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Home My WebLink About2023 06.07 PRC AgendaParks & Recreation Commission City of Apache Junction, Arizona Agenda Meeting Location: City Council Chambers at City Hall 300 E Superstition Blvd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 apachejunctionaz.gov P: (480) 983-2181 City Council Chambers6:00 PMWednesday, June 7, 2023 1.Call to Order 2.Pledge of Allegiance 3.Roll Call 4.Consent Agenda The commission may, at this time, take single action on any or all items listed as consent agenda items. These include acceptance of agenda and acceptance of minutes. Any member of the commission may remove any item from the consent agenda for discussion and cause a separate vote on the matter later in the agenda. 23-320 Consideration of approval of agenda. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan 23-321 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of May 3, 2023. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan PR 05032023 Meeting MinutesAttachments: 5.Information and Reports The chair at this time may announce information regarding activities involving Parks and Recreation matters, such as, but not limited to attendance of commission members at community meetings or events, seminars or conferences, or upcoming events or conferences 6.Staff Report The Director or those individuals designated by the Director may present information pertinent to items under consideration or information related to the operation of the department. 23-322 Presentation and discussion on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan 23-323 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan 7.Old Business Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 June 7, 2023Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda 23-324 Presentation and discussion on the draft of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. Sponsors:Riley King Apache Junction Parks and Recreation strategic plan (1)Attachments: 8.New Business 9.Call to Public Arizona Open Meeting Law allows individuals to address Commission on any issue within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Commission may not answer your questions or discuss your comments at this time. However, at the conclusion of Call to the Public, Commission may do any of the following: 1) respond to criticism made by any individual who addresses the Commission; 2) ask staff to review a matter; 3) ask staff to place the matter on a future agenda. Commission shall not discuss or take legal action on matters raised at Call to the Public unless the matters have been properly noticed for discussion and legal action. Please stand, approach the podium microphone and state your name and address after being called to speak. There is a three (3) minute time limit per speaker. 10.Call for Future Agenda Items At this time Parks and Recreation commissioners or Parks and Recreation staff members are given the opportunity to suggest a topic or topics to be added to the next or any subsequent agenda of the Parks and Recreation Commission. No discussion of the topics suggested are to take place at this time 11.Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose 23-325 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on August 2, 2023 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan 12.Adjournment The City of Apache Junction invites and welcomes people of all abilities to use our programs, sites and facilities. Specific requests may be made by contacting the Human Resources Office at (480) 474-2617 or TDD (480) 983-0095. Page 2 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-320 Agenda Date: 6/7/2023 Sponsor: Jamie Sullivan In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Consideration of approval of agenda. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-321 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 6/7/2023 Sponsor: Jamie Sullivan In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of May 3, 2023. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 Meeting Location: City Council Chambers at City Hall 300 E Superstition Blvd Apache Junction, AZ 85119 apachejunctionaz.gov P: (480) 983-2181 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting Minutes Parks & Recreation Commission 6:00 PM City Council ChambersWednesday, May 3, 2023 Call to Order1. Chair Frank Schoenbeck called the regular meeting of the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance2. Chair Frank Schoenbeck led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call3. Chairperson Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Moore, and Commissioner Bigelow Present 5 - Vice Chair MoellerExcused1 - Staff present: Liz Langenbach, Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent Kelly Martin, Park Ranger Supervisor Riley King, Management Analyst Carol Otto, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Consent Agenda4. Commissioner Terralle Moore moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission accept the agenda as presented and approve the minutes from the April 5, 2023 regular meeting. Commissioner Judy Borey seconded the motion. This was approved. Yes:Chairperson Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Bigelow 5 - No:0 Excused:Vice Chair Moeller1 - 23-214 Consideration of approval of agenda. 23-215 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of April 5, 2023. PR 04052023 Meeting MinutesAttachments: Information and Reports5. All commission members shared about different events they attended this past month with Page 1City of Apache Junction, Arizona May 3, 2023Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes positive comments all around. Staff Report6. 23-216 Presentation and discussion on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Parks and Recreation Director Liz Langenbach gave an update on projects in multiple parks. These included Prospector Park where new playground equipment and wood chips were installed. She shared a photo and mentioned that we received a grant which helped with the cost. At Silly Mountain, the Siphon Draw Fire and Fuels crew assisted with the removal of about 1,800 pounds of biomass including invasive buffel grass from the south side of Silly Mountain. She also gave an update on the fence project there. She presented an update on the MGC new build for Administration and storage. The contractor is starting on sewer line and she shared some of the challenges with parking and drop offs at the MGC during this 10 day period. She continued with an update on the Prospector Park restroom then the Little League facility which changed from septic to sewer. The Superstition Shadows Park restroom has been removed and a new restroom is going to be installed. She shared a visual of the updated Pool bathhouse shower and concluded with an update on the challenges with vandalism at Flatiron Park. 23-217 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities . Recreation Superintendent, Jamie Sullivan, shared on the upcoming events and activities including the exciting news of having 10,000 followers on Facebook and receiving a check for $4,000.00 for our sports program to lower league fees. She shared a highlight video while sharing updates on many events, as well as a glimpse of a week of the pool calendar. She shared an update of the 4th of July event and setup. Old Business7. 23-218 Discussion and update on the Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan. Director Langenbach shared an update of the Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan, including how our survey demographics compare to the Census Bureau data. She explained that next month there will be a draft of the Strategic Plan document that will be shared so that the commissioners can review it before finalization late this summer. 23-219 Update on security cameras at parks and facilities, by Park Ranger Supervisor, Kelly Martin. Park Ranger Supervisor Kelly Martin gave an update on the security cameras at our parks and facilities focusing on Multi-use trails, the MGC, Flatiron Park, and the Skate Park. These cameras have made a vast improvement in safety, security, and the reduction of vandalism. New Business8. 23-220 Dutchman Dog Park - Year end review and updates. An update on Dutchman Dog Park was shared by Liz Langenbach in which she noted that the park is currently closed for improvements including dry wells, bermuda grass seeding, the installation of trees. She also gave an update of statistics of usage over the past year. She presented photos of the update of the fabrication of the artwork to be installed tentatively in June. Page 2City of Apache Junction, Arizona May 3, 2023Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Some discussion ensued about the park and its benefits. Call to Public9. None. Call for Future Agenda Items10. Director Langenbach shared that she will not be here for our next meeting but Jamie Sullivan and Riley King, our Management Analyst, will be taking the lead in her absence. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose11. 23-221 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 7, 2023 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Commissioner Diele Kyhn moved, seconded by Commissioner Terralle Moore that the regular session of the Parks and Recreation Commission be held June 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction. This was approved. Yes:Chairperson Schoenbeck, Commissioner Borey, Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Bigelow 5 - No:0 Excused:Vice Chair Moeller1 - Adjournment12. Chair Frank Schoenbeck adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Page 3City of Apache Junction, Arizona Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-322 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 6/7/2023 Sponsor: Jamie Sullivan In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation and discussion on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-323 Agenda Date: 6/7/2023 Sponsor: Jamie Sullivan In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities . Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-324 Agenda Date: 6/7/2023 Sponsor: Riley King In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation and discussion on the draft of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan 2023 Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan 2023 Introduction Addition of administrative offices/storage and a fitness deck at the Multi-Generational Center, AND MGC FLOORING THROUGHOUT Superstition Shadows Park improvements to include renovations and a new restroom and door fitness circuit Prospector Park general renovations, new ballfield LED/shielded lighting, and a new vault style restroom on the north side Construction of Blossom Rock Park, Ironwood Linear Park and Ridgeline Linear Park in the Superstition Vistas Development to include a lake, walking paths, adventure playground, dog park, and much more Rodeo Event Center master plan review and prioritization of new amenities Design and Funding Research for trails, trailheads, and future connectivity, to include the CAP Trail and US60 multi-purpose path The Parks and Recreation Commission and city staff have developed this strategic plan to align our diverse services with the City's General Plan and the changing needs of our community. The commission met over the last year to analyze each of the components and surveyed 7XX residents and visitors in the community on their opinions and interests to ultimately lead to the final decisions in this document. The Strategic Plan will serve as a guide to help prioritize and budget for critical programs, facilities, and services. It is a living document that will change as necessary and will be updated on an annual basis by the Commission. Most of the items are listed according to our Fiscal YEAR (July-June); however, there are some stats that are most effectively shared on a Calendar Year (January-December) basis. Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Facility Projects: With the expansion of facilities and program areas, our team will continue to grow. We will be adding a new Park Ranger, a Parks Superintendent, and exploring positions that will be needed to effectively run our newly purchased Rodeo Event Center. As always, our goal is to serve our community and deliver the best parks, facilities, and programs possible - making sure #ajplays! Liz Langenbach Parks & Recreation Director Our Vision: Our Mission Organizational Chart Our Vision Organizational Chart About Our Team Through exemplary performance, the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department provides quality services to an entire community with diverse recreational programs and an integrated, efficient and safe system of parks, trails and recreational facilities. To accommodate growth, the department also promotes visionary leisure opportunities and community partnerships in a progressive, innovative fashion, while demonstrating appreciation for a sensitive environment. Connecting through people, parks and programs OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS Policy 2.1.1 - Encourage and facilitate public participation in planning and expanding the parks and trail system 10 public Parks & Recreation Commission meetings were conducted in fy23 719 surveys were collected, giving input for the P&R Strategic Plan Policy 2.1.2 - Consider development of additional community facilities Blossom Rock Park in Superstition Vistas will build and open in FY24: First small fishing lake City's 2nd dog park an adventure playground and other site amenties Policy 2.1.3 - Coordinate with developers to incorporate potential sites for parks, trails, open space and other recreational facilities Working with Superstition Vistas developers to incorporate public and private parks in the new developments south of US60 Exploring sites with developers to add pickleball courts and large scale splashpads Policy 2.1.4 - Coordinate with other public and private groups on jointly developed parks, trails, and recreational facilities Partnering with Pinal County on the development of the CAP Trail and future parks on their property Weeke's Wash Regional Stormwater Detention facility - considering recreation amenities in design Policy 2.1.5 - Update and reintroduce the parks and recreation master plan for review and eventual approval by the City Council The strategic plan is the first step in the process to achieve this objective New Park Development General Plan - Goal 2.1 Develop a system of parks, trails and open space to meet the recreational and health needs of Apache Junction residents and visitors OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS Policy 2.2.1 - Include priority park system expansion projects and necessary maintenance programs in the City's annual budget and capital improvement plan FY23 completed $xxx in capital facility expansion/improvement projects FY24 budgeted $xxx in capital facility expansion/improvement projects Policy 2.2.2 - Pursue options for purchase or patent from the BLM on current Recreation & Public Purpose Leases Completed 3-year process to purchase our leased 20 acre Rodeo Grounds from BLM for $1.4million Prospector Park is our next lease to review for patent or purchase Policy 2.2.3 - Consider updates, as needed, to existing intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to increase usability of community facilities Working with PInal County on IGAs related to the CAP Trail, future parks, and Dutchman Dog Park The current agreement with AJUSD expires XXXX Policy 2.2.4 - Maintain an area of honor of war veterans as part of the city hall campus Granite and overseeding of grass are newer amenities to enhance this area The department is working with local VFW posts to build a Veterans Memorial Park monument sign Policy 2.2.5 - Continue to ehance landscaping in high visibility right-of-ways such as the Apache Trail/Old West Highway median Completed improvements from Phelps Dr to Ironwood Dr. fy24 plans include curb and gutter from Ironwood to Ocotillo Park Expansion/Improvements General Plan - Goal 2.2 Plan for the safety, maintenance, and expansion of existing facilities OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS Policy 2.3.1 - Maintain existing youth and adult volunteer programs and develope new programs to further enhance programs and facilities Total Volunteers/Hours for FY23 Continue existing volunteer programs like Jr guards, youth sports coaches, senior services and other recreation volunteers Continue working with CACDD, Master Gardeners, SALT, and others for park/facility maintenance Policy 2.3.2 - Through citizen input and the parks and recreation commission, evaluate the needs and provide a variety of programs and services Conducted X program/event surveys in FY23 X Programs offered - New programs developed include: archery, and list others here MGC had X members and X total visits in FY23 Conducted X group fitness classes in FY23 Policy 2.3.3 - Maintain and develop special events that attract visitors and residents to parks and recreation facilities and downtown businesses Relocated annual Halloween Carnival due to growth What else do we want to share? Policy 2.3.4 - Develop and promote programs and facilities that are inclusive in nature and enhance the lives of individuals with special needs Added sidewalk connectivity at parks to make areas more accessible for events, programs, passive use Coordinated X individual Requests for Modifications Policy 2.3.5 - Support and assist governmental and non-profit organizations that offer related services/programs, and work together to avoid duplication volunteer led, youth-serving non profits pay only 25% of facility reservation fees Worked cooperatively with local schools, Public Library, Boys & Girls Club, etc Programs/Services General Plan - Goal 2.3 Take a leadership role in the community for execution of a diverse Parks & Recreation programming and services strategy OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS Policy 2.4.1 - Maximize participation in programs through improved marketing and offering multiple registration options Implementation/Utilization of Civic Rec as our online and in-person registration software % of online and in-person registrations Increased on-site registration for special events Policy 2.4.2 - Maximize the public use of faclities through improved marketing and customer- oriented reservation processes Implementation/Utilization of CivicRec as our online and in person registration software Processed 337 reservations at the dog park Developing options for online reservations Policy 2.4.3 - Utilize a multi-modal marketing approach to include print, electronic, radio, televised, social media, and in-person sources Social Media includes: Facebook (followers, insights) Instagram (followers, insights) Youth Advisory Council added own Instagram Hit 10,000 followers on Facebook in April 2023 Print Media includes: Monthly full page ad in the Independent In-House Citizen magazine with all programs/events is created 3 time per year Press releases to local news media Flyers in elementary schools Utilized multiple platforms to increase summer recruitment of staff Welcome Bags went out to 150 home buyers in new neighborhood developments Added monthly Parks & Rec e-newsletter in FY23 Submitted and successfully received APRA awards for Dino Days, Mother's Day Tea, and Dutchman Dog Park Component #3: General Plan Goal 2.4 Promote parks, facilities and programs as a quality of life asset to attract new employers, residents and visitors to the community Marketing and Promotions OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS Policy 2.5.1 - Work cooperatively with other city departments to maximize use of grants, gifts, and corporate partnerships FY23 Grants included: Land Water & Conservation Fund, Burke Playground, State Parks Recreation Trails Program, Gila River indian Community, and MAG Active Transportation Design Grant $x grants in FY23 $x gifts and donations in FY23 $x corporate partnerships in FY23 Policy 2.5.2 - Evaluate the parks and open space development fee and adjust as needed based on impact from users The city evaluated development fees in 2021 $x in development fees raised in fy23 Policy 2.5.3 - Evaluate the parks and recreation fee structure for programs, facility rentals, and services every 5 years to insure compatability with the market and our community demographic Last market fee study done in 2020 $x offered in scholarships for those who cannot afford full fees Programs offered free of charge in FY23 Free Wednesday Open Swim Free Saturday swim lessons for residents # other free programs offered in FY23 General Plan Goal 2.5 Funding Strategies Utilize mulltiple funding sources in order to maximize services, programs, and facility amenities for city residents Fees Grants Taxes Sponsorships Development Fees Donations PARKS AND FACILITIES PLAN EXISTING SITES FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 FUTURE City Hall Park Explore grants for a new playground feature Install additional playground feature Master Plan according to City Space Needs Assessment Dutchman Dog Park Additional benches and water at Mesquite area Flatiron Park Updates to restroom flooring Add additional shade structure and event plaza sidewalks Little League Park Restroom updates Lazer-level infield Multi-Generational Center Admin office/storage addition and fitness deck Flooring updates throughout Multi-Use trails & open space Public input on multi-use trail trailheads Design trailheads Construct trailheads Fencing repairs throughout Signage replacement throughout Prospector Park Updates to restrooms and ramadas Updates to ramadas Updates to ramadas Softball fields 1&2 update to LED/shielded lighting Softball fields 3&4 update to LED/shielded lighting Multi-use fields update to LED/shielded lighting Tennis court resurfacing Add additional pickleball courts* Idaho Rd main water line replacement Drainage and curbing improvements throughout Replace fencing on ballfields 3&4 ROW & Neighborhood Properties Apache Trail Median (Ironwood to Ocotillo curbing) Apache Trail Median Re- vegetation (Ironwood to Saguaro) Apache Trail Median Re- vegetation (Saguaro to Delaware) Palm Wash design work Palm Wash repairs Palm Wash repairs SR88 Islands -re-design SR88 islands re-design Granite replacement Arroyo Granite replacement Renaissance Roundabout public art install Rodeo Event Center Update 2006 Master Plan to identify/prioritize amenities Implement identified master plan improvements implement identified master plan improvements Update electricity and water lines Arena lighting updated to shielded/LED Begin process for acquiring additional city-owned land Silly Mountain Park Update fencing and signage Update fencing Apply for and implement invasive grasses grant Implement invasive grasses grant Implement invasive grasses grant Explore interagency resource/interpretive center Review and update Master Plan Interagency resource/interpretive center construction Butterfly Waystation Install PARKS AND FACILITIES PLAN EXISTING SITES FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 FUTURE Superstition Shadows Park Outdoor fitness circuit Sports field lighting updated to shielded/LED Ramps updated for ADA requirements Skatepark fence replacement Skatepark concrete and bowls repair Pre-fab restroom install South maintenance building install Design and expansion of event space Design and expansion of event space Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center Boiler replacement Design and research for secondary sanitation system Restroom updates Interior paint throughout Fence & CMU wall replacement Remaining grass converted to artifical turf Research grants for added shade install added shade FUTURE SITES FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 FUTURE Blossom Rock District Parks South district park opening: lake, adventure playground, dog park, and other amenities Central district park design process (lake, sports fields and sports courts) Central District park opening; North district park design (lake, possible aquatic center or splashpad, other) Blossom Rock Linear Parks Ironwood & Ridgeline Linear Parks (Ray to Warner) Ironwood & Ridgeline Linear Parks (?) Ironwood & Ridgeline Linear Parks (to elliott)) CAP Trail Environmental studies and design Construction of trail Construction of trail Dirtwater Detention Basin and Park Construction of detention basin and passive shade, benches, trail Potential pickleball courts* and large splashpad Lost Dutchman Trail Prepare for MAG grant to fund Design/construction of trail (Silly Mountain to Superstition Mtn) Future phases designed and constructed Reverence North Park Public Park Design Construction dependent on build-out of residential Weekes Wash Regional Detention & Rec Area Design of detention structure and amenities Construction of detention structure and amenities Construction of detention structure and amenities *Designates items that are being considered at multiple locations - will be built at only one location. Contact Us ajpr@apachejnctionaz.gov www.apachejunctionaz.gov @ajparksandrec 480-983-2181 Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-325 Agenda Date: 6/7/2023 Sponsor: Jamie Sullivan In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on August 2, 2023 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025