Photo Credit Maricopa County Parks

(Phoenix) – With support from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department had been working closely with the public to layout a path for the future of the county parks! On June 1, that plan was presented to and approved by the Board of Supervisors. “The Board was very pleased with the work the department has accomplished,” stated Chairman Max Wilson, Maricopa County Board of Supervisor, District 4. “The plan outlined a future vision that takes into account the department’s capabilities with appropriate funding.”

“While we may not have the funding right now to take on capital improvement projects, we can start tackling other tasks like developing volunteer and corporate support programs, initiating a campground reservation system and expanding our core program categories to ensure we’re addressing customer needs and trends,” stated R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation director.

The department is currently charged with protecting the existing desert and mountain parks; however, the county also wants to create an environment where people want to go to recreate. “The department is working towards the development of themed attractions to create destination points and reach wider age segments. For example, McDowell Mountain Regional Park is recognized for its extensive multi-use trail systems. This park could easily be identified as an adventure and outdoor recreation park that is used for competitions, boot camps and other fitness related trends,” added Wilson.

According to Cardin, a quality park system inspires residents and out-of-state visitors to return home and tell others about the experience. When a quality park system is achieved, it additionally provides a very significant economic benefit to the local economy and when non-resident visitors are attracted, the financial benefit is both local and countywide.

“During these ever changing times, the county is making it a point to see that the parks don’t get left behind and remain a legacy for future generations. The department is positioning the parks to be known by those who visit as a regional system that is well maintained and offers a variety of different experiences and adventures that inspire them to return often and tell others about the quality of opportunities in any county park,” he added.

A copy of the System Strategic Master Plan may be obtained at http://www.maricopa.gov/parks.

Dawna L. Taylor
Public Information Officer
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department
234 N. Central Avenue, Ste. 6400
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 506-1114
(602) 506-4692 - fax
(602) 525-5733 - cell
From hiking on a barrier-free trail, to horseback riding along a creek, Maricopa County Parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert. To learn more, visit the Parks Website