Phoenix Parks Board Approves Expansion of Trail Closure Program to South Mountain and Implements Earlier Trail Closures | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3256 | Parks and Recreation | | 10/25/2024 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3256/Newsroom Image.jpg | | Phoenix Parks Board Approves Expansion of Trail Closure Program to South Mountain and Implements Earlier Trail Closures | <div class="ExternalClassB1C6982483FF4B058F6E8CBC37998A97"><html>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
On Thursday evening, the City of Phoenix Parks Board voted in favor of expanding the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to include all trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve and to implement trail closures beginning at 8 a.m., rather than the previous time of 9 a.m. Effective immediately, these proactive measures will ensure the safety of trail users and first responders during extreme weather conditions, particularly during the summer months.
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
Currently, the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program encompasses the Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails at Camelback Mountain, as well as the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and associated trails at the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. These trails are closed when an Excessive Heat Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). By expanding the program to include South Mountain Park and Preserve, the City will enhance safety measures, ensuring that both trail users and first responders are protected from heat-related risks similar to those present at Camelback Mountain and Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
"I am proud of the decision we made this evening after careful consideration of key data from our Parks and Fire Departments, as well as valuable input from the public. Our Board’s decision to expand the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program to South Mountain Park/Preserve, along with earlier trail closures during excessive heat warnings, is a proactive measure to reduce heat-related incidents," said Kelly Dalton, Chair of the City of Phoenix Parks Board. "The safety of our residents and visitors is always our top priority, and this decision underscores our commitment to ensuring Phoenix’s trails remain safe and accessible. We will continue to assess and strengthen these measures as needed to protect our community."
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
In 2024, Phoenix experienced 45 days of trail closures due to extreme heat between May 1 and October 13, with a total of 121 days reaching temperatures of 105°F or higher. Notably, 69 of those days exceeded 110°F. This extreme heat not only raises the risk of heat-related incidents but also poses significant challenges for first responders during mountain rescues.
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
Despite these conditions, the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program has been effective in managing outdoor activities during the hottest months, as affirmed by the decrease in rescues on closed trails from 2021 to 2024:
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
• 2021: 57 rescues
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
• 2022: 47 rescues
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
• 2023: 30 rescues
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
• 2024: 35 rescues
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
“We are committed to proactively collaborating with the parks department to ensure the safety of our residents and firefighters during extreme heat events. By expanding this program with data driven decisions, the City of Phoenix can enhance trail safety and reduce risks for everyone enjoying our beautiful parks," Executive Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief, Tim Kreis.
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
In addition to approving the expansion of the Phoenix Trails and Heat Safety Program and adjusting trail closure hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Parks Board has directed Parks and Recreation staff to present further recommendations to the Board in January 2025. Proposed changes include moving the closure time to 7 a.m. and adjusting the trail closure threshold to activate when daily temperatures are forecast to exceed 105°F, rather than waiting for Excessive Heat Warnings from the NWS.
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<br>
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
The Parks and Recreation Department recognizes the significant impact of the proposed changes and will launch a community engagement campaign to inform the public and gather feedback. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed about trail closures and safety recommendations through the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's <a target="_blank" href="/parks/trails">website</a> and social media channels.
</span></div>
<div>
<br>
<br>
</div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks | News |
Neighborhood Parks Enhancement Program to Invest $1.5 Million in Local Park Improvements | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3225 | Parks and Recreation | | 9/27/2024 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3225/NPEP-Park.jpg | | Neighborhood Parks Enhancement Program to Invest $1.5 Million in Local Park Improvements | <div class="ExternalClassE1E1C9A753CC40B6953833D47D09FA7C"><html>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the </span>
<a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?38ec291a3d53dbcf570c15519aba14cf5e62b4cf457f337ecdf23c638f080b72" target="_blank">
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Neighborhood Parks Enhancement Program</span>
</a>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">, funded by the recently approved </span>
<a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?09047331485cb2affad2ac753b297c4b7d199365d6c2841c" target="_blank">
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">General Obligation (GO) Bond Program</span>
</a>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">. With $1.5 million allocated for minor capital improvement projects, this program will earmark funds for neighborhoods in each council district to enhance their local parks. This is just one example of how bond funds are making a difference in local communities.</span>
<br style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">"The Neighborhood Parks Enhancement Program is about more than just funding—it's about fostering localized community engagement to match the most appropriate park improvements to the needs of individual communities and neighborhoods throughout the City,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This investment is a powerful step toward revitalizing our neighborhoods and increasing access to wonderful parks for all Phoenix residents to enjoy.”<br style=""></span>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">From September 27 to November 8, 2024, eligible applicants can submit their project proposals </span>
<a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?38ec291a3d53dbcf570c15519aba14cf5e62b4cf457f337ecdf23c638f080b72" target="_blank">
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">online</span>
</a>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">. To be considered, projects must be located at a City of Phoenix park and the applicant must be a neighborhood organization listed with the Neighborhood Services Department. If a neighborhood organization is not yet registered, they may do so at </span>
<a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?ec3234527a9e226ddd57624926160029e9ef044ab77b6ccc" target="_blank">
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">www.phoenix.gov/nsd/programs/neighborhood-coordination</span>
</a>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">.</span>
<br style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Projects selected for funding will be announced in early 2025, and all approved projects will be completed within the GO Bond Program timeframe, spanning from 2024 to 2029, as determined by the Parks and Recreation Department.<br style=""></span>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">“We are excited to launch this program and provide resources for our neighborhoods to enhance their parks," said Cynthia Aguilar, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. "We believe that these improvements will make a positive impact on our communities and create more opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor spaces. We look forward to seeing innovative proposals that will enhance our parks and bring communities together.”<br style=""></span>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">For more information and to apply, please visit the program </span>
<a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?38ec291a3d53dbcf570c15519aba14cf5e62b4cf457f337ecdf23c638f080b72" target="_blank">
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">website</span>
</a>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">. </span>
</p>
<div>
<br>
</div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks | News |