy the new services by late October.
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