Phoenix embraces community and safety with Parks and Recreation master plan

The Master Plan aims to address key issues such as water conservation and public safety.

PUBLISHED SEP 3, 2024

The goal is to create a safer and more enjoyable park experience for all visitors. (Photo: Papago Park)

Phoenix, Arizona: The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has unveiled its Master Plan, a forward-looking initiative designed to enhance the city's parks, recreational facilities, and programming. The Master Plan aims to address key issues such as water conservation, public safety, and equitable access to recreation services across the city.

The next public meeting to discuss the master plan will be the Neighborhood Synergy Conference on Saturday, September 7 at the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort from 8.30am to 1pm.

The Master Plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation of existing parks, recreation programs, and facilities. (Photo: Encanto Park)

Evaluating and Taking Inventory

The Master Plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation of existing parks, recreation programs, and facilities. This process will emphasize water conservation strategies and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to ensure that Phoenix's parks are not only environmentally sustainable but also safe and welcoming for all residents.

Water Conservation Strategies

The plan will assess 25 parks across Phoenix to develop and implement water conservation strategies. This includes evaluating turf based on its functionality and maintenance needs, reviewing the Calsense irrigation system for optimal performance during peak seasons, and providing guidelines for the maintenance of irrigation systems to reduce water usage.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Safety in parks is a critical component of the Master Plan. CPTED principles will be applied to evaluate and enhance park safety. The evaluation will consider factors such as evidence of unauthorized uses, traffic calming measures, natural surveillance, and the availability of amenities like drinking fountains and shaded areas. The goal is to create a safer and more enjoyable park experience for all visitors.

Recreation Programs

Recognizing the central role of recreation programs in community well-being, the Master Plan will assess the alignment of current program offerings with community needs. The plan will develop a dynamic recreation program strategy that emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all Phoenix residents have access to high-quality recreational opportunities.

Community Engagement

Community input is a cornerstone of the Master Plan. The Parks and Recreation Department will engage residents through a variety of channels, including a dedicated multilingual website, community focus groups, workshops, interactive surveys at events, and neighborhood canvassing. A citywide survey will also be conducted to gather feedback from a broad cross-section of Phoenix residents.