Two decades of dreams fulfilled

20 years have flown since Gladden Farms first took root. What started as a hopeful vision has blossomed into a thriving community where memories are made and neighbors feel like family.

To mark this milestone, we’re throwing a big birthday bash — and you’re invited! Whether you’re a long-time resident, new to the neighborhood or hail from larger Marana, join us to celebrate the journey we’ve shared, the exceptional community we’ve built and the exciting chapters ahead!

Head to Compass Park on Thursday, September 5 from 5-8 p.m. for:

• Live music and activities for all ages: Dance to our headline band, enjoy local vendors and food trucks, record your favorite Gladden memories and so much more!
• Special guests: Longstanding residents from September 2004 plus community partners including Mayor Honea, Town of Marana, the Marana Chamber of Commerce, the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire.
• Give back: Support the Marana Food Bank by bringing canned food to help achieve our 2004-can goal!

The festivities are open to the public, so be sure to invite friends and family to join the fun. And, residents, stay tuned: we will be celebrating all year long!

Our timeline is a testament to our journey

The story of Gladden Farms is one of shared dreams and transformation.

Starting in the 1920s, the expanse of land that would become Gladden Farms was dedicated to agriculture, producing cotton, soybeans and corn. Indeed, the three silos still standing near the Santa Cruz River, once used for storing cattle feed, are a testament to this era.

In 2002, Stanley Gladden, the owner of the farmland, sold the portion known as Gladden Farms #1 to the developers of our community, marking the first step in a remarkable journey.

To honor its history as farmland, the community was planned to emphasize lush green spaces for a more pastoral environment, appealing to families and first-time homebuyers.

Although other developments had been planned in north Marana, Gladden Farms was the first to break ground and take on the huge infrastructure challenges throughout the area, including water, sewer and roadway improvements, paving the way for the area’s continuing growth.

Two years later, on Labor Day weekend of 2004, the first-ever Gladden Farms residents moved in, bringing new life to the former farmland. Gladden Farms #1 began flourishing and became so successful that the developers purchased the land for Gladden Farms #2 only a year after the first residents’ arrival, doubling the project size.

Tangerine Road was soon extended to connect the community to I-10 for easy commuter access to points south and north. Then, in 2016, Gladden Farms Elementary School opened its doors, offering our neighborhood children a welcoming and rigorous learning environment within walking distance of their homes.

As the community expanded, so did the exceptional variety of outdoor amenities to enhance resident quality of life. Just in the last three years, the neighborhood has welcomed new soccer fields, dog parks and zip lines, with even more projects underway for convenience, fitness and fun.

Today, what was once a field of cotton is home-sweet-home to families, retirees and young professionals alike. And, with just one neighborhood left to open, there’s no better time to join Gladden Farms. Here, homebuyers find the best of all worlds — new homes at a great value and a tight-knit community with lush parks, playgrounds, a splash pad, all-ages community events and so much more. Indeed, Gladden Farms is more than just a place to live — it’s a place to belong.

Gladden Farms Timeline

• 1920: The land is used to grow cotton, soybeans and maize.
• 2002: Stanley Gladden sells the Gladden Farms #1 property. A dream takes shape as the vision for Gladden Farms is born.
• 2003: The official groundbreaking ceremony!
• 2004: The first residents move in, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
• 2005: Gladden Farms #2 is purchased and construction begins following Gladden Farms #1’s tremendous popularity.
• 2007: The Gladden Farms Community Park opens, adding a splash pad, more green space and playgrounds to the neighborhood.
• 2008: Tangerine Road is developed to connect Gladden Farms to I-10. Homeowner #1,000 moves into Gladden Farms!
• 2016: The opening of Gladden Farms Elementary School strengthens the community’s foundation.
• 2021: Homeowner #2,000 moves into Gladden Farms.
• 2022: New amenities and green spaces enhance the quality of life for residents, including 2 lighted soccer fields at Gladden Farms Community Park.
• 2023: Paws n’ Claws Dog Park opens, the community’s newest and largest play space for resident kids and pups!
• 2024: Homeowner #3,000 moves into Gladden Farms. We come together to celebrate 20 years of building a truly special place to call home.
• And we’re not stopping. With a Fry’s Grocery, a brand-new K-8 school, restaurants, retail and a connection to the Huckelberry Loop on the way, there’s no better time to join our welcoming community. Learn about new home options and be sure to give us a follow on Facebook or Instagram to keep up with all the latest developments!