1 00:00:13,200 --> 00:00:16,160 Good evening, everyone. 2 00:00:17,680 --> 00:00:23,280 But, we'll go ahead and um call this meeting to order. 3 00:00:23,320 --> 00:00:31,800 Uh item number two, um information only. Information items will be provided to 4 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:40,840 the board in writing and are not intended for formal presentation. 5 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:43,240 Um thanks uh items 2A and 2B. So, 6 00:00:42,120 --> 00:00:49,280 um any questions from the board? 7 00:00:46,280 --> 00:00:54,080 So, we'll go on move to item uh three, consent items. 8 00:00:51,280 --> 00:00:58,680 Uh consent items will be provided to the board in writing and are not intended 9 00:00:56,120 --> 00:01:03,040 for formal presentation. We may vote on them collectively unless 10 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:07,480 a board member requests that any item be voted on separately. 11 00:01:04,800 --> 00:01:13,800 And if not, uh I would like to have a motion to accept items 3A, B, and C. 12 00:01:14,920 --> 00:01:19,920 Thank you. Can I have a second? >> Second. 13 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:23,760 » All those in favor, please say I. I. 14 00:01:21,960 --> 00:01:26,400 Any opposed? >> I. 15 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:30,840 » Item uh four, information and discussion items will be 16 00:01:28,640 --> 00:01:35,720 presented verbally to the parks board and are for discussion only. No action 17 00:01:33,400 --> 00:01:40,640 will be taken on these items at this meeting. 18 00:01:36,840 --> 00:01:44,480 First item is item 4A, parks and recreation youth sports programs. 19 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:47,920 Correct? >> Good evening, uh Chairman Moy and 20 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:52,240 members of the parks board. Happy to be here this evening with you 21 00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:57,440 folks. Um our youth sport sports programs across our system have always 22 00:01:54,440 --> 00:02:02,800 been uh uh, amazing for our our youth. So, I'm going to ask uh, special 23 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:07,160 operations deputy director Greg Lyons and our downtown deputy director Tony 24 00:02:04,800 --> 00:02:11,119 Salinas to give you an update on our youth sports programs across our system. 25 00:02:12,160 --> 00:02:16,880 » Thank you, Marty. Good afternoon, Chairman Moya and 26 00:02:15,400 --> 00:02:21,360 members of the Parks Board. This afternoon, we are presenting an update 27 00:02:19,280 --> 00:02:24,120 on our Parks and Recreation youth sports programs. 28 00:02:26,600 --> 00:02:34,040 Our youth sports programming serves participants ages 3 through 17. 29 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:38,680 And and we are proud to offer activities year-round so families have access to 30 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:43,480 recreation no matter the season. Altogether, more than 22,000 kids take 31 00:02:41,040 --> 00:02:46,640 part in these programs annually, reflecting the strong demand for 32 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:51,959 accessible and inclusive sports opportunities across the city. 33 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:55,800 With that brief overview, I'll turn it over to Tony, who will walk you through 34 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:58,640 the different youth sports programs in more detail. 35 00:03:02,519 --> 00:03:07,959 » Good evening, Chairman Moya and members of the Parks and Recreation Board. 36 00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:11,760 I'd like to begin with one of our most popular youth sports programs, youth 37 00:03:10,519 --> 00:03:16,800 soccer. Our soccer programs serve children ages 38 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:21,680 3 to 15, offering opportunities for skill development at every stage. 39 00:03:19,519 --> 00:03:27,519 We operate more than 80 soccer programs across the city, ensuring broad access 40 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:32,200 for families in every area. Each year, approximately 2,000 participate building 41 00:03:29,959 --> 00:03:35,920 foundational skills, teamwork, and confidence through active play. 42 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:43,600 Another popular option for families is youth flag football. 43 00:03:41,640 --> 00:03:48,120 Flag football continues to grow rapidly within our youth sports lineup. 44 00:03:45,880 --> 00:03:52,600 Interest has expanded significantly in recent years, especially among girls. 45 00:03:50,560 --> 00:03:57,920 The program serves youth ages 5 through 15, offering inclusive and 46 00:03:55,440 --> 00:04:03,600 age-appropriate opportunities. With 35 programs offered citywide, 47 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:09,400 participants enjoy fun, low-contact introduction to the gridiron sport that 48 00:04:06,200 --> 00:04:12,920 builds teamwork and confidence. Flexible practice and game schedules 49 00:04:11,120 --> 00:04:17,400 throughout the week make the flag football a favorite choice for families 50 00:04:15,320 --> 00:04:21,239 across the city, supporting more than 200 young players. 51 00:04:22,480 --> 00:04:27,880 Our youth baseball programs are a grand slam. 52 00:04:25,600 --> 00:04:31,720 We serve children ages 4 through 12, and this sport continues to be one of our 53 00:04:29,400 --> 00:04:35,120 most popular offerings. We provide more than 40 baseball 54 00:04:33,200 --> 00:04:38,560 programs across the city, giving families convenient options in their own 55 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:43,080 neighborhoods. Last year, more than 600 young athletes 56 00:04:41,280 --> 00:04:49,880 took part in our leagues, developing skills, staying active, and enjoying 57 00:04:45,760 --> 00:04:49,880 supportive, team-focused environment. 58 00:04:50,040 --> 00:04:55,760 Next is our volleyball program, another sport experiencing steady 59 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:59,880 growth. Youth volleyball is offered for 60 00:04:57,080 --> 00:05:04,680 participants ages 10 to 13. More than 60 programs operate at sites 61 00:05:02,160 --> 00:05:11,120 across Phoenix. Participation remains strong and consistent, with over 400 62 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:14,880 youth being served each year. These programs help develop fundamental 63 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:18,000 skills and teamwork in a supportive indoor environment. 64 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:28,280 Next, we tee up for golf programs. Serving participants ages 3 to 17, 65 00:05:25,400 --> 00:05:33,800 these programs offer are offered at all seven city golf courses. 66 00:05:31,560 --> 00:05:37,919 Technical difficulties. Please hold. Stand by. 67 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:40,603 Keep going? All right. It's a nice slide, but I'll 68 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:43,720 describe it to you. >> [laughter] 69 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:48,400 » Uh these programs are offered at all seven city golf courses, ensuring broad 70 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:52,520 access for families. Youth golf hosts more than 14,000 71 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:57,640 participants annually, reflecting strong and sustained interest. 72 00:05:54,400 --> 00:06:01,320 Offerings range from Itty Bitty Open to First Tee programs all the way 73 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:04,080 through high school state championship events. 74 00:06:05,960 --> 00:06:13,160 Now, we move on to our largest sports partnership, the Junior Suns program. 75 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:17,360 Junior Suns basketball continues to be one of the largest and most popular 76 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:21,960 youth sports offerings. The program serves participants ages 5 77 00:06:19,440 --> 00:06:27,400 through 15, providing age-appropriate skill development opportunities. 78 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:31,640 We operate more than 100 Junior Suns programs across the city. 79 00:06:29,880 --> 00:06:35,720 These programs provide consistent, high-quality basketball experiences for 80 00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:41,360 youth at all levels. Last year, more than 4,000 young ballers 81 00:06:38,520 --> 00:06:45,040 participated in the Junior Suns program. Participants benefit from skill 82 00:06:42,919 --> 00:06:49,120 development, team engagement, and the strong partnership the city of Phoenix 83 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:52,480 has with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organizations. 84 00:06:53,919 --> 00:07:01,080 Youth sports participation continues to grow across both merging and established 85 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:07,320 programs. Ball hockey now serves participants ages 7 to 13, expanding 86 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:12,200 engagement in this fast-growing sport. Karate offers opportunities for youth 87 00:07:09,120 --> 00:07:16,160 ages 7 to 17, and remains a strong, steady contributor to overall 88 00:07:14,160 --> 00:07:20,200 participation. Esports maintains high interest, 89 00:07:18,160 --> 00:07:24,480 engaging more than 200 young players each season. 90 00:07:22,000 --> 00:07:27,640 New programs introduced are cricket and disc golf, 91 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:32,480 attracting smaller groups, but provide valuable variety, and broaden our 92 00:07:29,760 --> 00:07:36,600 recreational sports. Together, these offerings expand the 93 00:07:35,040 --> 00:07:40,720 range of interest and activities that are available to youth across the city, 94 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:44,520 supporting continued growth and inclusivity. 95 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:47,920 At this time, I'll turn it over to Greg to discuss park facilities. 96 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:51,960 » Thank you, Tony. 97 00:07:52,840 --> 00:07:58,960 To support all these youth programs, the department relies on several major 98 00:07:56,400 --> 00:08:03,600 sports complexes across the city. Facilities like Rose Mofford, Desert 99 00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:07,480 West, Papago, and Reach 11 provide the fields, courts, and amenities that make 100 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:10,520 some of our leagues and tournaments possible year-round. 101 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:17,400 The Rose Mofford Sports Complex is one of Arizona's premier destinations for 102 00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:21,919 youth and adult recreation, offering a plaza-style environment that welcomes 103 00:08:19,440 --> 00:08:25,520 both players and spectators. As a long-standing host site for 104 00:08:23,480 --> 00:08:30,080 national championships, college invitationals, regional tournaments, and 105 00:08:27,880 --> 00:08:34,400 high school playoffs, the complex continues to serve as a major hub for 106 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:38,840 softball and soccer, drawing more than 200,000 participants and spectators each 107 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:43,560 year. Its expansive layout includes multiple 108 00:08:41,159 --> 00:08:47,640 lighted soccer fields, six enclosed softball fields, 109 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:53,000 tennis and racquetball courts, volleyball and basketball courts, 110 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:57,240 a running track, pickleball courts, and a 2 and 1/2 acre dog park, providing a 111 00:08:55,160 --> 00:09:01,839 full range of amenities that support year-round recreation and community 112 00:08:59,080 --> 00:09:01,839 engagement. 113 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:09,440 The Desert West Sports Complex is a major recreation destination that 114 00:09:07,240 --> 00:09:14,440 supports both daily community use and large-scale tournament play. It's widely 115 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:18,839 recognized for hosting local, regional, and national softball events, including 116 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:22,720 the Senior Winter Worlds Tournament and the Saucony Cup, 117 00:09:20,440 --> 00:09:24,080 each drawing more than 4,000 players and spectators. 118 00:09:23,961 --> 00:09:28,000 » [clears throat] >> The complex features four enclosed 119 00:09:25,960 --> 00:09:32,320 softball fields, along with a broad range of amenities such as ball fields, 120 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:35,640 soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, 121 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:39,040 tennis and racquetball courts, urban fishing, and a permanent concession 122 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:43,760 area. Making Desert West a versatile and 123 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:46,480 highly active hub for youth and adult recreation. 124 00:09:48,160 --> 00:09:55,840 Papago Sports Complex is a key hub for both league play and major tournaments, 125 00:09:52,960 --> 00:09:58,520 hosting local and regional, national, softball and baseball events throughout 126 00:09:57,440 --> 00:10:01,640 the year. Its north side features the Papago 127 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:05,160 softball fields, which along with Desert West consistently host large signature 128 00:10:04,080 --> 00:10:08,920 events. Softball complex includes four enclosed 129 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:13,320 softball fields. South side contains Papago baseball 130 00:10:10,680 --> 00:10:18,800 fields, leased to the city of Scottsdale for the San Francisco Giants year-round 131 00:10:15,440 --> 00:10:18,800 player development program. 132 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:27,240 Reach 11 is a 1,500 acre recreation area that combines natural desert, trails, a 133 00:10:25,720 --> 00:10:31,960 horse park, and one of the largest complexes in the western United States. 134 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:36,480 We manage the complex under a federal land use agreement. The site supports 135 00:10:34,160 --> 00:10:41,120 recreation while maintaining its primary role as a flood detention basin for the 136 00:10:38,760 --> 00:10:45,480 Central Arizona Project. The sports complex hosts international, 137 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:51,320 national, and regional tournaments in soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, 138 00:10:48,680 --> 00:10:56,560 football, and other field sports, and is organized into five major areas. The 139 00:10:54,200 --> 00:11:00,960 east and west field zones, the Diamondbacks youth baseball complex, 140 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:05,320 an extensive trail system, and Horse Lovers Park. 141 00:11:02,320 --> 00:11:08,880 With 18 regular soccer fields, four youth baseball fields, and more 142 00:11:06,880 --> 00:11:13,320 than 20 miles of natural trails, Reach 11 serves as a premier destination for 143 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:16,520 both competitive athletics and daily outdoor recreation. 144 00:11:17,680 --> 00:11:23,280 As we conclude today's overview, I want to highlight the continued impact we 145 00:11:21,520 --> 00:11:27,520 have on our youth programs across Phoenix. From entry-level activities to 146 00:11:25,839 --> 00:11:31,280 competitive leagues, these programs provide thousands of young participants 147 00:11:29,080 --> 00:11:34,400 with opportunities to stay active, build skills, and connect with their 148 00:11:33,320 --> 00:11:38,800 community. Our sport complexes, partnerships, and 149 00:11:36,560 --> 00:11:42,240 year-round operations all support a vibrant system that meets the diverse 150 00:11:40,600 --> 00:11:45,520 interests of families throughout the city. 151 00:11:43,720 --> 00:11:49,120 Thank you for your time and support as we remain committed to offering 152 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:53,640 accessible, high-quality recreation experiences for all youth. 153 00:11:52,080 --> 00:11:57,920 At this time, we'd be happy to answer any questions. 154 00:11:55,760 --> 00:12:01,280 » Great. Thank you. Awesome presentation. Board members, any questions? 155 00:12:01,320 --> 00:12:03,960 Right here, sir. 156 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:14,960 » Oh. Uh I'm I'm wondering about the survey 157 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:18,080 that you plan to send out to uh and whether 158 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:26,160 I guess what I'm wondering is to what extent is the 159 00:12:23,040 --> 00:12:30,240 Parks Master Plan thinking about or integrating information about youth 160 00:12:28,320 --> 00:12:33,960 sports? And if there's a survey being done at 161 00:12:32,200 --> 00:12:38,640 the end of this year when the master plan is going to be done, you know, what 162 00:12:36,839 --> 00:12:44,480 are there ways that those two things can be the survey results can be integrated? 163 00:12:42,640 --> 00:12:50,080 » Um Mr. Chair and members of the Parks Board and Board Member Vieira, our our 164 00:12:46,560 --> 00:12:54,160 Parks Master Plan is um focusing on a lot of different things including 165 00:12:52,040 --> 00:12:58,040 programs and services for for our youth including sports. So, 166 00:12:55,880 --> 00:13:03,680 uh we will have um uh results later this fall to share with 167 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:09,680 with the Parks Board um and then determine what uh changes we need to 168 00:13:06,120 --> 00:13:14,320 make across our system. Um and I'll let Tony, I'll let you talk about the survey 169 00:13:11,720 --> 00:13:14,320 for sports. 170 00:13:16,400 --> 00:13:22,680 » So, uh Board Member Moylan and uh 171 00:13:20,680 --> 00:13:28,080 Chairman Moylan and Board Member Porter, uh currently after each league uh 172 00:13:25,839 --> 00:13:31,920 concludes our program concludes, the parents will receive a survey so that we 173 00:13:30,320 --> 00:13:35,480 can get feedback on how to better our programs. 174 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:40,520 We do share that with the divisions so that we understand what the community 175 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:46,680 needs are and how we can make adjustments for the next season 176 00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:46,680 or session of classes or leagues. 177 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:52,400 Any other questions? >> Great, Renee. 178 00:13:50,080 --> 00:13:52,400 » Great. 179 00:13:53,080 --> 00:14:02,120 » Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I have a a couple of questions about 180 00:13:58,800 --> 00:14:05,600 sort of program capacity and sort of trends. 181 00:14:03,920 --> 00:14:10,200 Um first of all, let me just say, I mean, this is a way better than what I 182 00:14:07,840 --> 00:14:15,360 had when I was growing up in terms of diversity of programs, availability of 183 00:14:12,640 --> 00:14:20,920 programs, quality and diversity of facilities. I mean, it's just 184 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:27,000 so impressive what we have available and what we offer. What What I'm interested 185 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:34,160 in as understanding A, where is there demand 186 00:14:30,720 --> 00:14:39,160 that just gets sucked up so quickly that lots and lots of people are turned away. 187 00:14:37,280 --> 00:14:43,200 And then secondly, what are you seeing in terms of trends 188 00:14:41,800 --> 00:14:46,800 of of either growth, I mean, Tony, you 189 00:14:45,280 --> 00:14:51,160 mentioned you know, girls are getting more 190 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:55,760 interested in flag football, but what what other trends are out there in terms 191 00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:59,360 of growth of types of programs or demand for certain 192 00:14:57,240 --> 00:15:03,360 types of youth facilities and that kind of thing. 193 00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:10,520 » So, as far as Sorry. 194 00:15:09,080 --> 00:15:17,040 Chairman uh Moya and board member Neymar, as far as 195 00:15:13,480 --> 00:15:21,560 the demand, um whenever a facility fills up, uh the spots fill up. So, the beauty 196 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:24,640 of parks and recreation is that we have all our sports happening at the same 197 00:15:22,960 --> 00:15:29,160 time, same season. So, there's never really a facility 198 00:15:26,280 --> 00:15:34,560 that's not too far away, and that's how we will help the other facilities fill 199 00:15:31,760 --> 00:15:40,960 their leagues or programs. Um if there's an opportunity and 200 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:46,440 options to add more practices and games during the weekend the weekend, they 201 00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:51,200 will add more uh teams to the league. So, that's how we 202 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:55,920 we we do our best to accommodate, but we definitely stay in contact and we share. 203 00:15:53,880 --> 00:16:00,080 And the the key is to, you know, register as soon as that registration 204 00:15:57,720 --> 00:16:03,720 opens, and so that we can definitely accommodate. Now, if it's a family, and 205 00:16:02,520 --> 00:16:07,680 you know, we don't want the mother to have or the father to have to drive 5 206 00:16:05,640 --> 00:16:11,480 miles, you know, every Saturday, we'll do our best to accommodate to get the 207 00:16:09,400 --> 00:16:15,040 whole family in so that they're in one location. 208 00:16:13,120 --> 00:16:20,400 And as far as trends, we are the majority of our full-time 209 00:16:17,880 --> 00:16:23,440 team are certified youth sports administrators, 210 00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:28,000 uh which is a certification obtained through the National Alliance for Youth 211 00:16:24,680 --> 00:16:32,400 Sports. And they have a national database that 212 00:16:30,680 --> 00:16:36,640 tells us what's trending and what's going on, and a lot of times it's going 213 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:40,600 to be the public. They'll they'll come in and they'll tell us. So, that's how 214 00:16:38,560 --> 00:16:45,800 we find out about, you know, flag football and and and all the girls that 215 00:16:43,640 --> 00:16:49,520 want to play it. And, you know, a lot of them don't want to play coed. They want 216 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:54,800 to be playing, you know, all girl leagues. Uh the majority of our leagues 217 00:16:51,480 --> 00:16:57,839 are coed. So, that's we take community feedback and feedback from days in the 218 00:16:56,640 --> 00:17:02,240 National Parks and Recreation Association as well, following up with 219 00:17:00,160 --> 00:17:06,880 with trends that are are coming our way. So, right now I can say pickleball's a 220 00:17:03,960 --> 00:17:10,040 big one. The flag football's a big one. And e-sports, believe it or not, 221 00:17:08,120 --> 00:17:12,760 e-sports is is taking off. 222 00:17:12,959 --> 00:17:16,760 Thank you. >> Thank you, Rick. 223 00:17:15,439 --> 00:17:19,800 » Can I ask one quick question? Is e-sports 224 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:23,439 really a big thing for kids or 225 00:17:20,760 --> 00:17:27,199 people under 18. >> Um 226 00:17:24,600 --> 00:17:33,080 Chairman Moya and board member Porter, I'm sorry can you repeat that? 227 00:17:29,600 --> 00:17:37,200 » I'm surprised to hear that pickleball is a 228 00:17:33,840 --> 00:17:39,800 an emerging popular sport for the alpha Gen Alpha. 229 00:17:38,520 --> 00:17:44,920 But you're saying it is. >> They love it. 230 00:17:41,960 --> 00:17:44,920 They love it, yes. 231 00:17:45,080 --> 00:17:52,200 » Rick. Emma, any questions? 232 00:17:48,120 --> 00:17:52,200 Aubrey, I see you online. Any questions? 233 00:17:53,240 --> 00:17:58,600 If not, I have I have a couple. Sorry. 234 00:17:56,800 --> 00:18:02,640 I have a couple of quick questions. Tony, you you 235 00:18:00,080 --> 00:18:07,480 noted some of the the the numbers for baseball in terms of participation. 236 00:18:05,680 --> 00:18:09,480 So, help me understand the leagues. Are are those numbers 237 00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:12,840 uh leagues that the city 238 00:18:11,760 --> 00:18:17,880 um coordinates with or do we track or are 239 00:18:15,640 --> 00:18:23,040 there other leagues that aren't part of the city that 240 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:23,040 utilize some park as well? 241 00:18:23,840 --> 00:18:30,480 » Chairman Moya, those that data is specifically for city-run programs. 242 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:34,920 Uh the city of Phoenix are all of our leagues and classes are recreational, 243 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:38,600 which means anybody that wants to even learn the sport in a team atmosphere, we 244 00:18:37,360 --> 00:18:42,840 welcome them. And others use it that are great at the 245 00:18:40,360 --> 00:18:46,920 sport and they just want to, you know, increase their skill set. So, these are 246 00:18:45,440 --> 00:18:52,360 just our our specific parks are our city of Phoenix 247 00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:57,720 run and that's why they got those cool Phoenix plays jerseys and socks. 248 00:18:54,880 --> 00:19:00,760 » I wonder those come in extra large. >> We can make that happen. 249 00:18:59,058 --> 00:19:04,840 » [laughter] >> Um so, again, so this has to do with 250 00:19:03,480 --> 00:19:10,040 numbers as well because I see our beautiful facilities and obviously the 251 00:19:07,440 --> 00:19:14,440 Rose Mofford one and the one the baseball one that we had lots of 252 00:19:11,880 --> 00:19:17,560 discussions in this meeting before near Scottsdale, but it's in Phoenix. 253 00:19:16,560 --> 00:19:22,920 Um so do we 254 00:19:19,680 --> 00:19:26,200 Marty, maybe track all of those numbers because 255 00:19:24,160 --> 00:19:31,360 um if we do if we do how how do we do that 256 00:19:28,800 --> 00:19:38,920 because obviously when we bring in these big soccer teams and these big baseball 257 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:42,080 do we track all that and if so how and where would that show up? 258 00:19:43,680 --> 00:19:49,720 » Thank you, Chairman members of the Parks Board. Yes, we do track that through our 259 00:19:46,960 --> 00:19:53,320 ActiveNet program and the last count that we had just before doing this 260 00:19:51,080 --> 00:19:57,160 report were over 60,000 uh participants that use all of our 261 00:19:55,120 --> 00:19:59,880 facilities that that's not part of our city programs but the from other 262 00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:02,840 programs that come and use our facilities. 263 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:06,720 » Great, that's great that's great to know because obviously they're just not 264 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:11,920 sitting there they are utilized by others and not only uh for those city 265 00:20:09,280 --> 00:20:15,480 league programs. So again, great you thank you great presentation. 266 00:20:15,560 --> 00:20:21,320 Oh, and one thing and I don't do the I don't get caught up in the whole 267 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:29,080 formality thing cuz at home I'm hey you so if you miss it I don't I don't get 268 00:20:26,000 --> 00:20:35,640 you know, anyway, thank you. So next we have Parks 269 00:20:31,880 --> 00:20:35,640 Parks Volunteer Program update. 270 00:20:35,880 --> 00:20:41,840 » Mr. Chairman and members of the Parks Board um 271 00:20:39,120 --> 00:20:47,920 the city of Phoenix has a system-wide volunteer program called Volunteer 272 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:51,880 Phoenix. In 2024 the approval of the mayor and council the Parks Department 273 00:20:50,040 --> 00:20:57,080 did receive a volunteer coordinator position. Joining me at the table uh 274 00:20:54,800 --> 00:21:02,200 this evening is our volunteer coordinator Jenna Kirchhoff who will 275 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:05,520 give us a summary and kind of status of the Parks and Recreation Department 276 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:07,840 volunteer program. So I'll I'll over to Jana. 277 00:21:08,120 --> 00:21:13,920 » Thank you, Director Whitfield. Good evening, Chairman Moya and members of 278 00:21:11,760 --> 00:21:17,680 the board. It is my honor to be here today to give you guys an update on the 279 00:21:15,920 --> 00:21:22,560 Parks and Recreation Department volunteer program. 280 00:21:20,720 --> 00:21:26,640 The City of Phoenix operates a robust volunteer program called Volunteer 281 00:21:24,480 --> 00:21:30,800 Phoenix, which strengthens community service by increasing volunteer 282 00:21:28,280 --> 00:21:35,240 participation, expanding opportunities, and building strong partnerships. These 283 00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:39,400 partnerships include AmeriCorps, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, and HandsOn Greater 284 00:21:37,200 --> 00:21:43,480 Phoenix, among others. They also host the annual Volunteer Impact Awards 285 00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:47,720 ceremony, where amazing volunteers are honored for their dedication. 286 00:21:45,720 --> 00:21:51,120 The Parks and Recreation Department works closely with Volunteer Phoenix to 287 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:54,720 place corporate and large group volunteer requests, 288 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:59,320 find volunteers for internal Parks Department special events, and recruit 289 00:21:57,040 --> 00:22:04,240 volunteers for specialty programs like our volunteer coaches and park stewards. 290 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:08,120 Together, we engage with interested individuals to identify and sometimes 291 00:22:06,360 --> 00:22:12,000 create opportunities that meet their requests. Volunteer Phoenix frequently 292 00:22:10,520 --> 00:22:15,920 features department requests for volunteers in their monthly newsletters, 293 00:22:14,240 --> 00:22:20,720 as you can see displayed on your screen, our request for volunteers for our Earth 294 00:22:17,640 --> 00:22:24,320 Month tree plantings. The Parks and Recreation Volunteers 295 00:22:22,400 --> 00:22:27,280 Program, also known as My Phoenix My Park, provides a variety of 296 00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:31,440 opportunities for interested individuals, groups, and organizations 297 00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:35,960 to get involved. By focusing on recruitment, retention, partnerships, 298 00:22:33,600 --> 00:22:40,000 and impact, we aim to increase volunteer participation in the maintenance of our 299 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:44,240 parks and preserves each year. We recruit volunteers through online 300 00:22:41,640 --> 00:22:47,040 engagement, flyers in community centers, and promoting the program at community 301 00:22:45,960 --> 00:22:50,280 meetings. By recognizing the value and hard work 302 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:54,560 of our volunteers through award ceremonies and appreciation events, we 303 00:22:52,680 --> 00:22:58,040 encourage individuals to continue their volunteerism with us. 304 00:22:56,520 --> 00:23:02,040 Retention is also supported by establishing long-lasting partnerships 305 00:22:59,960 --> 00:23:05,280 with organiza- organizations and corporations. 306 00:23:03,600 --> 00:23:09,400 Volunteers can get engaged with My Phoenix My Park in a variety of ways, 307 00:23:07,320 --> 00:23:14,800 including sports coaching, the Park Steward program, park cleanups, tree 308 00:23:12,240 --> 00:23:19,800 plantings and invasive removals, special events support, trailhead engagement, 309 00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:24,400 repainting and beautification, native seed collection and disbursement, and 310 00:23:21,720 --> 00:23:27,840 our wonderful Phoenix teens program. All of these efforts result in enormous 311 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:32,680 positive impacts for the parks in the community that we serve. 312 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:36,600 The Adopt-A-Park program is a way for individuals or groups to take ownership 313 00:23:34,760 --> 00:23:40,440 of their volunteerism by committing to multiple park cleanups events throughout 314 00:23:38,720 --> 00:23:45,520 the course of the year. In 2025, a 10th grade class from the 315 00:23:42,800 --> 00:23:49,760 Arizona Autism Academy adopted El Oso Park to learn life skills and give back 316 00:23:47,600 --> 00:23:54,400 to their community. The class visited twice monthly to rake playgrounds and 317 00:23:51,760 --> 00:23:58,160 clean up trash, volunteering over 300 hours during the school year. 318 00:23:56,320 --> 00:24:04,000 This is an ongoing partnership and we look forward to having Mr. Jonathan's 319 00:23:59,960 --> 00:24:08,240 new class out to the park next year. The Arizona Sustainability Alliance has 320 00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:13,400 adopted part of the Rio Salado habitat restoration area. The group has made a 321 00:24:10,600 --> 00:24:18,800 huge impact removing invasive weeds, creating native seed balls, and cleaning 322 00:24:15,680 --> 00:24:23,920 up around the trailhead. In 2025, they donated 567 hours to improving this 323 00:24:21,920 --> 00:24:28,000 area. Dynamite Park was unofficially adopted 324 00:24:26,280 --> 00:24:32,080 by a local resident and his young daughter on school breaks. They visit 325 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:36,800 the park to pick up trash, rake entrances, and pull weeds. Here you can 326 00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:41,040 see some before and after photos of their efforts and also his daughter who 327 00:24:39,160 --> 00:24:46,160 is very proud to have her own pink volunteer vest to wear when she was out 328 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:50,920 collecting trash. In 2026, we have successfully adopted 329 00:24:48,640 --> 00:24:56,480 Encanto and Cave Creek Park at Cholla and we are working towards an adoption 330 00:24:52,600 --> 00:25:00,000 at Nino's Park as well currently. The Park Steward program is a unique 331 00:24:58,160 --> 00:25:03,920 opportunity for volunteers to work side-by-side with park rangers in our 332 00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:09,960 mountain preserves to make a positive impact and learn valuable skills. 333 00:25:06,760 --> 00:25:13,320 The Park Steward program has 461 active park stewards and continues to grow each 334 00:25:12,240 --> 00:25:17,120 year. These dedicated volunteers expand the 335 00:25:15,320 --> 00:25:21,360 ability of our staff to maintain our preserves and in fact, last year they 336 00:25:19,320 --> 00:25:26,840 were honored with the Volunteer Impact Award recognizing their contributions 337 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:32,680 which included 3800 hours of trail work and trail 338 00:25:28,120 --> 00:25:37,600 maintenance, 475 hours of cleanups, park stewards patrolled over 1800 hours 339 00:25:35,640 --> 00:25:43,120 of bike patrols covering more than 10,000 miles of our trails, 340 00:25:40,400 --> 00:25:48,760 over 1700 hours of hiking patrols covering 2900 miles on our trails, 341 00:25:46,320 --> 00:25:52,600 and they performed 256 hours of trailhead education. This month as the 342 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:57,160 temperatures in Phoenix have been heating up, the park stewards have been 343 00:25:54,200 --> 00:26:01,480 out at Piestewa, Echo Canyon, and Pima Canyon trailhead handing out water and 344 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:06,360 educating our hikers about safe hiking in the summer heat. So, thank you park 345 00:26:03,680 --> 00:26:06,360 stewards. 346 00:26:06,560 --> 00:26:13,040 April is historically one of our busiest volunteer months. Earth Day, Arbor Day, 347 00:26:11,080 --> 00:26:16,160 and Volunteer Week all fall during this month and people are excited to give 348 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:21,600 back. In April 2026, over 1700 volunteers 349 00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:24,480 donated almost 7,000 hours of their time. 350 00:26:22,680 --> 00:26:28,480 In partnership with Volunteer Phoenix, the Parks Department curated over 20 351 00:26:26,440 --> 00:26:33,680 volunteer events throughout the city to help beautify our parks and preserves. 352 00:26:30,920 --> 00:26:39,360 Volunteers planted 250 trees and over 700 pollinator and native plants. 353 00:26:36,800 --> 00:26:43,800 In addition, they removed 550 gallon bags of trash and invasive species from 354 00:26:41,800 --> 00:26:47,680 our parks and preserves. This weighed over 6,000 pounds. 355 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:52,360 I would like to take a moment to give a big shout-out to the Forest Section of 356 00:26:49,840 --> 00:26:57,000 the Special Operations Division who made these tree plantings a success. They 357 00:26:54,800 --> 00:27:01,080 pre-dug holes and took the time to teach volunteers proper planting and pruning 358 00:26:59,440 --> 00:27:04,880 techniques at each and every one of these events. They will also continue to 359 00:27:03,160 --> 00:27:08,720 water these plants throughout the year to ensure their growth and development. 360 00:27:09,160 --> 00:27:16,520 In 2025, the Parks and Recreation Department had almost 8,800 volunteers 361 00:27:14,120 --> 00:27:20,120 donate more than 60,000 hours of their time to help improve our parks and 362 00:27:18,320 --> 00:27:23,640 provide recreational opportunities in our community. 363 00:27:21,520 --> 00:27:29,840 This equates to the labor of 29 full-time employees for an entire year. 364 00:27:27,160 --> 00:27:33,960 In 2025, our volunteers had an estimated $2.1 million financial impact for the 365 00:27:32,520 --> 00:27:37,360 department. Volunteers play a vital role in 366 00:27:35,680 --> 00:27:44,960 supporting our staff to maintain the integrity of our 189 parks and over 367 00:27:40,440 --> 00:27:48,720 40,000 acres of mountain preserve lands. If you or anyone you know is interested 368 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:52,640 in volunteering with the City of Phoenix, you can connect with us in any 369 00:27:50,960 --> 00:27:56,840 of the three ways that we see on your screen. And with that, I would be happy 370 00:27:54,720 --> 00:28:00,520 to answer any questions you have. Thank you. 371 00:27:59,040 --> 00:28:05,080 » Great. Thank you very much. Quite impressive numbers. So, I don't imagine 372 00:28:02,960 --> 00:28:09,560 what the trails would look like without all that help. So, great. Thank you. Any 373 00:28:07,560 --> 00:28:13,680 questions from the board? Sarah, go right ahead. 374 00:28:11,120 --> 00:28:17,840 » Thank you. Thanks for the report. I'm 375 00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:23,800 I I guess my question is if we apart from Earth Month, 376 00:28:20,640 --> 00:28:26,680 do you feel like we there could be more um 377 00:28:24,440 --> 00:28:29,600 that more there it's it's great to have this many people volunteering. And I'm 378 00:28:28,280 --> 00:28:35,440 wondering, do you feel like there's untapped demand 379 00:28:32,280 --> 00:28:40,440 or um by people in Phoenix who would like to 380 00:28:37,360 --> 00:28:45,680 be park volunteers? And I And I guess what I'm wondering is some cities have a 381 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:50,120 you know, have a whole group of staff members dedicated to 382 00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:56,000 activating volunteers. I'm just wondering what's the demand? What's your 383 00:28:52,160 --> 00:28:58,840 sense of the demand in Phoenix? >> Thank you for that question, Chairperson 384 00:28:57,680 --> 00:29:03,560 Porter. Um, Board Member Moya and members of the 385 00:29:01,280 --> 00:29:06,800 board, so while April is typically one of our busiest months, we do have 386 00:29:05,120 --> 00:29:11,560 ongoing programs like our volunteer coaches that coach throughout the year. 387 00:29:09,560 --> 00:29:14,960 Um, we do have the park stewards which work throughout the year. I would say 388 00:29:13,040 --> 00:29:18,880 one of the difficulties that we find specifically here in the city of Phoenix 389 00:29:17,040 --> 00:29:23,240 is that a lot of kids are out of school in the summer months and have more time 390 00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:26,880 to volunteer with their parents and with the heat that really restricts what we 391 00:29:24,720 --> 00:29:30,680 can do. So, with our partnership with Volunteer Phoenix, we for the past 392 00:29:29,240 --> 00:29:33,960 couple months we know the heat is coming. So, we've been reaching out to 393 00:29:32,320 --> 00:29:38,600 our recreation coordinators. We've been reaching out to folks to find indoor 394 00:29:35,800 --> 00:29:41,520 opportunities to help place people that reach out during the summer. So, I would 395 00:29:40,080 --> 00:29:45,520 say our biggest limitation would probably be trying to accommodate people 396 00:29:43,840 --> 00:29:49,360 who have more time in the summer when we're limited by the heat. 397 00:29:50,040 --> 00:29:57,000 » Any other questions? Go ahead, Emma. 398 00:29:54,520 --> 00:29:59,880 » Thank you for the presentation. It's really exciting to see all these 399 00:29:59,120 --> 00:30:06,320 Um, what type of training do they Uh, is 400 00:30:03,280 --> 00:30:11,400 there any specific information, general information 401 00:30:07,720 --> 00:30:11,400 that volunteers go through? 402 00:30:12,600 --> 00:30:18,840 » Thank you, Chairperson Viera. Uh, Board Member Moya and members of the board, it 403 00:30:16,560 --> 00:30:22,680 depends on what type of volunteerism that you're getting engaged with. Our 404 00:30:20,840 --> 00:30:26,520 sports coaches do go through an extensive training through the NAYS 405 00:30:24,600 --> 00:30:30,680 program, the National Alliance for Youth Sports that Tony spoke to in the 406 00:30:28,080 --> 00:30:35,480 previous presentation. Our park stewards, they also go through 40 hours 407 00:30:33,440 --> 00:30:39,640 of direct one-on-one training before with a park ranger before they are 408 00:30:37,640 --> 00:30:46,040 allowed to go out and do a hike patrol on their own, for example. Um, with our 409 00:30:42,960 --> 00:30:49,680 Adopt-A-Park program, we do go out and meet them for the very first cleanup and 410 00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:54,600 we walk them around the park and show them the areas that, you know, need 411 00:30:51,440 --> 00:30:58,800 cleaning up and areas of high high use. Um, so I guess I would say it depends on 412 00:30:56,760 --> 00:31:01,800 what specific type of volunteer that you are, but there are there is training and 413 00:31:00,360 --> 00:31:05,000 one-on-one. Like with the tree plantings, the special operations team 414 00:31:03,600 --> 00:31:09,680 came out and showed them how to plant the trees before they were just jumping 415 00:31:07,160 --> 00:31:09,680 in there. 416 00:31:10,800 --> 00:31:17,160 » Any other questions? Uh, great. Again, thank you for the 417 00:31:14,680 --> 00:31:23,360 presentation. So, we'll move on to item five 418 00:31:20,320 --> 00:31:28,160 uh, for discussion and possible action. Uh, the the items are for information, 419 00:31:25,880 --> 00:31:32,640 discussion, and possible action. Item 5A, South Mountain land donation and 420 00:31:30,720 --> 00:31:36,120 acceptance. Chairman lawyer and members of the Parks 421 00:31:34,040 --> 00:31:38,320 Board, I'm excited about this next item. Um, 422 00:31:36,920 --> 00:31:42,120 uh, in the Parks and Recreation Department, we're always looking at 423 00:31:39,680 --> 00:31:47,040 opportunities to uh, purchase uh, land in our preserves. So, 424 00:31:44,880 --> 00:31:52,800 tonight, uh, our Management Services Deputy Director, Teresa Ball, will 425 00:31:49,280 --> 00:31:56,840 present on a potential uh, donation of about 10 acres. 426 00:31:54,440 --> 00:31:56,840 Teresa. 427 00:31:58,240 --> 00:32:03,520 » Good evening, board members. I'm very excited to share with you this 428 00:32:01,480 --> 00:32:08,800 opportunity that we have to grow our preserves with this potential land 429 00:32:06,000 --> 00:32:08,800 donation. 430 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:14,400 First though, what I'd like to do is highlight a summary of recent 431 00:32:12,240 --> 00:32:20,400 acquisitions into the mountain preserves within the last 5 years. 432 00:32:16,720 --> 00:32:25,800 As you can see, the acquisitions in 2025 alone totaled more than 250 acres. And 433 00:32:23,880 --> 00:32:30,000 you may recall that the board approved the acquisition of the Carver Mountain 434 00:32:27,600 --> 00:32:35,000 property near South Mountain via a donation. And the Dean Hills property 435 00:32:32,560 --> 00:32:38,600 near 35th Avenue and Happy Valley, that was acquired through the Arizona State 436 00:32:36,760 --> 00:32:41,560 Land Department auction that was held last November. 437 00:32:43,080 --> 00:32:48,560 For the potential donation we're going to be discussing tonight, a 438 00:32:46,360 --> 00:32:53,240 representative for the property owner approached the city earlier this year 439 00:32:51,120 --> 00:32:58,680 regarding whether his client's 10-acre parcel could be considered for purchase 440 00:32:55,840 --> 00:33:03,480 during the city's next bond process. After several meetings with the property 441 00:33:00,560 --> 00:33:07,960 owner's rep and a site visit in March, it was determined that the potential 442 00:33:05,080 --> 00:33:11,880 donation might be a better path forward for the property owner. And this is due 443 00:33:10,160 --> 00:33:15,840 to the bond timeline and really the uncertainty of whether that parcel could 444 00:33:14,360 --> 00:33:19,040 be included as part of that bond project. 445 00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:23,760 So therefore, the property owners generously decided to offer the land to 446 00:33:21,400 --> 00:33:29,400 the city as a donation, and we're very appreciative of having this 447 00:33:25,760 --> 00:33:29,400 um potential parcel of land. 448 00:33:29,800 --> 00:33:35,280 Here I want to show you a vicinity map, and it provides an overview of the 449 00:33:33,760 --> 00:33:39,520 location of the property being considered for a donate uh donation. You 450 00:33:37,680 --> 00:33:45,440 can see there it's on the very southwest side of South Mountain, just adjacent 451 00:33:41,960 --> 00:33:45,440 there of the 202 freeway. 452 00:33:47,800 --> 00:33:55,120 And here in to get a perspective, the area in which the 10-acre park parcel is 453 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:59,080 located, it's just north of those developed homes that are kind of in the 454 00:33:56,600 --> 00:34:03,560 gray area, and it's shown in the green shaded area on the left. 455 00:34:01,600 --> 00:34:08,120 Um I'll show you in the next slide a little bit more close-up picture of it, 456 00:34:06,520 --> 00:34:12,840 but this area here was originally planned to be developed with homes as 457 00:34:10,159 --> 00:34:16,520 shown on this conceptual site plan. However, it's not a very easy place to 458 00:34:14,720 --> 00:34:21,120 develop because there's a lot of hurdles with the topography of the land, 459 00:34:18,480 --> 00:34:25,240 hillside engineering, including a sewer system that would have to go up and over 460 00:34:22,560 --> 00:34:25,240 the mountain. 461 00:34:29,080 --> 00:34:36,159 So this site uh slide here, you can more clearly see that the parcel in 462 00:34:33,879 --> 00:34:40,520 highlighted red area there. It's 10 acres. You can see how close it is to 463 00:34:38,560 --> 00:34:45,960 the boundary of South Mountain, which is denoted by the green line, 464 00:34:42,520 --> 00:34:51,240 and its proximity to both um Gila Gila and the um Bursera trails. 465 00:34:49,320 --> 00:34:55,320 And you can see here too that it's not immediately continuous to South Mountain 466 00:34:53,159 --> 00:35:00,320 Park. So, the thought is to obtain the land, preserve it as it is, and then 467 00:34:57,840 --> 00:35:03,960 eventually we could connect it to in the future to South Mountain Park. 468 00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:10,320 In this view here, you can see the outlines of the adjacent private 469 00:35:08,080 --> 00:35:15,160 property owned parcels. These other parcels around the community 470 00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:19,440 have the potential for development, but due to the hurdles that we already 471 00:35:16,600 --> 00:35:23,760 mentioned, the mountain side there also has a slope. These might be an 472 00:35:21,440 --> 00:35:29,400 opportunity now to use this donated parcel as leverage to acquire other 473 00:35:26,520 --> 00:35:34,200 surrounding or nearby parcels that could eventually create that connectivity to 474 00:35:31,680 --> 00:35:37,960 South Mountain Park. However, if the donated parcel stays 475 00:35:36,240 --> 00:35:41,800 disconnected, it would still serve as preservation. There's no city 476 00:35:39,920 --> 00:35:47,360 infrastructure needed nor edge protection, and since the neighborhood 477 00:35:44,160 --> 00:35:50,400 to the south is gated, um also just over the ridge to the north side of the 478 00:35:48,680 --> 00:35:56,800 mountain is a water catchment for wildlife. So, the area could still just 479 00:35:52,960 --> 00:35:56,800 remain a wildlife corridor. 480 00:35:58,640 --> 00:36:04,240 So, we're always excited when we have these opportunities to add land to our 481 00:36:02,160 --> 00:36:08,480 preserve system, and we really appreciate the property owner's interest 482 00:36:06,080 --> 00:36:12,960 to be donating this to the city. This item was just heard by the Sonoran 483 00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:17,160 um Phoenix Sonoran Preserve and Mountain Parks Preserve Committee on May 18th, 484 00:36:15,760 --> 00:36:22,080 and the committee was in favor of the acquisition. So, our next step then 485 00:36:19,800 --> 00:36:27,000 pending Parks Board approval is to go to City Council tentatively prior to their 486 00:36:24,200 --> 00:36:31,320 summer recess. And with that 487 00:36:29,480 --> 00:36:34,040 that ends the presentation and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may 488 00:36:32,760 --> 00:36:40,280 have. >> That was exciting. Um, before we open it 489 00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:40,280 up for a vote, any questions? 490 00:36:41,800 --> 00:36:48,240 Yeah, I have a few. This This is a little new for me, so I apologize. Um, 491 00:36:46,400 --> 00:36:52,200 first of all, it's of course exciting that somebody wants to donate 10 acres. 492 00:36:50,280 --> 00:36:56,240 That's a very valuable parcel and 493 00:36:54,440 --> 00:37:01,000 uh and it also is obviously going to I 494 00:36:59,920 --> 00:37:05,120 don't know what the right wording is, but prevent development of 495 00:37:03,120 --> 00:37:09,920 of properties right up against the preserve. What I was interested in 496 00:37:07,520 --> 00:37:14,920 understanding and and maybe could flip back a 497 00:37:11,400 --> 00:37:14,920 a slide or two here. 498 00:37:16,600 --> 00:37:19,120 Going 499 00:37:19,200 --> 00:37:27,240 two things. Um Yeah, that's fine. That slide's good. 500 00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:32,520 So, first of all, uh the green line that you show as the preserve 501 00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:37,600 line is different than the one in the report, 502 00:37:35,960 --> 00:37:41,080 which is a straight line that goes across. 503 00:37:39,040 --> 00:37:45,240 And I was going to ask because there were a bunch of City of Phoenix 504 00:37:42,400 --> 00:37:49,240 properties to the west there that didn't appear to be in the 505 00:37:46,520 --> 00:37:55,280 preserve, but it looks like the green line is an updated preserve 506 00:37:52,040 --> 00:37:55,280 map. Is that right? 507 00:37:55,800 --> 00:38:00,400 » I don't Yes, let me look at the the one in the report. 508 00:38:11,840 --> 00:38:18,240 Yes, I the one on the display on the screen is the accurate one. 509 00:38:16,600 --> 00:38:22,760 » Okay, good. Um, cuz one of the questions I I had is 510 00:38:21,040 --> 00:38:28,400 why is the city own this property and why isn't it not in reserve? So, that 511 00:38:25,320 --> 00:38:34,000 makes sense. Okay. The second thing is, um, you know, it's it's an island as you 512 00:38:30,760 --> 00:38:39,120 point out and it still has value for wildlife and that kind of thing. But, 513 00:38:36,840 --> 00:38:43,720 you know, having lived down in this area for like 25 years, I don't live down 514 00:38:41,520 --> 00:38:51,640 there anymore, but you know, there were all sorts of little islands created 515 00:38:47,440 --> 00:38:56,280 in the um development process and um so as as an example, I owned a house 516 00:38:54,200 --> 00:39:01,840 back on what they called, you know, it was a preserve lot it but but it wasn't 517 00:38:59,120 --> 00:39:06,480 a preserve. It was an island that was surrounded by homes, a mountain and 518 00:39:04,880 --> 00:39:12,080 there were no trails on it because fences went all the way around. Uh, and 519 00:39:10,120 --> 00:39:16,520 but it it was never thought to be part of the preserve and frankly, the 520 00:39:14,040 --> 00:39:20,440 homeowners association had to take care of any issues or problems there or 521 00:39:18,680 --> 00:39:25,360 liability or whatever. 522 00:39:22,240 --> 00:39:30,600 And there are probably hundreds of those kinds of situations around the city and 523 00:39:28,680 --> 00:39:34,120 I'm just trying to think through the process of 524 00:39:32,080 --> 00:39:40,240 islands like this. Um, obviously if somebody's giving it to 525 00:39:36,560 --> 00:39:46,360 us, it's great, right? But, um Um, I'm just thinking about you know, 526 00:39:43,600 --> 00:39:50,600 this island could end up getting being surrounded by development in the future 527 00:39:48,720 --> 00:39:57,640 based upon the the ownership pattern, I think. But, 528 00:39:54,080 --> 00:40:01,080 it's kind of hard to tell, right? >> Right. Um, 529 00:39:59,200 --> 00:40:06,240 thank you, Chairperson Newmark. Um, we did a site visit on this, Jared 530 00:40:03,080 --> 00:40:10,880 Rogers and I with the rep and we had several discussions with him about these 531 00:40:09,280 --> 00:40:15,800 other parcels and what they're going through through their development. In 532 00:40:12,840 --> 00:40:20,560 fact, the one directly to the west is from our understanding is having some 533 00:40:17,600 --> 00:40:24,840 real challenges and hurdles um with the infrastructure that they 534 00:40:22,800 --> 00:40:29,520 need to get that the picture doesn't really do it justice to really display 535 00:40:28,000 --> 00:40:34,360 the the wash area 536 00:40:31,400 --> 00:40:40,240 the hillside how it goes through. Um what our hope is because of how close 537 00:40:38,240 --> 00:40:44,200 this parcel is to the preserve even if we could acquire the one just directly 538 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:50,120 north of it now we've got some connectivity straight there. The ones to 539 00:40:46,520 --> 00:40:56,840 the east also again the picture doesn't do it justice. It's very the topography 540 00:40:53,400 --> 00:41:02,040 is is not easy to build at all and these parcels have been sitting for a while 541 00:40:59,200 --> 00:41:05,560 and one of the parcels even to the north a little bit you can see someone tried 542 00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:08,960 to build their own little makeshift house on it maybe with some stones and 543 00:41:07,640 --> 00:41:13,200 everything and then from our understanding it's been like that for 544 00:41:10,440 --> 00:41:17,960 many many years. So that's where our thought is this might be a good leverage 545 00:41:15,480 --> 00:41:22,000 point um because there is that big wash that goes down under the the freeway 546 00:41:20,240 --> 00:41:26,400 area there too with the 202 so it provides that connectivity and then over 547 00:41:24,520 --> 00:41:30,480 time we're our hope we're hopeful these other property owners might see the 548 00:41:28,280 --> 00:41:34,640 benefit maybe for their own tax purposes or what financially to maybe offer the 549 00:41:32,720 --> 00:41:39,240 donation to the city. >> Right. Well that that 550 00:41:36,600 --> 00:41:45,840 that's very helpful information and and also I assume that big parcel to the 551 00:41:42,560 --> 00:41:49,480 east of there was probably required to be 552 00:41:46,880 --> 00:41:55,800 you know left as hillside or desert when they developed that gated 553 00:41:52,680 --> 00:42:01,080 community is that be my guess but I I don't know that for sure. 554 00:41:58,240 --> 00:42:06,600 Um okay. Well that's that's that's very helpful. Yeah I was I just 555 00:42:03,640 --> 00:42:12,280 if if we were buying it I might have a different thought about it. The fact 556 00:42:09,200 --> 00:42:15,920 that they're they're donating it to us I I 557 00:42:13,760 --> 00:42:21,880 I don't know why we wouldn't do it, particularly given the adjacency to the 558 00:42:19,720 --> 00:42:27,400 preserve. Some you know, if they donated the one that was behind my house, that 559 00:42:24,280 --> 00:42:30,920 was surrounded by fences and houses, maybe a different story, right? And it 560 00:42:29,200 --> 00:42:36,480 was a little bit farther away from preserve land. So, I could I can see why 561 00:42:34,360 --> 00:42:40,120 this this makes a lot of sense. And of course, 562 00:42:37,720 --> 00:42:45,280 I'm not not appreciative of the donation, but I just I'm just thinking 563 00:42:43,360 --> 00:42:50,760 about, you know, if all these homeowners associations donated their stranded 564 00:42:48,080 --> 00:42:57,000 islands to us, we might not want them, right? Um, this one I think is a little 565 00:42:55,040 --> 00:43:01,040 different than that. And that and it makes a lot of sense. And um 566 00:43:00,000 --> 00:43:03,840 I don't know if there are other questions, but I'd be willing to make a 567 00:43:02,840 --> 00:43:05,680 motion to >> I do have a question. 568 00:43:04,680 --> 00:43:10,840 » Okay, go ahead. >> Okay, I'll wait I'll wait on the motion. 569 00:43:08,160 --> 00:43:16,960 » To Rick's point, is the donation unconditional so that if if these 570 00:43:14,040 --> 00:43:21,480 things that are very unlikely to happen did occur, the city would have some 571 00:43:19,080 --> 00:43:24,680 options and not have a little stranded island parcel? 572 00:43:25,640 --> 00:43:31,320 In other words, could the city let's just say that 573 00:43:30,160 --> 00:43:37,880 something happened and there were development um between the existing 574 00:43:34,320 --> 00:43:43,880 preserve and this donated parcel and the city decided and it would actually be 575 00:43:41,120 --> 00:43:49,760 better for us to sell this parcel and we'll do something good with the 576 00:43:47,040 --> 00:43:53,760 proceeds from that sale. Is would something like that be feasible or is 577 00:43:51,440 --> 00:43:58,360 the city really committed forever and ever to this little island that is not 578 00:43:56,920 --> 00:44:03,720 quite connected to the preserve? Understanding that it's unlikely, but 579 00:44:02,040 --> 00:44:08,760 » Yeah, board member Ford, that's a very good question. Um, 580 00:44:05,760 --> 00:44:13,480 city charter prevents the sale of preserve property without 581 00:44:11,480 --> 00:44:17,640 if we right it would it's not going straight into the preserve, right? Well, 582 00:44:16,200 --> 00:44:21,160 our request to be to have a dedicated preserve but 583 00:44:19,520 --> 00:44:25,760 maybe that's something we can look at whether we 584 00:44:22,800 --> 00:44:31,200 refrain maybe from designating it as preserved just acquire the acquisition, 585 00:44:28,360 --> 00:44:34,920 not have it designated preserve until a later time. We could 586 00:44:35,440 --> 00:44:40,800 that would be an option for consideration. 587 00:44:39,080 --> 00:44:44,960 » And are there any other conditions related to the donation that that 588 00:44:45,320 --> 00:44:52,840 could constrain the city's ability to do what is the best thing to do with 589 00:44:50,560 --> 00:44:56,000 that parcel should these unlikely developments occur? 590 00:44:57,280 --> 00:45:02,200 » Not not that I'm aware of. Um 591 00:45:04,960 --> 00:45:10,960 I can't think of anything. I mean I know that the property owner is still doing 592 00:45:10,120 --> 00:45:14,840 things like going through their environmental assessment of it too, 593 00:45:13,040 --> 00:45:20,600 making sure all the environmental pieces would be adequate for us. But once 594 00:45:18,160 --> 00:45:24,520 acquired um there's no other 595 00:45:22,920 --> 00:45:28,840 maybe strings attached to it or conditions that I'm aware of with it. It 596 00:45:26,680 --> 00:45:32,160 would be a complete donation to us. >> Thank you. 597 00:45:29,440 --> 00:45:36,880 » Mr. Chairman, on on that same line of discussion I actually sort of have a 598 00:45:34,680 --> 00:45:41,440 diff an opposite thought which is if we don't put it in preserve now 599 00:45:39,600 --> 00:45:47,480 there will be leverage in the future for somebody to come in and say I I I need I 600 00:45:44,040 --> 00:45:52,120 need this city to develop my parcel and somebody may you know, push the 601 00:45:50,000 --> 00:45:58,480 department to sell the uh parcel. So I'd rather put you know, I 602 00:45:55,320 --> 00:46:05,560 I my sense is I'd rather given how close it is and how uh valuable the staff 603 00:46:02,840 --> 00:46:11,400 has indicated that it would be for wildlife and other things. I would 604 00:46:08,520 --> 00:46:15,600 probably put it in the preserve and and risk that we could never sell it 605 00:46:14,240 --> 00:46:20,200 because I don't >> I think that's a if you 606 00:46:17,720 --> 00:46:24,040 I think that's a good point and I defer to you because you know land 607 00:46:22,040 --> 00:46:31,000 transactions and how what people how people respond, but I am 608 00:46:28,960 --> 00:46:35,080 concerned that 609 00:46:31,640 --> 00:46:40,760 about having a little piece of preserve that could have mischief around it that 610 00:46:38,400 --> 00:46:44,760 wouldn't be desirable. And it's not this isn't 611 00:46:41,800 --> 00:46:50,040 it's and it's terrible because it looks like I'm not feeling 612 00:46:47,680 --> 00:46:56,360 that this is a wonderful gift to the city. It absolutely is, but we are 613 00:46:52,760 --> 00:47:01,200 counting on neighboring land owners being willing to sell their property at 614 00:46:58,480 --> 00:47:05,120 a price that the city thinks would, you know, be the right price or maybe even 615 00:47:04,160 --> 00:47:09,880 you know, taking a page out of the donor's book 616 00:47:07,280 --> 00:47:15,040 and donating. And what would be what if the 617 00:47:13,000 --> 00:47:18,840 the the things that we're envisioning don't happen? 618 00:47:16,840 --> 00:47:22,640 Then is it going to be problematic for the parks department to own this 10 619 00:47:20,560 --> 00:47:29,080 acres that are not quite connected to the preserve? 620 00:47:25,160 --> 00:47:34,000 » So, the the motion will be to accept the donation and to designate 621 00:47:31,360 --> 00:47:39,640 it as mountain as mountain preserve. So, if we accept that, it will be 622 00:47:37,800 --> 00:47:45,760 part of the mountain preserve. >> But what I'm asking is 623 00:47:42,160 --> 00:47:50,560 what the surrounding areas don't become incorporated into the preserve, which is 624 00:47:48,280 --> 00:47:56,840 kind of our that would be the long-term best possible aspiration. Is there any 625 00:47:54,720 --> 00:48:01,080 is there any potential problem for the Parks Department with 626 00:47:58,440 --> 00:48:05,560 having in perpetuity now develop this little island, Tanager Island, a 627 00:48:03,040 --> 00:48:09,120 preserve. And and which you're the expert, so 628 00:48:07,080 --> 00:48:14,680 you know, that's what I'm asking. Like, what's the worst that could happen that 629 00:48:12,840 --> 00:48:17,600 where you could envision a future where it actually wasn't that great to get 630 00:48:16,280 --> 00:48:21,400 this little piece of property because the things that we hoped that would 631 00:48:19,000 --> 00:48:25,640 happen around it didn't. >> So, we Thank you, um 632 00:48:24,040 --> 00:48:31,720 Board Member Porter. I we acquired Carver Mountain. Um it's a 633 00:48:28,680 --> 00:48:36,080 larger parcel, obviously, but that is a kind of an island, so to speak, as well. 634 00:48:34,000 --> 00:48:40,680 I mean, the intent is to one day have some trails there on that one. 635 00:48:38,360 --> 00:48:44,000 Um so, that's one that's not maybe directly connected to another preserve 636 00:48:42,880 --> 00:48:47,520 area. With this parcel, 637 00:48:45,720 --> 00:48:51,080 the parcel to the north would be the connectivity. I mean, we would just only 638 00:48:49,440 --> 00:48:55,920 need that first one, and we've got that connectivity. And to the south, as I 639 00:48:54,000 --> 00:49:00,280 indicated, unfortunately, it would be nice to have a maybe video, but to the 640 00:48:58,160 --> 00:49:04,560 south that it's it's a kind of a real wash area right there. 641 00:49:02,320 --> 00:49:08,120 So, there's not really development that's going to occur right on the back 642 00:49:06,040 --> 00:49:11,600 side of those homes to the north of them because of the wash that runs through 643 00:49:09,760 --> 00:49:16,120 there. So, this is going to still at least give that corridor wildlife that 644 00:49:14,560 --> 00:49:20,080 goes back under the freeway cuz there's like a little 645 00:49:17,600 --> 00:49:22,400 APSA area, like a little substation thing right there on the corner by the 646 00:49:21,160 --> 00:49:26,840 freeway, and it goes straight under the freeway, 647 00:49:24,160 --> 00:49:30,720 the the corridor or the wash there. So, at the 648 00:49:28,360 --> 00:49:35,200 the very least, we would have some still connectivity to the wash and wildlife 649 00:49:32,640 --> 00:49:35,200 right there. 650 00:49:36,920 --> 00:49:41,880 » The other The other thing I'm guessing, and and those of you who've been with 651 00:49:39,880 --> 00:49:44,320 the department for a while may may know this. There may 652 00:49:42,960 --> 00:49:49,880 I'm guessing the history of the preserves is peppered with islands. And 653 00:49:47,880 --> 00:49:55,520 that And there may be many of them out there today. You know, I even looking at 654 00:49:52,720 --> 00:50:00,800 your very cover slide that you had it looked like there was maybe one or two 655 00:49:57,600 --> 00:50:07,400 around South Mountain still where you know, it's not ideal, but it is 656 00:50:04,600 --> 00:50:12,400 it still makes for a hopscotch. You know, it's a but what I 657 00:50:10,320 --> 00:50:18,040 would say is you know, we really should work hard to try to get that connection 658 00:50:15,680 --> 00:50:24,960 through a purchase or donation as we as we go forward if we approve 659 00:50:21,880 --> 00:50:24,960 the recommendation. 660 00:50:27,680 --> 00:50:38,800 » Great. Any other questions? So, I will make the motion as we had 661 00:50:35,960 --> 00:50:44,680 originally planned it was to accept the donation and to designate it as a part 662 00:50:42,440 --> 00:50:49,800 of the mountain preserve. So, if I get 663 00:50:46,640 --> 00:50:53,120 have someone make that motion. So, moved. Second. 664 00:50:52,200 --> 00:50:55,480 » Second. >> All those in favor. 665 00:50:54,680 --> 00:50:57,360 » I. >> I. 666 00:50:56,040 --> 00:51:02,720 » I. >> And of course with the input put in by 667 00:51:00,600 --> 00:51:06,320 my fellow board members obviously. So, we appreciate it. Thank you very much. 668 00:51:06,680 --> 00:51:12,520 Sorry. I've had this cough for about 3 weeks 669 00:51:11,080 --> 00:51:17,960 maybe. So, call to the public. We do have a 670 00:51:14,640 --> 00:51:23,160 couple of people citizens provided to make statements to the board. 671 00:51:20,280 --> 00:51:27,480 We welcome citizen however items brought to the board's attention cannot be 672 00:51:25,200 --> 00:51:32,200 discussed unless they're listed as an agenda item action taken as a result of 673 00:51:30,240 --> 00:51:37,160 public comment will be limited to requesting staff to study the matter or 674 00:51:34,840 --> 00:51:42,760 rescheduling the matter for further consideration or a decision at the later 675 00:51:39,880 --> 00:51:45,440 date. Jerry, you're here. So, you have 2 minutes. 676 00:51:51,320 --> 00:51:55,240 » And we got you the information. Thank you. 677 00:51:55,480 --> 00:52:04,640 » Uh thank you. Yeah, it and it wasn't planned. Jerry Vargas, caretaker of 678 00:52:01,760 --> 00:52:09,360 Jesse Owens' Olympic medals. Uh I was headed out the door this 679 00:52:06,320 --> 00:52:14,600 morning to make my rounds about 4:00 and I happened to look at my iPad. 680 00:52:11,840 --> 00:52:18,120 I'm pretty familiar with Jesse's uh you know, face and 681 00:52:17,240 --> 00:52:23,320 uh there he was on USA Today. 682 00:52:21,680 --> 00:52:27,760 Uh and they're doing in 683 00:52:24,200 --> 00:52:30,760 contacts with the 250th uh anniversary of the founding of the 684 00:52:29,320 --> 00:52:35,880 country. They're doing these surveys around the 685 00:52:33,240 --> 00:52:40,640 country with all the different sports. This week happens to be track and field. 686 00:52:39,440 --> 00:52:44,280 And uh you know, we don't we don't need to 687 00:52:41,840 --> 00:52:50,200 campaign for Jesse around the country. He's got a groundswell, you know, people 688 00:52:47,240 --> 00:52:55,440 that know him, his exploits, and what he meant to the country. 689 00:52:52,040 --> 00:53:00,520 Uh but we you know, our the same people feel slighted that he was not included 690 00:52:58,480 --> 00:53:04,040 on the survey for the renaming of the Cesar Chavez Park. 691 00:53:02,520 --> 00:53:07,760 Uh but you know, just like Jesse overcame everything, they're going to 692 00:53:05,920 --> 00:53:13,320 vote in legion legionnaire numbers. We've got uh 693 00:53:10,360 --> 00:53:18,920 uh votes coming in from his alma mater, from all the athletes, uh Ohio State, uh 694 00:53:17,000 --> 00:53:24,800 Michigan where he set four world records. This past weekend, I was up at 695 00:53:21,600 --> 00:53:30,760 his uh old home neighborhood off of uh Shay and 32nd Street. 696 00:53:28,480 --> 00:53:35,440 Uh they have a Memorial Day weekend kickoff for the summer 697 00:53:33,440 --> 00:53:39,320 that Jesse and two neighbors started back in 1974. 698 00:53:37,520 --> 00:53:45,400 Still going on. And every year four 699 00:53:42,400 --> 00:53:50,160 uh World War II vintage bombers fly over his house 8:00 Memorial Day morning. 700 00:53:48,720 --> 00:53:54,280 We were waiting for them and all of a sudden 701 00:53:51,320 --> 00:53:58,080 this humongous roar the F-35 702 00:53:55,920 --> 00:54:01,880 did a flyby. And then went over to Pismo Peak and 703 00:53:59,760 --> 00:54:04,680 then to the National Cemetery. Thank you. 704 00:54:03,360 --> 00:54:10,080 » Thank you, Jerry. And uh we have someone on the line. 705 00:54:07,680 --> 00:54:13,960 Uh we have uh Jeremy Fecker on the line. Jeremy? 706 00:54:11,840 --> 00:54:17,480 » Uh thanks. Uh I too want to say >> 2 minutes. 707 00:54:14,920 --> 00:54:23,160 » Yeah. I too want to support uh the renaming of the park to 708 00:54:19,480 --> 00:54:26,640 Jesse Owens Park. And I'm surprised that uh 709 00:54:24,480 --> 00:54:31,440 the name wasn't included. It's a we have to write it in on the survey. Um 710 00:54:29,560 --> 00:54:35,480 and the fact that he's competing against uh 711 00:54:32,840 --> 00:54:39,600 a cow is a little uh embarrassing considering he's one of the greatest 712 00:54:37,520 --> 00:54:45,320 uh athletes and Olympians in US history and 713 00:54:42,120 --> 00:54:45,320 like the USA Today said 714 00:54:45,560 --> 00:54:49,920 almost unquestionably the most important. Uh 715 00:54:48,440 --> 00:54:53,880 and he lived here for the last decade of his life 716 00:54:51,200 --> 00:54:53,880 and 717 00:54:54,000 --> 00:55:01,320 contributed substantially to the community. And 718 00:54:59,520 --> 00:55:05,880 it's a slight that he wasn't included and we'd like that to be remedied uh 719 00:55:04,320 --> 00:55:09,640 quickly as possible on the survey as it stands today. 720 00:55:07,600 --> 00:55:15,240 Thank you. Thank you. 721 00:55:11,520 --> 00:55:20,520 So now we have uh board chairs report um for today. Fit Phoenix morning yoga 722 00:55:18,880 --> 00:55:25,440 at Encino Park. Start your weekend uh your weekend right 723 00:55:23,080 --> 00:55:29,200 with a moving yoga class to wake up your body and clear your mind. 724 00:55:27,640 --> 00:55:32,200 The next session will take place on Saturday. 725 00:55:30,560 --> 00:55:36,040 I don't think this is correct. February 14th, that's um 726 00:55:36,080 --> 00:55:41,480 I don't know do It says February 14th. 727 00:55:39,280 --> 00:55:46,000 » June 14th. June 14th. >> From 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Encanto 728 00:55:43,880 --> 00:55:52,240 Park Do Someone Had Valentine's on their mind. Uh 729 00:55:48,600 --> 00:55:57,840 Encanto Park Clubhouse located at 2499 North 15th Avenue in Phoenix. 730 00:55:55,600 --> 00:56:02,400 Uh then we have the Phoenix Father's Day Walk Morning with Dad. The Phoenix 731 00:56:00,400 --> 00:56:07,800 Father's Day Walk takes place on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 732 00:56:05,240 --> 00:56:12,400 with activities running from 7:30 a.m. till noon. Join the community for a 733 00:56:10,240 --> 00:56:16,960 meaningful morning walk and family festivities beginning at Encanto Park in 734 00:56:15,240 --> 00:56:22,400 Phoenix. Celebrate fatherhood, connection, and purpose while supporting 735 00:56:19,360 --> 00:56:25,800 safer futures and Arizona families. And finally, the summer sports 736 00:56:24,160 --> 00:56:30,920 registration uh for the 2026 summer season of adult 737 00:56:29,080 --> 00:56:35,520 and youth outdoor sports and indoors activities open this month. There are 738 00:56:33,520 --> 00:56:42,720 activities available through August and registration is available on activenet. 739 00:56:40,000 --> 00:56:47,120 Uh now we go on to board member comments or requests. Board members, any comments 740 00:56:44,720 --> 00:56:52,360 or requests? Go right ahead. >> Um just one. I We moved so fast at the 741 00:56:49,680 --> 00:56:57,160 beginning um and uh there was an item on the agenda just information that I just 742 00:56:55,000 --> 00:57:01,600 want to ask a follow-up question on which has to do 743 00:56:58,960 --> 00:57:06,000 with the council's ordinance which uh takes effect and you're going to 744 00:57:03,120 --> 00:57:10,920 start taking applications next week for the food uh service and medical 745 00:57:09,680 --> 00:57:15,840 um um services in parks. 746 00:57:13,720 --> 00:57:20,760 Um what is um 747 00:57:18,240 --> 00:57:28,680 I got the impression that we were going to have to come back and amend some park 748 00:57:23,720 --> 00:57:33,160 rules to conform with the new ordinance and I'm just curious what the the 749 00:57:30,720 --> 00:57:35,320 of that is and when we would uh 750 00:57:33,800 --> 00:57:39,920 be hearing that. I may have the wrong 751 00:57:38,120 --> 00:57:43,000 impression, too. Tell me if I'm wrong. >> Mr. Chairman, members of the Parks 752 00:57:41,360 --> 00:57:48,440 Board, board member, name Marty, you do have the correct impression. Uh you are 753 00:57:45,320 --> 00:57:53,560 right. We did open our uh allocations for the new Parks 754 00:57:49,920 --> 00:57:56,800 Ordinance on May the 7th. Those did um conclude 755 00:57:55,160 --> 00:58:00,920 um last Friday. 756 00:57:58,280 --> 00:58:05,600 Uh we are looking through the the um permit requests right now. We will come 757 00:58:03,000 --> 00:58:10,600 back in June with an update to our code of conduct for the Parks Ordinance. 758 00:58:08,560 --> 00:58:14,320 » Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Any other questions from the 759 00:58:12,240 --> 00:58:18,200 board members? Thank you. Uh now uh director's 760 00:58:16,640 --> 00:58:21,400 briefing. Marty? >> All right. Chairman Moya, members of the 761 00:58:20,080 --> 00:58:25,040 Parks Board, we'll start with our assistant director, Todd Schaeffer. 762 00:58:25,400 --> 00:58:32,240 » Good evening, Chairman Moya, members of the Parks Board. Camp Colley 763 00:58:30,200 --> 00:58:37,080 Great slide here. Camp Colley is a place where youth can explore nature, build 764 00:58:34,560 --> 00:58:42,200 confidence, and form lasting friendships in an inclusive environment that welcome 765 00:58:39,520 --> 00:58:46,920 both neuro-diverse and neurotypical campers. For summer 2026, the camp will 766 00:58:45,080 --> 00:58:51,280 offer 5 weeks of programming from mid-June through late July. 767 00:58:49,320 --> 00:58:56,800 With each week featuring both adventure camp for ages 7 to 15 and the team 768 00:58:54,000 --> 00:59:01,840 leadership counselor in training program for ages 16 and 17. 769 00:58:59,520 --> 00:59:06,160 Adventure camp focuses on outdoor recreation, teamwork, and personal 770 00:59:03,880 --> 00:59:10,520 growth, while the CIT program provides hands-on leadership development, job 771 00:59:08,600 --> 00:59:16,400 readiness skills, and a mentorship experience. The cost for all programs is 772 00:59:13,440 --> 00:59:21,200 $250 per camper, which includes transportation, meals, lodging, 773 00:59:18,480 --> 00:59:25,080 programming, and supplies. Phoenix residents must 774 00:59:23,040 --> 00:59:28,880 register through ActiveNet to receive their resident pricing, and early 775 00:59:26,880 --> 00:59:32,840 registration is encouraged due to limited transportation space. 776 00:59:33,320 --> 00:59:38,920 On May 25th, the Parks and Recreation Department opened 23 pool facilities to 777 00:59:37,800 --> 00:59:42,920 provide or pool facilities to the public for 778 00:59:40,680 --> 00:59:46,640 Memorial Day, offering open swim from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. 779 00:59:45,080 --> 00:59:51,000 The holiday weekend marked the official start of the summer pool season and the 780 00:59:48,600 --> 00:59:55,560 community turnout was tremendous. Over the 3-day weekend, nearly 10,000 781 00:59:53,200 --> 00:59:59,840 people visited our pools, showing just how valued these spaces are 782 00:59:57,960 --> 01:00:04,840 for families looking to cool off, stay active, and enjoy time together. 783 01:00:02,920 --> 01:00:08,280 That, I'll turn over to the director. >> All right, thank you, Todd. On May the 784 01:00:06,360 --> 01:00:12,720 20th, the Arizona Diamondbacks invited the Parks and Recreation Department to 785 01:00:10,440 --> 01:00:17,840 participate in an on-field check presentation at their home game at Chase 786 01:00:14,800 --> 01:00:21,760 Field, recognizing the swim lesson donation of 20,000 made in partnership 787 01:00:20,000 --> 01:00:26,000 with Presidential Pools. This opportunity highlights our ongoing 788 01:00:23,480 --> 01:00:30,360 collaboration around water safety and community programming. Vice Mayor Keisha 789 01:00:28,360 --> 01:00:33,880 Hodge-Washington was also present, joining representatives from the 790 01:00:31,640 --> 01:00:38,680 department for the presentation. I did ask the the Vice Mayor to excuse me from 791 01:00:37,120 --> 01:00:44,640 from council that day so we could stay and watch the game. She asked if I could 792 01:00:40,520 --> 01:00:44,640 excuse her, so we both came to council. 793 01:00:44,680 --> 01:00:50,360 I'm pleased to introduce our new Deputy Parks and Recreation Director for 794 01:00:48,360 --> 01:00:54,960 Management Services, Stacy Atzmgersberger, who joined us on May the 795 01:00:53,040 --> 01:00:58,880 25th. I think she was in that room we're meeting right now. Stacy 796 01:00:57,240 --> 01:01:03,640 brings more than a decade of experience with the City of Phoenix, beginning as a 797 01:01:01,000 --> 01:01:07,760 management fellow in 2011, and later serving in key leadership roles within 798 01:01:05,800 --> 01:01:12,280 the Public Works Department, where she oversaw administrative and operational 799 01:01:10,320 --> 01:01:16,880 functions, contract and budget management, and regulatory compliance. 800 01:01:15,320 --> 01:01:22,280 Her leadership has been recognized statewide, earning her the 2017 801 01:01:19,960 --> 01:01:27,520 Operations Manager of the Year Award, and the 2024 802 01:01:24,120 --> 01:01:31,720 Rachel Raymond Leadership Award. Uh her connection through parks and recreation 803 01:01:29,840 --> 01:01:35,760 goes way back to her first job as a recreation leader in Chandler. So, 804 01:01:33,680 --> 01:01:39,120 please join me in welcoming Stacy to the team. 805 01:01:37,360 --> 01:01:41,560 With that, that concludes our director's update. 806 01:01:41,720 --> 01:01:47,400 » Oh, great. Thank you, everyone. Uh thank you again to staff for getting us all 807 01:01:45,640 --> 01:01:53,440 ready for this, and thank you to my fellow board members. And one more 808 01:01:50,280 --> 01:01:57,120 meeting until our summer break. So, we will see you all next week month. 809 01:01:55,880 --> 01:01:59,600 Thank you. Adjourned.