Parks and Recreation

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Making Phoenix a better place to live, visit and play!

Phoenix provides residents and visitors more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and mountain preserve land with more than 200 miles of trails; 186 parks; 32 community and recreation centers; eight golf courses; 29 pools where thousands cool off and learn to swim each summer; and classes, programs and sports leagues where kids and adults learn, stay active and have fun!

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	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2728/Phoenix-Mountain-Preserve.jpg		Fire Ban in Desert Parks and Preserves Starts May 1	<div class="ExternalClass6910694CC97D4DC092073EAF40A6C8DB"><html> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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>.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">The ban does not apply to the city's flatland parks.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">For those using the city's desert parks and preserve land, the fire ban stipulates the following:</p> <ul dir="" class=""> <li> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">Open wood and charcoal fires are prohibited<br></p> </li> <li> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">Propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas</p> </li> <li> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">Smoking outside enclosed vehicles is prohibited year-round</p> </li> <li> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">Fireworks are prohibited year-round</p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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>.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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.<br></p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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>.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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>.</p> <p style="margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.6;">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>. <br></p> </html></div>	https://www.phoenix.gov/parks	News
Popular Phoenix Trails to Close During Extremely Hot Days	https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2724	Parks and Recreation		4/13/2023 5:30:00 PM	https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2724/Trail-Closure-at-Piestewa-Peak.jpg		Popular Phoenix Trails to Close During Extremely Hot Days	<div class="ExternalClass828E141628284824B7967A1FAE1EC07F"><html> <p>This summer, three popular City of Phoenix hiking trails will close during extremely hot days.<br></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p> <strong>BACKGROUND</strong> </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p> <strong>TAKE A HIKE, DO IT RIGHT</strong> </p> <p>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:</p> <p>•Dress Appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat, and sunscreen.</p> <p>•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.</p> <p>•Keep in Contact: Carry a mobile phone.</p> <p>•Team Up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location.</p> <p>•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.)</p> <p>•Don't Trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails.</p> <p>•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!</p> <p>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. <br></p> </html></div>	https://www.phoenix.gov/parks	News

Get involved!

Millions in Grant Funds Available!
We are looking for non-profits and schools to support...

PAC ARPA As a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the City of Phoenix is offering substantial grant opportunities for non-profits and schools that would like to provide provide free and affordable youth sports opportunities and after school programs for Phoenix youth.

More details can be found at the Phoenix Parks and Recreation's American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 website phoenix.gov/parks/arpa

Register for classes and programs now! Hundreds of new classes are available. Whether you are interested in shedding those pandemic pounds or just need an affordable way get your kids active, there is a something that is right for you and your family.

"Take a Hike. Do it Right."

Millions of people enjoy Phoenix hiking trails every year. Park Rangers educate trail users about important "Take a Hike. Do it Right." hiking safety guidelines.

Register for Programs Find a Park Take a Hike Visit a Recreation Center Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC)Play Sports S'edav Va'aki Museum Pools & Swimming Phoenix Golf

South Mountain Environmental Education Center

Arts, Culture, Education
& Nature Reserve an Athletic Field Purchase an Inflatable, Beer, or Amplified Sound Permit Special Events Special Activity Request PHXteens
& Mobile Recreation Code of Conduct Job OpportunitiesParks and Recreation Board

Accessibility Options

PROJECT UPDATES:

Hance Park Revitalization Project

Land Acknowledgement Statement:

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.

General Information:

Los Olivos Park Urban Working Farm Project

Pueblo Grande Museum

El Oso Splashpad Grand Opening

https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4737

El Oso Splashpad Grand Opening

El Oso Park, 3451 N 75 Avenue

6/1/2023 5:00:00 PM

6/1/2023 10:00:00 PM

Join the Phoenix Parks and Recreation for the grand opening of El Oso Park Splashpad.

FitPHX FitLot Circuit Training Class

https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4710

FitPHX FitLot Circuit Training Class

Rose Mofford Sports Complex: 9833 N 25th Ave

6/2/2023 1:15:00 AM

6/2/2023 2:15:00 AM

FitPHX is offering FREE FitLot Circuit Training Classes from May 9-June 22, 2023. Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 615-715p. Preregistration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.phoenix.gov/fitphx A FitLot is a free outdoor fitness park is for all ages and abilities. Similar in size to a playground the FitLot is shaded, safety surfaced and features 11 pieces of equipment. With open floor space and 32 attachment points for resistance bands (bring your own!), park users can perform dozens of exercises for cardio, balance, flexibility and strength training. The FitLot is free and open to the community during park hours.

World Atlatl Day

https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4753

World Atlatl Day

S'edav Va'aki Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix AZ 85034

6/3/2023 4:00:00 PM

6/3/2023 7:00:00 PM

Celebrate World Atlatl Day and test your prehistoric hunting skills at S'edav Va'aki (formerly Pueblo Grande) Museum on Saturday, June 3, 2023, 900am to noon! What is an atlatl? It is a weapon predating the bow and arrow. Used worldwide for thousands of years, it proved an effective weapon. A stick with a hook on the end to hold the dart/spear, it increased the distance, speed, and force of the dart/spear. The goal of World Atlatl Day is to increase awareness and appreciation of this ancient technology and have as many people throw an atlatl on a single day as possible. S.A.L.T. is a local Arizona group whose mission is to teach, share, learn, and practice the skills that allowed ancient people to not only survive but to thrive in their respective environments. This free event is open to the public and will feature the local primitive skills group, S.A.L.T. (Study of Ancient Lifeways and Technologies), who will be conducting an atlatl demonstration. Pre-registration is not required, and no experience is needed to join the demonstration. For more information on this or other events at S'edav Va'aki Museum, visit pueblogrande.com or call (602) 495-0901.

FitPHX Fall into Fitness

https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4745

FitPHX Fall into Fitness

Virtual

6/7/2023 1:00:00 AM

6/7/2023 2:00:00 AM

Virtual Fall into Fitness is a free, family-friendly social fitness experience for all ages, levels and abilities. For more information & to register, visit phoenix.gov/fitphx

FitPHX FitLot Circuit Training Class

https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4711

FitPHX FitLot Circuit Training Class

Rose Mofford Sports Complex: 9833 N 25th Ave

6/7/2023 1:15:00 AM

6/7/2023 2:15:00 AM

Longview Neighbhorhood Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting

https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4771

Longview Neighbhorhood Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting

Longview Neighbhorhood Recreation Center, 4040 N. 14th St., Pheonix, AZ 85014

6/7/2023 6:00:00 PM

Join us for the ribbon cutting of the rennovated Longview Neighborhood Recreation Center!