City Shells Out $60K for Fake Cactus as Real Ones Break the Bank

In a creative take on landscaping, Maricopa has introduced metal cactus sculptures to enhance the visual appeal of its roadways. The $60,000 investment in these unique sculptures was confirmed by city officials, with installations completed earlier this summer at the intersection of Porter and Smith-Enke Roads.

During a city council meeting held on July 16, City Manager Ben Bitter elaborated on the reasoning behind opting for metal over traditional landscaping. He highlighted the challenges of installing live plants, citing high costs associated with extending water lines, ongoing maintenance, and irrigation needs as factors that made the traditional approach “cost prohibitive.”

The alternative? Metal cacti, which Bitter described as “much, much more cost-effective.” This pilot project aims to test their durability against Arizona’s harsh weather conditions as well as the wear from local traffic. Depending on the sculptures’ performance, there is potential for further installations throughout the city.

Maricopa has allocated approximately $742,000 from its capital improvement projects budget specifically for right-of-way landscaping, intending to foster beautification efforts along major roadways.

City spokesperson Monica Williams noted that the current cost includes plans for additional features at the intersection, although specific details regarding quantity and timing have yet to be disclosed. Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on this and similar projects through the InMaricopa poll this week.