Title
Parks and Recreation Department Updates
Description
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee with an update on 2024 Parks and Recreation Department accomplishments, projects, and initiatives.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION
Report
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for operating one of the largest municipally managed park systems in the country, spanning more than 40,000 acres. This extensive system includes 187 flatland parks, over 200 miles of trails, approximately 500 buildings, 33 community centers, 29 pools, 12 dog parks, eight golf courses, nearly 300 play structures and hundreds of athletic fields and sports courts. These amenities underscore the Department’s commitment to building healthy communities through parks, programs and partnerships; making Phoenix a better place to live, visit and play.
The Department is guided by the Parks and Recreation Board (Board) and advisory committees to oversee parks, preserves, and recreational facilities. Established in 1971, as adopted by Phoenix voters, the Board is appointed by the Phoenix City Council. Per Chapter 23 in the Phoenix City Charter, the Board holds independent and advisory powers, including policy-setting and facility management. The Board has independent powers and duties that include; receiving grants and gifts of property, establishing policies for recreational facilities and services, entering into contracts for concessions, licenses and permits and the use of recreational facilities needed by the City. The Board can also establish schedules of charges for miscellaneous recreational facilities. Further, per City Code Chapter 2, the Board also has the authority to designate areas in each park and mountain preserve as open or closed to public use. Additionally, the Board has the authority to recommend designation of City property as part of the Mountain Preserve system to the City Council. Board meetings are held monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Members of the public are welcome to attend and participate.
Additional supporting committees and bodies include the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative (PPPI) Oversight Committee, volunteer residents appointed by the Phoenix City Council who ensure proper use of PPPI sales tax revenue for parks and preserves; the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and Mountain Parks/Preserve Committee, volunteers appointed by the Board who focus on conservation, recreation and urban development; and the Phoenix Parks Foundation, established in 1979 to assist the City of Phoenix by enhancing and maintaining an inviting, well equipped, safe park and preserve system for all to enjoy. Together, these critical volunteer led groups shape policies, secure funding and promote sustainability to maintain Phoenix parks and natural spaces.
Discussion
2024 accomplishments include record-breaking attendance at the 2024 APS Electric Light Parade, development of three state-of-the-art cricket pitches and major renovations to South Mountain Park/Preserve in honor of its centennial. The Department also completed significant citywide capital improvement projects, including the opening of the City's newest park, new playgrounds, upgraded facilities and extensive park renovations. With the support of ARPA funding, the Department also awarded funding to neighborhoods and non-profits to enhance park activation efforts and implemented a variety of park improvements. The Parks Master Plan initiative officially launched in September 2024, focusing on future park development, sustainability, safety and inclusivity, with extensive community engagement guiding the plan to meet the evolving needs of residents. The projects below represent a sample of exciting accomplishments from 2024.
ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY (APS) ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE
For over three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been a beloved tradition, uniting City departments, families, neighborhood groups and businesses in a free, family-friendly celebration that fosters community pride. In 2024, the parade marked its 37th year with a record-breaking 400,000 attendees, featuring 117 float entries, helium balloons, marching bands and miniature horses. Beyond the live event, broadcasts on ABC15’s Facebook Live, Phoenix 11 and December replays reached over one million viewers. Organized in partnership with APS, the parade also benefits from the support of community sponsors who provide both financial and in-kind contributions.
CRICKET
Cricket, the world’s second most popular sport with over 2.5 billion fans globally, has seen growing enthusiasm in Phoenix, thanks to the city’s favorable weather and ability to offer the most playable days of the year. For more than 20 years, local cricket organizations have reserved Phoenix athletic fields, supporting 125 teams. Phoenix has been championed by our cricket partners for years. Thanks to the perseverance of cricket players, enthusiasts and organizations, a major win was achieved. Following the 2023 budget hearing process the City Manager allocated funding to design and construct three official cricket pitches, two at Turtle Rock and one at Grovers Basin parks. In their initial season, the fields were reserved for 526 hours, with an additional 2,460 hours allocated for the upcoming spring season to accommodate 119 adult teams and 13 youth teams. The fields are also being utilized for new leagues, including national team events and an all-women’s league.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK
The Parks and Recreation Department led efforts to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of stewardship of South Mountain Park by the City of Phoenix. The celebration featured the renovation of the South Mountain Visitor Center, which includes a 16 by nine foot interactive three-dimensional table map with high-definition projections and touch screens, providing visitors with detailed information about the park's 17,000 acres. Leading up to this celebration, over $22 million in capital improvements have been completed over the past nine years within South Mountain Park.
The Department is also managing $15.5 million in renovations to the South Mountain Activity Complex, adding a 24,000-square-foot-shade pavilion for large events, a food truck court, picnic ramadas and enhanced amenities at the relocated Holbert Trailhead. An accessible walkway now leads to a peak overlook with interpretive features honoring culturally significant mountain ranges. The project is expected to be complete in early 2026. These updates reflect the Department's commitment to preserving the park's heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.
PARKS MASTER PLAN
The Parks and Recreation Department is developing a comprehensive Parks Master Plan to guide future development, improve recreational facilities and evaluate amenities and programming. The plan will also address water conservation, crime prevention, and promote equity and inclusion across all city parks, with the process expected to take 18 months to complete. As part of this initiative, the Department launched a dedicated website to share project information and gather community input. The formal launch in September 2024 introduced Social Pinpoint, an online tool for park-specific feedback. Additional engagement methods include email, a 24/7 hotline, surveys, an interactive feedback map and outreach at community events. To ensure input from all age groups, the department is using creative strategies such as park model contests with Phoenix After School Program participants, visioning boards and raffles at community events, and social media tutorials.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA)
The Phoenix City Council allocated $2.9 million in ARPA funding in June 2022 for park improvements, including adaptive playground equipment, sports court renovations and new WalkPHX paths and fitness stations. In April 2023, an additional $500,000 was approved to launch the Park Activation Neighborhood Grant Program, which supports community events in parks serving populations most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offered grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to neighborhood groups and nonprofits to enhance engagement and programming in local parks.
These ARPA-funded projects prioritize inclusiveness, safety and accessibility. Adaptive playgrounds have been completed at several parks, ensuring that children of all abilities can play and explore. Sports court renovations are improving safety and playability at multiple locations, while the WalkPHX program continues to expand, promoting fitness through designated walking paths and exercise stations. The Park Activation Neighborhood Grant Program has funded over 200 community events in 37 parks, including health workshops, movie nights, cultural celebrations and fitness programs. These initiatives reinforce the City's commitment to making Phoenix parks vibrant, safe and accessible spaces for all residents.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (CIP)
The Parks and Recreation Department prioritizes Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) through a five-year planning process that evaluates park needs using a three-tiered system to categorize amenities as new, at half-life, or in need of replacement. This strategic approach ensures cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency and minimal community disruption by addressing multiple improvements simultaneously. In 2024, the CIP delivered key enhancements across the city, including renovated sports courts, new restrooms, upgraded LED lighting and a resurfaced parking lot at Roadrunner Park, along with lake improvements such as ADA-compliant fishing docks and a deeper habitat for fish. Norton Park received a new volleyball court, LED pathway lighting and fresh paint, while Falcon Park and Momo Park were renovated with new playgrounds, sports courts, and LED lighting through Community Development Grant funding. Harvest Park opened in Laveen and features a playground, pickleball courts, a walking path, a Bank Shot court, exercise equipment and open green space.
Other significant projects include the nearly completed renovation of Perry Park, as well as ongoing construction at Farmland Park and Laveen Heritage Park, both set to open in 2025 and will provide amenities such as sports courts, playgrounds and open green spaces. Community centers at Sunnyslope, Longview, Deer Valley, and Paradise Valley underwent extensive upgrades, including resurfaced gym floors, remodeled restrooms, new flooring, LED lighting and fresh paint. Playgrounds at several parks were replaced with input from the community, ensuring designs met local needs while improving safety, adding shade structures and extending equipment lifespan. These projects reflect the Department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the park system to ensure safety, accessibility and enjoyment for all residents.
Recommendation
This report is for information and discussion.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Parks and Recreation Department.