Parks staff report busy spring and summer programming; Fourth of July plans emphasize safety and logistics

Jamie and Liz reviewed recent and upcoming events and programming, reporting large participation figures and new adaptive-recreation offerings ahead of a full summer schedule. Jamie said Earth Day drew over 800 attendees in a two-hour window and that the Easter egg hunt saw an estimated crowd of more than 5,000. April Pools' Day had about 300 attendees, and Kids to Park Day activities at three parks attracted roughly 100 visitors across locations. She said swim lessons and summer camps are full, the pool opened seven days a week with a peak opening-weekend attendance of about 360 (capacity ~400), and the city's youth advisory council presented to the city council in May.

Jamie and Liz described pilot adaptive programs: an adaptive sip-and-paint partnership with Mesa Parks and Recreation, an adaptive fishing event run in May that drew participants from outside the city, and plans to expand adaptive fishing and other inclusive elements in the fall. Staff said they do not currently have a full-time dedicated adaptive-recreation staff position but will incorporate adaptive elements into existing programming and pursue partnerships with larger providers such as Mesa. "We will definitely be adding in some adapt more adaptive elements into our programming, but we do not have a full time dedicated staff to put towards a full program," Liz said.

For Fourth of July, staff showed maps for road closures, the fenced event footprint, the fireworks fallout zone and parking/shuttle locations. Jamie said gates open at 6 p.m., activities begin earlier in the day (volleyball tournament starting about 7:45 a.m.), and a State Farm sponsorship (Eric McDermott referenced by staff) will cover pool entry fees for a free public swim during the day. Staff said the rodeo grounds will be used for overflow parking with two shuttle points (Parking A and Parking B) that drop visitors at the event entrance and that some vendors and food trucks will be present. Jamie said the fireworks fallout zone will be kept clear and that maps and parking instructions will be shared via social media and email.

Discussion/direction: commissioners praised staff for turnout and inclusivity; staff were asked to add bicycling encouragement to a future agenda. No formal action was taken.