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Home My WebLink About2023 08.02 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, August 2, 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. 23-362 Consideration of approval of agenda. Sponsors:Liz Langenbach 23-363 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of June 7, 2023. Sponsors:Liz Langenbach PR 06072023 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 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. 6.23-364 Presentation and discussion on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Sponsors:Liz Langenbach 7.23-365 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities. Sponsors:Jamie Sullivan Old Business Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025 August 2, 2023Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda 8.23-417 Presentation and discussion of final draft of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan Sponsors:Riley King Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan DRAFTAttachments: New Business 9.23-368 Update on Superstition Vistas development. Sponsors:Liz Langenbach 10.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. 11.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 Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose 12.23-369 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2023 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Sponsors:Liz Langenbach 13.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: 23-362 Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 Sponsor: Liz Langenbach 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: 23-363 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 Sponsor: Liz Langenbach In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of June 7, 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, June 7, 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, Vice Chair Moeller, Commissioner Borey, Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Moore, and Commissioner Bigelow Present 6 - Staff present: Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent Riley King, Management Analyst Carol Otto, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Consent Agenda4. Commissioner Sheryl Bigelow moved that the Parks and Recreation Commission accept the agenda as presented and approve the minutes from the May 3, 2023 regular meeting. Commissioner Terralle Moore seconded the motion. This was approved. Yes:Chairperson Schoenbeck, Vice Chair Moeller, Commissioner Borey, Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Bigelow 6 - No:0 23-320 Consideration of approval of agenda. 23-321 Consideration of approval of regular meeting minutes of May 3, 2023. PR 05032023 Meeting MinutesAttachments: Information and Reports5. Every commissioner made positive comments about the events that they attended. Staff Report6. Page 1City of Apache Junction, Arizona June 7, 2023Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 23-322 Presentation and discussion on projects and opportunities in the parks and other service areas. Recreation Superintendent Jamie Sullivan gave an update on parks and other service areas including the Dutchman Dog Park art installation, Prospector Park facilities update, and the Tranquil Trail at Flatiron Park. 23-323 Presentation, discussion and update on upcoming events and activities . Recreation Superintendent Sullivan updated the commission on upcoming events and activities including the 4th of July community event as well as the Superstition Shadows pool which included a visual presentation. Old Business7. 23-324 Presentation and discussion on the draft of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. Apache Junction Parks and Recreation strategic plan (1)Attachments: Management Analyst Riley King gave a visual presentation of a draft of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. Various commissioners shared ideas for improvements. Riley stated that an updated draft will be presented at the August meeting. New Business8. Call to Public9. None. Call for Future Agenda Items10. Commissioner Moore would like more information regarding the Veteran's memorial and how would veterans would have their name added. Commissioner Kyhn would like an update on the parks in the new land developments. Selection of Meeting Dates, Times, Location and Purpose11. 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. Commissioner Diele Kyhn moved, seconded by Vice Chair Heather Moeller that the regular session of the Parks and Recreation Commission be held August 2, 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, Vice Chair Moeller, Commissioner Borey, Commissioner Kyhn, Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Bigelow 6 - No:0 Adjournment12. Chair Frank Schoenbeck adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m. Page 2City of Apache Junction, Arizona Agenda Item Cover Sheet City of Apache Junction, Arizona 300 E Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85119 File ID: 23-364 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 Sponsor: Liz Langenbach 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: 23-365 Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 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: 23-417 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 Sponsor: Riley King In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Presentation and discussion of final 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 Introduction Addition of administrative offices/storage and a fitness deck at the Multi-Generational Center, as well as updated flooring throughout. Superstition Shadows Park improvements to include renovations, a new restroom, and outdoor fitness circuit Prospector Park general renovations, new ballfield LED/shielded lighting, and a new vault style restroom on the north side Construction of Painted Sky 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 719 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 Built and opened Dutchman Dog Park in FY23 - awarded APRA's Outstanding Facility award Painted Sky Park in Superstition Vistas will build and open in FY24 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 Partnering wtih BLM on a jointly operated trailhead along Sheep Drive Trail 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 $3.6 million in capital facility expansion/improvement projects (FY24 budgeted $4million) Policy 2.2.2 - Pursue options for purchase or patent from BLM on current Rec & Public Purpose Leases Purchased 20 acre Rodeo Grounds from BLM Review Prospector Park lease for patent/purchase Policy 2.2.3 - Consider updates, as needed, to existing intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to increase usability of community facilities Implemented IGA with Pinal County for CAP Trail The current agreement with AJUSD expires 2028 Policy 2.2.4 - Maintain an area of honor of war veterans as part of the city hall campus Partnering with localVFW posts to build a Veterans Memorial Park 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 Phelps Dr to Ironwood Dr. FY24 plans include curb and gutter Ironwood Dr. to Ocotillo Policy 2.2.6 - Operate a Park Ranger program that provides a safe, secure and enjoyable facility/program experience for all users Hired an Assistant Park Ranger Supervisor to assist with weekend/evening leadership Added and enhanced existing cameras to parks 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 6907 Volunteer hours in FY23 ($219,635 value) Continue existing volunteer programs (Jr guards, volunteer coaches, senior services) Continue partnerships with volunteer groups 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 337 Program Sessions offered - New programs developed include: archery, cornhole, Saturday swim lessons, gyrokinesis workshops, etc. MGC sold 4056 memberships for a total of 97,580 visits in FY23 Conducted 1,971 group fitness classes in FY23 Installed new state of the art Matrix cardio equipment 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 Dino Days and Mother's Day Tea won APRA Outstanding Program awards in their categories 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 Managed modification requests to increase accessibility in programs 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 like AJ Little League and Black and Gold Youth Fball pay only 25% of facility reservation fees Worked cooperatively with local schools and library 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 39% of online and 61% 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 facility reservation software Processed 428 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 milestones: Facebook-10,355 followers & 251,307 reach Instagram (1,527 followers & 72,299 reach Youth Advisory Council added own Instagram Print Media milestones/goals: Published Citizen brochure activity listing (12 full page free ads in the Independent and 3 in- house publications FY24 - bringing back the popular Citizen magaine insert with full program listings 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 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, and MAG Active Transportation Design Grant $601,642 grants in FY23 $30,008 gifts and donations in FY23 $40,000 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 adopted new development fees in 2022 $163,587 in development fees raised in FY23 Superstition Vistas is using their development fees to build public parks within the development 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 $4,400 offered in scholarships for those who cannot afford full fees Offered multiple programs free of charge within aquatics, youth special interest, and events 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 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 Design/Construction of SR88 Trailhead with BLM Design/Construction of SR88 Trailhead with BLM Construct trailheads Fencing repairs throughout Signage replacement throughout Prospector Park Updates to restrooms ramadas and ballfield fencing Updates to ramadas & ballfield fencing 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 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 Granite replacement Arroyo Granite replacement Renaissance 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 LWCF Updates - restroom, skatepark fence replacement, ADA ramps, fitness circuit Skatepark concrete and bowls repair Sports field lighting updated to shielded/LED South maintenance building install Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center Boiler replacement Design and research for secondary sanitation system Remaining grass converted to artifical turf Interior paint throughout Fence & CMU wall replacement Research grants for added shade install added shade Restroom updates throughout FUTURE SITES FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 FUTURE Blossom Rock District Parks Painted Sky park opening: lake, adventure playground, dog park, and other amenities Central district park design process (lake, sports fields and sports courts) Blossom Rock Linear Parks Ironwood & Ridgeline Linear Parks (Ray to Warner) Ironwood & Ridgeline Linear Parks (to elliott)) CAP Trail Environmental studies and design Construction of trail Construction of trail Superstition 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 Marquee & Focal Point Purchase new Focal Point Christmas Tree *Designates items that are being considered at multiple locations - will be built at only one location. PROGRAM AREA FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 FUTURE Park Ranger Program Adding 1 park ranger to focus on trails, open space, and homeless issues Assess and add park rangers for future parks in the south part of the community Work with other departments to implement new camera monitoring system Recreation/Service Programming Plan PROGRAM AREA FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 FUTURE Aquatics Successfully recruit and hire enough aquatics staff to open 6 days a week. Successfully recruit, hire and train enough aquatics staff to be open seven days a week and increase swim lessons by 10%. Expanded weekend operations through Labor Day Move from Red Cross Lifeguard Certification to Star Guard Offered free swim on Wednesdays, 936 youth entries for FY23 Continue to expand aquatics programming; events, classes, etc. Events Add smaller types of events during May- September.Add smaller types of events during May-September. Successfully shifted 4th of July from the schools High School field to Superstition Shadows Park Multigenerational Center Increase special events at the MGC; added Bingo, Prehistoric Party, Garden Party Program new deck space Increase member engagement at the MGC Increase special interest offerings for youth during the summer Senior Programs Adding a formal winter event Expanding program and event offerings Awarded GRIC Funding for FY24 Increase van use (medical/shopping) Sports Expand Archery program to include tournaments and integration into other programs Increased 6 teams in youth sports leagues Begin to strategically plan for expanded youth leagues; locations, coaches, evenings, Youth Programs Maxed out summer camps Explore options of returning a school gym to grow summer camp participation Increase awareness of the Youth Advisory Council through social media and presentations Outdoor Recreation Programs Add events and programming at Silly Mountain.Develop and implement a volunteer program for Silly Mountain Park monitoring/maintenance Admininstative/ Marketing Offer online reservations for the dog park, practices fields and ramadas Work with Blossom Rock Community Associations to plan for future shared usage of parks and facilities Transition administrative staff and storage into new building Re-introduce the Citizen Brochure jointly with city departments Contact Us 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: 23-368 Agenda Item No. Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 Sponsor: Liz Langenbach In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Update on Superstition Vistas development. 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: 23-369 Agenda Date: 8/2/2023 Sponsor: Liz Langenbach In Control: Parks & Recreation CommissionIndex: Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2023 in the city council chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard. Page 1 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Printed on 12/9/2025