PHX Newsroom Feature Enhancements

Take Advantage of Extended Summer Hours at City Trailheads

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2769

Parks and Recreation

6/1/2023 11:00:00 PM

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Take Advantage of Extended Summer Hours at City Trailheads

<div class="ExternalClassA1FB694761934389807B4396F29EBB6F"><html> During the Valley's warm weather months, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department recommends hiking during the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler and there is more shade. To help with that recommendation, extended summer hours are in effect annually from June through September at three of the City's popular hiking destinations – <a style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(154, 0, 73);background:transparent;font-family:hind, sans-serif;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;font-weight:700;" href="/parks/trails/locations/north-mountain" target="_blank">North Mountain Park</a> and <a style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(154, 0, 73);background:transparent;font-family:hind, sans-serif;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;font-weight:700;" href="/parks/trails/locations/piestewa-peak" target="_blank">Piestewa Peak Trailhead</a> in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and <a style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(154, 0, 73);background:transparent;font-family:hind, sans-serif;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;font-weight:700;" href="/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain" target="_blank">Pima Canyon Trailhead</a> in South Mountain Park/Preserve. To provide an extra two hours of availability and promote hiking after 7 p.m., parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations. Year-round at those three trailheads, parking lots open at 5 a.m. and trails are open until 11 p.m. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation and Phoenix Fire departments remind trail users to <a style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(154, 0, 73);background:transparent;font-family:hind, sans-serif;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;font-weight:700;" href="/parks/trails/" target="_blank">"Take a Hike. Do it Right."</a> when enjoying the city's desert parks and mountain preserves. All trail users should follow these important and potentially life-saving hiking safety guidelines: <ul style="box-sizing:border-box;font-family:hind, "open sans", sans-serif;font-size:16px;" dir="" class=""> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Watch the Weather: Yes, "it's a dry heat" - but Arizona's temperature can be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it's cool outside, try early mornings and evenings when there's more shade. </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Dress Appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat and sunscreen. </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Bring Water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water. </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Keep in Contact: Carry a mobile phone. </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Team Up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location. </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Be Honest: Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don't push yourself! (Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails.) </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Don't Trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails. </li> <li style="box-sizing:border-box;font-size:1em !important;"> Take Responsibility: Don't be "that person" - the one who wasn't prepared, shouldn't have been there for health reasons or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker, who takes a hike and does it right! </li> </ul> For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors. Visitors to Phoenix's desert parks and mountain preserves should also be aware that the <a style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(154, 0, 73);background:transparent;font-family:hind, sans-serif;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;font-weight:700;" href="/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2728" target="_blank">annual ban of open fires went into effect on May 1</a>. </html></div>

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Parks & Rec

Fabulous Phoenix 4th Fireworks Show Returns in 2023

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2767

Parks and Recreation

6/1/2023 4:00:00 PM

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Fabulous Phoenix 4th Fireworks Show Returns in 2023

<div class="ExternalClassEDB44E35CD524751B0A2032F183DF93E"><html> The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the return of its annual fireworks event, Fabulous Phoenix 4th. The event will take place in 2023 and will be a celebration of the city's vibrant culture and community. Fabulous Phoenix 4th takes place at Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Road) on Tuesday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The 35th Annual Fabulous Phoenix 4th features one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest with more than 7,800 aerial effects. This free, non-alcoholic family event attracts thousands of attendees. "I am thrilled to welcome the return of Fabulous Phoenix 4th fireworks show to our City," District 4 Councilwoman Laura Pastor said. “This event has long been a source of joy and celebration for our community, and I am proud to be part of its revival." "We are delighted to bring back this beloved event," said Cynthia Aguilar, Director of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. "Fabulous Phoenix 4th will be a night of fun, laughter, and excitement for everyone to enjoy." The event will include a spectacular fireworks display with plenty of food, music, and games for all ages. To ensure everyone's safety during the event, we encourage all attendees to follow these simple fireworks safety tips: <ul> <li>Always have an adult present when lighting fireworks. </li> <li>Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass or shrubs. </li> <li>Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. </li> <li>Never point or throw fireworks at another person. </li> <li>Only light one firework at a time and never try to relight a dud. </li> </ul> We look forward to seeing you all at Fabulous Phoenix 4th! Know Before You Go Is there an admission fee? Admission is FREE! Vendors will be selling a variety of items, including food and beverage, arts and crafts, and promotional items. ATMs will NOT be available for this year's event, please plan accordingly. How do I get to the event? The Fabulous Phoenix 4th is held at Steele Indian School Park, located at 3rd St. and Indian School Rd. There is no vehicle entrance and no public parking at the event. The rideshare/taxi area is located on 2nd St. just south of Indian School Rd. There are three pedestrian entrances: Central Ave. and Glenrosa Ave., 3rd St. and Indian School Rd., and 7th St. just north of Turney Ave. Learn more about road closures for the event on the <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4/know-before-you-go" target="_blank">Know Before You Go</a> site. What should I definitely bring? Lots of cold water! Though water will be available for purchase at the event, having an ample supply of water will help ensure that you stay hydrated. Also, it's suggested that you bring shade. Personal shade devices are allowed and encouraged, however, at sunset all standing shade devices must be lowered and safely put away. What items can I NOT bring? Items you cannot bring include drones, alcohol, fold-out tables, personal fireworks, barbecue grills, glass bottles, pets (service animals are permitted), laser pointers, skateboards, inline skates and kites. Fishing is prohibited during the event. For more tips and information, visit our <a href="/parks/special-events/fabphx4" target="_blank">Fabulous Phoenix 4th website</a>. For recorded event information call 602 534 FEST (3378). Other Fireworks Events After Dark in the Park and Light Up The Sky are also returning in 2023. After Dark in the Park takes place on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, at Deer Valley Park, 19602 N. 19th Ave. Fireworks being at 8:45 p.m. Light Up the Sky occurs on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at American Family Fields of Phoenix, 3600 N. 51st Ave. </html></div>

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Fire Ban in Desert Parks and Preserves Starts May 1

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2728

Parks and Recreation

4/17/2023 4:00:00 PM

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Fire Ban in Desert Parks and Preserves Starts May 1

<div class="ExternalClass6910694CC97D4DC092073EAF40A6C8DB"><html> The <a href="/parks/" target="_blank">Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department</a> will put into effect its annual ban of open fires in the city's desert parks and mountain preserves starting Monday, May 1. The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department's <a href="https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/maricopa-countys-regional-parks-to-implement-annual-fire-ban-on-may-1/" target="_blank">annual fire ban goes into effect the same day</a>. In consultation with the Phoenix Fire Department, smoking and charcoal fires are included in the ban due to the extreme fire danger that the combination of low humidity, increased temperatures, excessive dry vegetation, and frequent high winds create each spring. The ban applies to Camelback Mountain, Deem Hills Recreation Area, Lookout Mountain, Papago Park, Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, North Mountain Park, Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, and South Mountain Park/Preserve. The ban does not apply to the city's flatland parks. For those using the city's desert parks and preserve land, the fire ban stipulates the following: <ul dir="" class=""> <li> Open wood and charcoal fires are prohibited </li> <li> Propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas </li> <li> Smoking outside enclosed vehicles is prohibited year-round </li> <li> Fireworks are prohibited year-round </li> </ul> Motorists traveling through or near Phoenix's desert parks and mountain preserves should use extreme care with smoking materials and dispose of those only in their vehicle's ash tray. To protect their homes, residents whose property borders the city's preserve land may remove dry shrubs, brush and grasses, and trim dead branches from trees within the 10-foot strip of land that borders their property. By creating this 10-foot "buffer zone" residents can help to protect their homes from potential brush fires in the adjacent preserve land. Preserve neighbors also should check irrigation lines and pool back-flush hoses to ensure that water is not seeping into the preserve. Outside water sources encourage unnaturally dense vegetation growth, which increases fire risk. For general information regarding removing vegetation, residents can contact a Phoenix Park Ranger at 602-495-5458 or <a href="mailto:natural.resources.pks@phoenix.gov." target="_blank">natural.resources.pks@phoenix.gov </a>. As the temperature increases and humidity drops this time of year, those utilizing the city's desert parks and mountain preserves should use extra caution. Heat-related illness is common from May to October, and generally occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or overexerted their body based on physical condition or age. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and Phoenix Fire Department remind trail users to <a href="/parks/trails" target="_blank">"Take a Hike. Do it Right."</a> when enjoying the city's desert parks and mountain preserves. <a href="/parks/trails" target="_blank">View a hiking safety checklist and guidelines</a>. For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors. <a href="https://www.azhumane.org/events/dont-leave-pets-kids-hot-cars/" target="_blank">Learn how to keep pets safe during Arizona's warm weather months</a>. Detailed information about Phoenix's 41,000-plus acres of desert parks and mountain preserves, and 200-plus miles of trails, is available at <a href="/parks" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/Parks</a>. </html></div>

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Parks & Rec

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2724

Parks and Recreation

4/13/2023 5:30:00 PM

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Popular Phoenix Trails to Close During Extremely Hot Days

<div class="ExternalClass828E141628284824B7967A1FAE1EC07F"><html> This summer, three popular City of Phoenix hiking trails will close during extremely hot days. On days when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning, Camelback Mountain's Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve will close from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. During Excessive Heat Warnings, trail access is limited, parking lot gates will be closed, and signage will be posted. Closure information will be posted on the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's website and social media accounts, and to local resorts and hotels. Additionally, Phoenix Park Rangers will be visible at those locations to remind and educate trail users about the restrictions. To help with that recommendation, extended summer hours are in effect annually from June through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park/Preserve. To provide an extra two hours of availability and promote hiking after 7 p.m., parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations. Year-round at those three trailheads, parking lots open at 5 a.m., and trails are open until 11 p.m. All other trails within the Phoenix parks system will remain open. During the Valley's warm weather months, and regardless of whether an Excessive Heat Watch is in effect, it is recommended that trail users hike during the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler and there is more shade. Looking for an open trail? There are more than 200 miles of open trails within the City of Phoenix. Visit <a href="http://www.Phoenix.gov/trails" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/trails</a> to plan your next hike. BACKGROUND In summer 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department ran a 2 ½ month pilot program from July 13 to September 30 in which they closed these same trails to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths and reduce the risk of injuries to rescue personnel. In October of 2021, the Parks and Recreation Board formally adopted the program limiting hiking on some trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on National Weather Service issued Heat Warning days. The first full season of the Trails and Heat Safety Program ran from May 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022, for a duration of 153 days. There were 18 <a href="http://www.weather.gov" target="_blank">National Weather Service </a>(NWS) issued Heat Warning Days and, therefore, 18 resulting trail closure days in 2022. TAKE A HIKE, DO IT RIGHT The Phoenix Parks and Recreation, and Fire departments have worked in partnership since 2015 to share the <a href="/parks/trails" target="_blank">“Take a Hike. Do it Right.</a>" hiking safety message and continue to lead with education about responsible hiking. All trail users should follow these important and potentially life-saving hiking guidelines: •Dress Appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat, and sunscreen. •Bring Water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water. •Keep in Contact: Carry a mobile phone. •Team Up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location. •Be Honest: Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don't push yourself! (Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails.) •Don't Trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails. •Take Responsibility: Don't be "that person" – the one who wasn't prepared, shouldn't have been there for health reasons, or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker, who takes a hike and does it right! For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors. </html></div>

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Parks & Rec

Meet the Artist: 'Basin' Artist Giving Lecture at South Mountain

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2719

Parks and Recreation

4/12/2023 4:00:00 PM

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Meet the Artist: 'Basin' Artist Giving Lecture at South Mountain

<div class="ExternalClassD7FEDB1184DD41958EEC45A549AA8132"><html> You're invited to a special lecture from artist Rebecca Padilla-Pipkin about her exhibit, Basin, currently on display at South Mountain Environmental Education Center (SMEEC). Basin is a fiber-art exhibit inspired by the natural world. Padilla-Pipkin will be hosting an exclusive lecture at SMEEC takes place Saturday, April 15, at 5 p.m. About the artist Rebecca Padilla-Pipkin is an interdisciplinary visual artist and educator living and working in Phoenix, Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Oklahoma and Master of Fine Art at Arizona State University in 2023. After moving to the United States at age 10, she has lived a transient life and is influenced by the many places she has loved. Her work explores ecologies of place through a wide variety of materials and processes that index moments of interaction and connection. Over the last 3 years, she has been making site-responsive work based on her time in the Sonoran Desert. She grounds her practice in the words of anthropologist Tim Ingold, who says “The forms of objects are not imposed from above, but grow from the mutual involvement of people and materials in an environment.-we work from within the world, not upon it". Ultimately, she strives to make work that deepens the care and attention we give to the places in which we dwell. When: April 15, at 5 p.m. Where: South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S Central Ave,. For more information about the artist: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rebeccapipkinfineart.com">rebeccapipkinfineart.com</a>. </html></div>

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City Pools and Swim Lesson Information for Summer 2023

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2716

Parks and Recreation

4/10/2023 7:00:00 PM

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City Pools and Swim Lesson Information for Summer 2023

<div class="ExternalClass31FEAEF0A0A14F1A8B42B22621A706E5"><html> Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department staff looks forward to seeing community members at a City pool during summer 2023 and would like them to be aware of important details about pool operations and dates for swim lesson registration. The department will open 12 pools all season long and an additional six pools, three in June and three in July, for a total of 18 pools this summer. Pools open for the entire season: Coronado, Cortez, Deer Valley, El Prado, Encanto, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Pecos, Roosevelt, Starlight, Sunnyslope, Washington pools. These pools will be open May 27-29, June 3-July 30 (closed Fridays). Pools open selectively in June (and Memorial Day Weekend) include Cielito, Harmon and Perry pools. These three pools will be open May 27-29, June 3-29 (closed Fridays). Pools open selectively in July include Falcon, Pierce and University pools. These three pools will be open July 3-30 (closed Fridays). Select pools open for extended season include Cortez, Encanto, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Pecos, Roosevelt, Sunnyslope, Pierce pools. These eight pools will be open weekends through Labor Day. Open dates are August 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 and September 2-4. Youth ages 17 and younger will receive FREE admission to swim at select Kool Kids pools. Adults can swim for $3 and seniors for $1 (age 60 and older). Kool Kids pools are as follows: Cielito, Coronado, Deer Valley, Encanto, El Prado, Falcon, Harmon, Maryvale, Perry, Pierce, Roosevelt, Starlight, Sunnyslope, University, Washington. Swim Lessons for Youth and Adults Swim lessons at city pools will be available to adults and youth ages six months and older. Registration for ALL FOUR SESSIONS OPENS on May 4, at 12 p.m. Swim lesson dates are staggered throughout the summer, as listed below: <ul style="list-style-type:disc;"> <li>Session A: June 5 - 15</li> <li>Session B: June 20 - 29</li> <li>Session C: July 3 - 13</li> <li>Session D: July 17 - 27</li> </ul> Due to the limited space available in each session and class, a registration waitlist will be maintained. The complete swim lesson schedule for 2023 and instructions about how to register is available on the <a href="/parks/pools/programs" target="_blank">Aquatics Programs webpage</a>. Additionally, registration for swim lessons will begin at noon on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Arizona Diamondbacks, a select number of swim lessons will be provided at a discounted rate. <a href="/parks/pools/programs" target="_blank">Register online for swim lessons</a>. Kool Kids Pool Locations The Kool Kids program is the result of a partnership between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Milwaukee Brewers to provide free swim admission for kids 17 and under at pools throughout the City of Phoenix. This year the Milwaukee Brewer's donated $58,493 to the program. Kool Kids pools are as follows: Cielito, Coronado, Deer Valley, Encanto, El Prado, Falcon, Harmon, Maryvale, Perry, Pierce, Roosevelt, Starlight, Sunnyslope, University, Washington. The Parks and Recreation Department offers the Jr. Lifeguard and Lifeguard Academy programs for kids who may be interested in becoming future lifeguards. Junior Lifeguard Academy Junior Lifeguard Academy is a Cigna Healthcare-sponsored free program that teaches more than lifeguarding techniques, first aid and CPR/AED training. This five-week program also teaches, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork to youths 13 to 17 years old. At the end of the program, participants will demonstrate what they have learned at the All-City Skills Showcase on Saturday, July 22. Water Exercise Classes This summer we welcome back water exercise classes, Aqua Fit! Classes will be offered at select locations. Thanks to Cigna Healthcare, participants 50 years and older will receive discounted rates. Find a class time online at phoenix.gov/pools. Pool Locations <ul style="list-style-type:disc;"> <li>Cielito Pool, 4551 N 35th Ave</li> <li>Coronado Pool, 1717 N 12th Street</li> <li>Cortez Pool, 3434 W Dunlap Ave</li> <li>Deer Valley Pool, 19400 N. 19th Ave</li> <li>El Prado Pool, 6428 S. 19th Ave</li> <li>Encanto Pool, 2125 N. 15th Ave</li> <li>Falcon Pool, 3420 W Roosevelt St</li> <li>Harmon Pool, 1425 S. 5th Ave</li> <li>Maryvale Pool, 4444 N. 51st Ave</li> <li>Paradise Valley Pool, 17648 N. 40th Street</li> <li>Pecos Pool, 17010 S. 48th Street</li> <li>Perry Pool, 3131 E. Windsor Ave.</li> <li>Pierce Pool, 2150 N 46th St</li> <li>Roosevelt Pool, 6246 S. 7th Street</li> <li>Starlight Pool, 7810 W. Osborn Road</li> <li>Sunnyslope Pool, 301 Dunlap Road</li> <li>University Pool, 1102 W Van Buren St</li> <li>Washington Pool, 6655 N 23rd Ave.</li> </ul> Find more information about specific pool and office hours, call 602-534-6587 or email aquatics.pks@phoenix.gov. </html></div>

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Circle K Park in South Phoenix Changes Names to “Highline Park”

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2710

Parks and Recreation

3/29/2023 9:00:00 PM

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Circle K Park in South Phoenix Changes Names to “Highline Park”

<div class="ExternalClass6ACA7FFCB1BC40E288058FFBCAA99086"><html> During the Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Thursday evening, the board voted to approve a name change for Circle K Park. The new name for the park is “Highline Park" (1346 E South Mountain Rd.) due to its proximity to the Highline Canal in South Phoenix. The name change was approved alongside the approval of the proposed master plan for the park that will include a park renovation and bring amenities such as a new playground area, new lighting, a new sport court, 9-hole Disc Golf Course, WalkPHX path and a new park restroom to the newly-named “Highline Park." “We are thrilled to announce this name change for our beloved park. The new master plan will provide a wide range of enhancements that will make this park a great place for everyone in our community," said Parks and Recreation Board Chair Kelly Dalton. Park renovation design and permitting is anticipated to take approximately 12 to 14 months, and park construction is anticipated to take 12 months. The Highline Park renovation process is expected to be complete in summer 2025. Background The land was initially bought in 1972 and was named Escondido Park. In 1984, the park was developed in a partnership between Parks and Recreation and Circle K, resulting in the name change of the park to Circle K Park. In 1984 the park site was developed through a partnership between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Circle K Corporation. The City of Phoenix contributed $400,000 of City Bond Funds, and Circle K provided a donation of $300,000 towards the project. During the community process and development of the park, the community supported a name change of the park to Circle K Park. Since 1984, the park site has seen many improvements to amenities. The playground has been replaced, the parking lots have been renovated and new ramadas have been installed. Many infrastructure items in the park need improvements or replacement, including items such as the area lighting, sports courts and park restroom. Because of the needs identified, $2.48 million in Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative Funding was allocated for Fiscal Years 2022-24. Staff also worked with the community to develop a new master plan for the park due to the age of the original master plan. </html></div>

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Pueblo Grande Museum Changing Name to “S’edav Va’aki Museum”

https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2705

Parks and Recreation

3/24/2023 3:00:00 PM

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Pueblo Grande Museum Changing Name to “S’edav Va’aki Museum”

<div class="ExternalClassC3EF9F18F94E4CFEB05F092CDDF7C8FC"><html> During a Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board Meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2023, the board voted unanimously to change the name of Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park to “S'edav Va'aki Museum." The name S'edav Va'aki (Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community spelling) or Central Vahki (English spelling) is an O'Odham name that reflects the connection the site has with the local O'Odham and Piipaash communities. S'edav Va'aki refers to the large platform mound (Va'aki) that is preserved at the site, and the central location of this ancestral village within the Salt River Valley and to the extensive canal system created by these exceptional engineers before Euro-Americans moved into the region. The Parks and Recreation Board also approved the use of the marketing tagline, “Gateway to Phoenix Heritage." “Renaming the Pueblo Grande Museum to the S'edav Va'aki Museum could not come at a better time as our city celebrates Phoenix History Month. The name change reflects our commitment to honoring the Indigenous people who helped build our community thousands of years ago. I look forward to the continued educational impact this museum will have on all Phoenicians," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “S'edav Va'aki Museum will continue to be an amazing resource for Phoenix history," District 8 Councilmember Carlos Garcia said. “We must ensure that our local institutions are reflecting the diversity of our area and taking steps to recognize and celebrate all cultures." “This is an important step for our City," said Kelly Dalton, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. "This new name reflects our commitment to honoring those who have shaped our culture and history." “Words and titles matter. This name change will help to have a greater and more direct impact on how this significant ancestral site is interpreted," said Shane Anton, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. The previous name, Pueblo Grande, is defined in the Spanish language and denotes the site as a “pueblo," which is not how the O'Odham would describe their villages or habitation sites. The museum exists to preserve and help interpret the site and the ancestral occupation and to bring attention to living indigenous communities. Located on a site with one of the few remaining platform mounds (Va'aki) differentiates the museum from other museums in Phoenix. Rebranding the museum with an appropriate O'Odham name will better serve museum audiences. This change will elevate the museum's profile and increase interest in the site. Throughout summer and fall, the museum will gradually begin transitioning signage throughout the museum and on the website. In fall of 2023, the new S'edav Va'aki Museum will unveil its new logo during a “reopening" event. The Parks and Recreation Department acknowledges the City of Phoenix is located within Native Land. Read the department's commitment to respecting Ancestral Indigenous Communities in our Land Acknowledgement Statement on <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Users/082377/Desktop/phoenix.gov/parks">phoenix.gov/parks</a>. Pronunciation guide: <ul><li>S'edav pronounced suh-UH-dahf</li><li>Va'aki pronounced VAH-ah-kee</li><li>O'Odham pronounced awe-THUMB</li><li>Piipaash pronounced pee-POSH</li></ul> </html></div>

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PhoenixParks

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parks-and-recreation

Parks & Rec

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7IZMUFhNA9rTlLMWuWEV3Q

https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/az/phoenix/city-of-phoenix

phxparks

phoenixparks

Twitter

Mayor & Council Districts

Mayor
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8

Departments

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