2024 ANNUAL REPORT City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department MISSION AND GOALS The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department builds healthy communities through parks, programs, and partnerships; making the City a better place to live, visit and play. Using the “Power of Parks,” the department promotes health, wellness, conservation and social equity by providing the community with opportunities to improve quality of life through access to local parks, recreation and cultural facilities, sports programming and open spaces. LEADERSHIP Cynthia Aguilar, Director Brandie Barrett, Assistant Director Martin Whitfield, Assistant Director Bob Adams, Deputy Director, Northwest Division Alonso Avitia, Deputy Director, Downtown Division Scott Coughlin, Deputy Director, Special Operations Division Joe Diaz, Deputy Director, South Division Theresa Faull, Deputy Director, Management Services Division Danielle Poveromo, Deputy Director, Northeast Division Jarod Rogers, Deputy Director, Natural Resources Division Todd Shackelford, Deputy Director, Parks Development Shereka Jackson, Lead User Technology Specialist Felicita Mendoza, Special Projects Administrator GOVERNANCE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL PHOENIX PARKS AND PHOENIX PARKS AND PHOENIX SONORAN Mayor Kate Gallego PRESERVE INITIATIVE (PPPI) RECREATION BOARD PRESERVE AND Vice Mayor Debra Stark (District 3) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Kelly Dalton (Chair) MOUNTAIN Ann O’Brien (District 1) Patricia Duarte Aubrey Barnwell PARKS/PRESERVES Jim Waring (District 2) John Furniss Dorina Bustamente COMMITTEE Laura Pastor (District 4) Ira Feldman Antonio Moya Jesse Cuilty Betty Guardado (District 5) Gary Kaasa Sarah Porter William Fallon Kevin Robinson (District 6) Sarah Porter Emma Viera John Furniss Ed Zuercher Vashti “Tice” Supplee Carlos Galindo-Elvira (District 7) Kesha Hodge Washington (District 8) Tamera Zivic A MESSAGE FROM THE PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR 2024 was a remarkable year for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department; one defined by progress, investment, and community collaboration. Together with our residents and the direction of City leadership, we continued advancing our mission to provide safe, inclusive, and exceptional parks, programs and facilities that enrich quality of life for all who call Phoenix home. This year, we celebrated major milestones across the city. From the completion of major renovations at South Mountain, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, and Holiday Park Community CYNTHIA AGUILAR Director Centers, to a revitalized Sunnyslope Youth Center, our recreation spaces are better equipped than ever to serve residents of all ages. We also celebrated 100 years of stewardship at South Mountain Park and Preserve and the reopening of the South Mountain Visitor Center (formerly South Mountain Environmental Education Center), offering an improved educational experience for those exploring the area. Innovation and inclusion remained at the forefront of our work with several upgrades to parks and green spaces across Phoenix, including the installation of Phoenix’s first cricket pitches, a new ADA-accessible playground at Encanto Park, and improvements to parks and trails including Roadrunner Park and Cholla Trail at Camelback Mountain. And in September 2024, we proudly launched the public engagement process for the Parks Master Plan, inviting residents to help shape the next generation of parks and recreation in Phoenix. Every accomplishment reflects our shared goal of ensuring every resident has access to vibrant, welcoming spaces that foster connection, health an community pride. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our Parks and Recreation team, our City partners, and the residents who support and celebrate our parks each day. As we look ahead, we remain focused on strengthening our park system, expanding recreation opportunities, and preserving the natural beauty that defines Phoenix. Thank you for helping make 2024 a year of lasting impact. With Gratitude, Cynthia Aguilar POPULAR AMENITIES 50,150 273 187 58 acres of desert parks and mountain preserves miles of trails and 40 trailheads parks parks featuring a FitPHX WalkPHX path 62 34 29 14 outdoor and 30 indoor pickleball courts community and recreation centers pools 13 8 8 7 dog parks golf courses lakes stocked for fishing skate plazas and splash pads 3 skate parks 2024 BY THE NUMBERS 3 MILLION hikers counted by trail counters 800 active teenagers in PHXTeens programming 427,603 254,277 rounds of golf played community/recreation center visits 889,600 1,500 residents used FitPHX/WalkPHX paths 41,680 youth sports participants $146,021,755 total annual operating budget for 2023-24 INVESTMENTS IN FACILITIES 98 parks received upgrades 17 new playground structures installed 15 courts repaved 12 public restrooms renovated 6 community/recreation centers upgraded trees planted phoenix.gov/parks 252,644 new visitors to department website 40,534 hours of service social media followers 17,492 8,888 18,381 READY, SET, REC! Participation in Parks and Recreation programs continues to soar. Youth sports and recreation programs saw a 90% increase from 2023, growing from 21,924 to 41,680 participants. Adult programs also experienced impressive growth, up 45% from 7,488 to 10,862 participants. From the courts to the fields, Phoenix residents are getting active, connecting with their communities, and discovering new ways to play. MAKING A SPLASH! Aquatics participation continued to grow in 2024, with 12,200 youth and adults enrolled in swim lessons, a 16.2% increase over the previous year. City pools also welcomed 267,000 visitors, up 7.3% from 2023, reflecting the community’s strong interest in water safety, recreation, and accessible summer activities. CELEBRATING MILESTONES AND NEW BEGINNINGS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF STEWARDSHIP AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK AND PRESERVE In November, the Parks and Recreation Department formally celebrated 100 years of stewardship at South Mountain Park and Preserve with a community-wide centennial celebration. The event highlighted the preserve’s rich history, natural beauty and the City’s commitment to continued preservation of the beloved destination. The milestone also marked the grand reopening of South Mountain Visitor Center, formally known as South Mountain Environmental Education Center. The renovated facility now features upgraded exhibits, improved accessibility and modernized amenities to enhance the visitor experience for generations to come. Visitor Center South Mountain 85042 Ave, Phoenix, AZ 10409 S Central NEW FULLY ADA ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND This year, the Parks and Recreation unveiled a new, fully ADA-accessible playground at Encanto Park, ensuring children of all abilities can play, explore, and connect. With inclusive play structures, sensory features, and safe, accessible pathways, the playground reflects the City’s commitment to creating spaces that every child can enjoy, regardless of their ability. Encanto Park is now a place where fun truly has no limits. Encanto Park 2499 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007 WELCOMING PHOENIX’S FIRST CRICKET PITCHES The Parks and Recreation Department introduced the City’s first-ever cricket pitches at Turtle Rock Basin Park, opening a new world of athletic opportunities for residents. These international-standard fields provide a space for youth and adult athletes to enjoy the globally beloved sport of cricket, while expanding Phoenix’s commitment to diverse and inclusive recreation options. Turtle Rock Basin Park 17414 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85022 In 2024, Parks and Recreation added its 187th park with the opening of Harvest Park in Laveen. The new state-of-the-art recreation space includes a playground, sport courts, a Bankshot basketball court, walking and biking paths, cornhole, and open green areas for the community to enjoy. HELLO, HARVEST PARK! Harvest Park 5400 W Gwen St, Laveen Village, AZ 85339 NEW LOOK, SAME COMMUNITY SPIRIT. Several Phoenix recreation centers and parks received upgrades in 2024. DEER VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER 2001 W Wahalla Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027 ROADRUNNER PARK 3502 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032 PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER 17402 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85032 MARYVALE PARK & COMMUNITY CENTER 4420 N 51st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85031 NOTHING BUT NET IN PHOENIX! From hosting the NCAA Final Four Fan Festival and WNBA All-Star Clinic to the HBCU All-Star Game event, 2024 was a slam dunk year for basketball events in Phoenix Parks and Recreation. EASTLAKE LEGACY PROJECT Eastlake Park Community Center underwent major renovations through the Eastlake Legacy Project, a partnership with the NCAA in celebration of the Final Four in Phoenix. The eight-month project brought a new gym floor, updated backboards and rims, new bleachers, fitness equipment, and resurfaced outdoor courts. As part of the effort, Phoenix artist Giovannie Dixon created a mural honoring community leaders selected by the Eastlake Park Neighborhood Association. Completed in three weeks and donated by the NCAA, the mural and facility upgrades celebrate Eastlake’s rich cultural legacy and enduring spirit of community. Eastlake Park Community Center 1549 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 STRENGTHENING OUR TRAILS RANGER GRADUATION AND HIKE RIGHT PHX LEAD THE WAY The Parks and Recreation Department proudly welcomed nine new Park Rangers following their graduation from the Ranger Academy. These dedicated professionals will serve across Phoenix’s urban parks and mountain preserves, enhancing safety, supporting conservation efforts, and engaging with the community. Hike Right PHX continued to connect residents with Phoenix’s trails through ranger-led hikes focused on safety, preparedness, and desert awareness. These guided outings give participants the chance to learn from experienced Park Rangers while exploring the city’s mountain preserves, encouraging confident, responsible, and enjoyable hiking experiences for all. LET EVERY HOLIDAY SHINE The 37th Annual APS Electric Light Parade once again brought thousands of residents together to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. With dazzling illuminated floats, community performers, and festive displays created by local groups and City departments, the parade continued its long-standing tradition of lighting up Phoenix with creativity, joy, and community spirit. YOUR PARK. YOUR VISION. PARKS MASTER PLAN ENTERED THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PHASE In the fall of 2024, the Parks Master Plan community engagement process officially launched, providing residents with multiple ways to share their ideas for local parks and recreation centers. Through an online survey and Interactive Feedback Map, community members contributed feedback that will help shape priorities and guide improvements across Phoenix’s park system for the next decade. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO INVEST 1.5 MILLION IN MINOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS The Parks and Recreation Department launched the Neighborhood Parks Enhancement Program, a new initiative funded by the voter-approved General Obligation Bond Program and designed to invest in local parks through community-driven improvements. Residents and neighborhood organizations were invited to submit project ideas for minor capital improvement projects, helping ensure that parks across every council district reflect the needs and priorities of the communities they serve. HONORS AND AWARDS The newly renovated Gila Lookout at South Mountain Park and Preserve earned the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues Architectural Award for its fully ADA-accessible design. The project transformed the lookout into an inclusive space where visitors of all abilities can enjoy sweeping desert views, thoughtful amenities, and improved access to one of Phoenix’s most iconic destinations. For the 37th consecutive year, the City of Phoenix earned the Tree City USA designation. In 2024, the Parks and Recreation Department planted 1,500 trees across city park properties, marking the sixth consecutive year the department has achieved this milestone, reinforcing Phoenix’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable urban environment.