Buckeye Parks & Recreation Master Plan Executive Summary Final 5-5-2025 Reduced.pdf

May 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CONTENTS
01
INTRODUCTION  
AND GOALS
02
PARKS AND RECREATION 
DEPARTMENT
03
DEMOGRAPHICS AND  
TRENDS ASSESSMENTS
04
COMMUNITY NEEDS  
AND OUTREACH
05
ANALYSIS AND  
RECCOMMENDATIONS
06
THEMES
07
VISIONARY PROJECTS
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
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Table of Contents
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Goals of the Plan: 
The master plan enables the City to engage in a public process to ensure future 
parks, recreation, open space, and trails priorities and goals meet the evolving 
demands of the Buckeye community for the next 10+ years. To carry out this 
mission, the plan has been organized around the following goals: 
What is the Buckeye Parks  
and Recreation Master Plan? 
The Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a long-range 
plan that identifies key initiatives, policies, and implementation 
strategies to guide Buckeye’s Community Services Department 
projects and services over the next 10+ years. The purpose of the 
plan is to offer strategies, recommendations, and operational 
guidelines that will allow the City to meet the needs of current 
and future City of Buckeye residents. 
Create a comprehensive and compelling vision and direction for Buckeye 
Parks and Recreation
Propose various approaches for accommodating growth while keeping the 
fiscal picture in balance 
Strategically identify gaps and prioritize future improvements and 
programming for Parks and Recreation
Understand potential partnership opportunities and funding options
Evaluate operations and maintenance practices with an aim to generate 
long-term sustainability, efficiencies, and resilience benefits 
Assess current and desired service levels to strategically approach 
population growth sustainably as a department
The City of Buckeye is committed to providing high-quality parks and 
recreation experiences to all residents while contributing to the economic 
wellbeing of the City.
01
INTRODUCTION 
AND GOALS
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Introduction and Goals
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Fiscal 
Responsibility
A Safe and 
Sustainable 
Quality of Life
Economic 
Growth
Innovative and 
High Performing 
Organization
Infrastructure 
Alignment with the  
Council’s Strategic Goals
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan’s 
goals and recommendations align with the 
Council’s Strategic Plan 2025-2028 and its 
identified focus areas: 
Alignment with Key Planning Documents 
The City of Buckeye and other agency partners have completed recent and relevant planning efforts.  
This plan’s goals and recommendations were formed in the context of the following planning documents: 
	• Imagine Buckeye: General Plan 2040 (2018)
	• Buckeye in Motion Transportation Master Plan (2019)
	• Buckeye Active Transportation Plan (2019)
	• Buckeye Library Master Plan (2023)
	• Buckeye Low Impact Development (LID) Manual (2023)
	• White Tank Mountains Conservancy (WTMC) White Tank 
Mountains Regional Connectivity Initiative (2024)
	• Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) Sun 
Valley Area Drainage Master Plan (ADMP) Update (2023)
	• FCDMC Buckeye ADMP 
	• Downtown Buckeye Specific Area Plan (2024)
	• The Landing Specific Area Plan (ongoing) 
	• El Rio District Area Plan (2019)
	• El Rio Trail Assessment Plan (2020)
	• Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) Regional 
Open Space Plan (2018)
Buckeye is committed to providing the best quality of life for our residents.  
A place they can be proud of while raising a family, working close to home,  
and enjoying our unique amenities. 
 – Council Strategic Plan 
“
“
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Introduction and Goals

02
PARKS AND RECREATION 
DEPARTMENT
Existing Parks and Recreation System
The Buckeye Parks and Recreation system is an integral part of the community, dedicated to enhancing the 
quality of life for its residents through a variety of recreational facilities and programs. The system includes 
numerous parks, trails, and open spaces designed to accommodate a wide range of programs and activities.
Pocket
Parks
Neighborhood
Park
Community
Parks
Regional/ 
Conservation 
Park
6
1
2
1
Kell Park, Bayless Park, Serena 
Park, 6th St Plaza Park, Benbow 
Veterans Memorial Park, 
Narramore Park
6.55 Total Acres
Town Park, Rec Center, Aquatic 
Center, and Skate Park
7.39 Total Acres
Earl Edgar Park and Senior 
Center, Sundance Park
93.75 Total Acres
Skyline Regional Park
Aquatics
Arts and 
Culture
Special  
Interest  
Classes
Sports 
Leagues
Parks  
and 
Trails
Special  
Events
Programs  
For All  
Ages
Recreation 
Center and 
Senior Center
Department Overview 
The Community Services Department is responsible for a number of diverse 
offerings and elements. The department supports the following functions:
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Parks and Recreation Department

Narramore Park
Bayless Park
Serena Park
6th St. Plaza Park
Kell Park & Library
            Hassayampa River
                                 Gila River
Town Park, Recreation Center
Aquatic Center & Museum
Sundance Recreation Center,
Coyote Library
Sundance Park
Earl Edgar Recreational Facility & Senior Center
Skyline Regional Park
White Tank Mountain 
Regional Park
Sonoran Desert 
National Monument
Joe Foss
Shooting Range
Buckeye Hills 
Regional Park 
Maricopa County
Maricopa County
City of Buckeye Park  
System Map
Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives
The Department maintains progress towards multiple goals 
that directly link the provision of Parks and Recreation 
services to overall community advancement. These include:
Offer comprehensive programs that satisfy varying age 
levels, physical abilities, and special interests
Protect and preserve Buckeye’s parks, facilities, and open 
space for long-term sustainability
Provide a variety of health and wellness programs that 
promote and support personal health
Optimize financial and physical resources
Market the worth of the Department and services we offer
To help achieve these objectives, the Department provides 
a broad range of recreation and leisure programming, 
supported with dedicated spaces which includes 
neighborhood and community parks, a signature regional 
park, recreation centers, a Senior Center, a swimming pool, 
and trails.
All programs and events are required to relate to, support,  
or directly align with the Department’s priorities and goals  
for the future, identified in the Parks and Recreation Master 
Plan. The goals, objectives, and general directions set forth  
in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and other 
fundamental Department documents are brought into  
action through this Plan.
Department Mission, Vision, Goals, and Objectives
The Department’s vision is simple and succinct: “We are vital to Buckeye being a desired community.” This vision, in 
tandem with the Department’s mission of “enriching the quality of life and creating memorable experiences for all 
generations,” is a core facet of this Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Department is committed to remaining engaged 
and informed of the needs and priorities of Buckeye residents and Parks and Recreation’s role in meeting those needs.
The following section highlights the Department’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives, which have been crucial in 
shaping the Plan and will remain central to its implementation.
Core Values and Guiding Principles
The Department has identified six core values for continued programming success:
Embrace  
the New
Lend a  
Hand
Enjoy Our 
Work
Do  
Right
Find a  
Way
Celebrate 
Uniqueness
1
3
5
2
4
6
In tandem with the Department’s vision and mission, Buckeye utilizes these core values as strategic anchors  
when setting operational and budgetary goals.
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Parks and Recreation Department

Develop/expand adult fitness and wellness programming
Develop/expand additional sport courts
Expand outdoor adventure and nature-based programming 
Develop a multi-generational recreation center for indoor 
recreation opportunities
Develop/expand enrichment programs and classes for all ages 
03
DEMOGRAPHICS AND  
TRENDS ASSESSMENTS
Demographics Assessment 
Buckeye is currently one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The city has experienced 
tremendous growth over the past decade and is anticipated to continue this fast-paced trajectory.
Buckeye is unique, as it is home to many large master planned communities which present a myriad of 
opportunities for partnership with the private development community. The city and its partners need 
to grow Buckeye’s parks and recreation system in order to meet current and future resident demands. 
Population
	• 2024 Population:  
	 119,110
	• Annual growth  
	 rate: 7.10%
	• Total Households: 
	 34,663
Age
	• Median age: 34.5
	• Largest age  
	 segment: 35-54
	• Continued growth  
	 of 0-17 population  
	 through 2038
Race and  
Ethnicity
	• 57% White Alone
	• 7% Black or  
	 African American
	• 39% Hispanic/Latino
Income
	• Median Household: 
	 $91,360
	• Per Capita: $35,674
	• Continued  
	 economic growth  
	 through 2038
2024 Buckeye Population Demographics
Trends Assessment
A national and regional trends 
analysis was conducted and 
resulted in the following key 
recommendations: 
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Demographics and Trends Assessments

To fully assess and best understand the needs and priorities of 
residents within this large geographic area, this plan divided 
the city into multiple planning areas. These planning areas 
were used throughout the plan, including in the identification 
of demographics and trends.
The estimated current population in 
Buckeye is 119,110 and by 2039, the 
estimated population will be 227,928. 
119,110
227,928
Estimated 
Population 
by 2039
Estimated 
Current 
Population
Buckeye is Arizona’s largest 
city geographically and is only 
at 14% build-out.
14% 
Build-out
Younger families are moving 
to Buckeye. Amenities should 
be designed to appeal to 
an increasing middle-age 
population while remaining 
accessible for elderly and 
young children. 
North  
Buckeye
Central 
Buckeye
10
10
South 
Buckeye
85
85
Sun Valley 
Parkway
West 
Buckeye
Historic 
Buckeye
East 
Buckeye
Sun Valley Pkwy
Palo verde Rd
Baseline Rd
Monroe Ave
Beloat Rd
Miller Rd
Verrado Wy
North Buckeye, Sun 
Valley Parkway, 
Central Buckeye, 
and East Buckeye 
are all projected 
to experience 
exponential growth
City of Buckeye 
Planning Map
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Demographics and Trends Assessments

04
COMMUNITY NEEDS  
AND OUTREACH
Community Engagement 
The community outreach and stakeholder engagement plan was tailored to provide Buckeye 
residents with multiple ways to provide input and feedback throughout the entire planning 
process. The outreach included:
	• Community workshops
	• Citywide special events
	• Individual interviews with leadership
	• Focus group meetings
	• User group meetings
	• Interactive project website 
	• Statistically Valid Survey 
	• Citywide Findings/Outcomes Presentations 
Website 
Surveys
Share Your  
Big Idea
Focus Group/ 
Stakeholder Meeting  
Participants
Pop-Up Event 
Participants
Interactive Map  
Comments
Statistically 
Valid Surveys
524
1,068
20
63
248
1,068
134
325
Community  
Outreach  
Meeting Votes
Social 
Media
The community involvement 
underscores the vital role 
that resident engagement 
plays in the parks and recreation 
system. Recognizing that the success 
of the parks system hinges on the 
active participation and input of the 
community, the outreach program 
provided several opportunities for the 
community to provide meaningful input 
at every stage of the planning and 
implementation process. 
Community Needs Assessments Findings
The following pages provide the outcomes from the community outreach for 
programming and amenities for both citywide and specific planning areas.
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Community Needs and Outreach

Nature Center
12
12
12
Outdoor Adventures
44
Indoor Ball Courts
88
Fishing Areas
10
10
10
Fitness & Exercise
22
Natural Preserves
66
Community Center
99
Aquatics/Pools
11
Splash Pads
55
Paved Multi-Use Paths
77
Multi-Use Paths
11
11
11
Art Performances
33
TOP 12 AMENITY NEEDS BASED ON STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY
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Community Needs and Outreach

Water Fitness Programs
12
12
12
Swim Lessons
10
10
10
Pop-Up Programs
99
Nature Programs
88
Family Programming
66
Arts Performances
55
Adult Sports
11
11
11
Educational Classes
77
Hobby/Interest  
Classes
11
Fitness Programs
22
Arts Programs
44
Special Events/ 
Festivals
33
TOP 12 PROGRAM NEEDS BASED ON STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY
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Community Needs and Outreach

North  
North  
Buckeye
Buckeye
Central 
Central 
Buckeye
Buckeye
10
10
South 
South 
Buckeye
Buckeye
85
85
Sun Valley 
Sun Valley 
Parkway
Parkway
West 
West 
Buckeye
Buckeye
Historic 
Historic 
Buckeye
Buckeye
East 
East 
Buckeye
Buckeye
Sun Valley Pkwy
Sun Valley Pkwy
Palo verde Rd
Palo verde Rd
Baseline Rd
Baseline Rd
Monroe Ave
Monroe Ave
Beloat Rd
Beloat Rd
Miller Rd
Miller Rd
Verrado Wy
Verrado Wy
PLANNING AREAS
TOP 5 COMMUNITY NEEDS: PROGRAMS
North Buckeye
1.	 Art Programs
2.	 Fitness Classes
3.	 Nature/Environmental Classes
4.	 Adaptive Recreation Programs
5.	 Hobby/Interest Classes
West Buckeye
1.	 Art Performances
2.	 Hobby/Interest Classes
3.	 Performing Arts
4.	 Arts Programs
5.	 Water Fitness Classes
Historic Buckeye
1.	 Pickleball Lessons/Leagues
2.	 Educational Classes
3.	 Art Performances
4.	 Nature/Environmental Classes
5.	 Teen Programs
East Buckeye
1.	 Pickleball Lessons
2.	 Adult Sports
3.	 Hobby/Interest Classes
4.	 Art Performances
5.	 Water Fitness Classes
South Buckeye
1.	 Water Fitness Classes
2.	 Educational Classes
3.	 Hobby/Interest Classes
4.	 Intergenerational Programs
5.	 Nature/Environmental Classes
Central Buckeye
1.	 Pickleball Lessons/Leagues
2.	 Adult Sports
3.	 Hobby/Interest Classes
4.	 Fitness Classes
5.	 Educational Classes
Sun Valley Parkway
1.	 Art Programs
2.	 Hobby/Interest Classes
3.	 BMX/Biking
4.	 Pickleball Lessons/Leagues
5.	 Adult Sports
The City of Buckeye divided into multiple planning areas helps to understand the 1 to 1 correspondence
between community needs and planning areas.
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Community Needs and Outreach

North  
North  
Buckeye
Buckeye
Central 
Central 
Buckeye
Buckeye
10
10
South 
South 
Buckeye
Buckeye
85
85
Sun Valley 
Sun Valley 
Parkway
Parkway
West 
West 
Buckeye
Buckeye
Historic 
Historic 
Buckeye
Buckeye
East 
East 
Buckeye
Buckeye
Sun Valley Pkwy
Sun Valley Pkwy
Palo verde Rd
Palo verde Rd
Baseline Rd
Baseline Rd
Monroe Ave
Monroe Ave
Beloat Rd
Beloat Rd
Miller Rd
Miller Rd
Verrado Wy
Verrado Wy
PLANNING AREAS
TOP 5 COMMUNITY NEEDS: AMENITIES
North Buckeye
1.	 Indoor Exercise Facilities
2.	 Outdoor Exercise Equipment
3.	 Aquatics/Pool Facilities
4.	 Outdoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
5.	 Recreation Center
West Buckeye
1.	 Indoor Walking/Running Track
2.	 Aquatics/Pool Facilities
3.	 Indoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
4.	 Outdoor Exercise Equipment
5.	 Pickleball Courts
Historic Buckeye
1.	 Pickleball Courts
2.	 Indoor Walking/Running Track
3.	 Indoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
4.	 Outdoor Exercise Equipment
5.	 Disc Golf Course
East Buckeye
1.	 Pickleball Courts
2.	 Aquatics/Pool Facilities 
3.	 Indoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
4.	 Recreation Center
5.	 Indoor Walking/Running Track
South Buckeye
1.	 Aquatic/Pool Facilities
2.	 Outdoor Exercise Equipment
3.	 Indoor Walking/Running Track
4.	 Outdoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
5.	 Multi-Use Paths and Trails
Central Buckeye
1.	 Indoor Walking/Running Track
2.	 Aquatics/Pool Facilities
3.	 Pickleball Courts
4.	 Indoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
5.	 Outdoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
Sun Valley Parkway
1.	 Aquatics/Pool Facilities
2.	 Indoor Fitness Facilities
3.	 Pickleball Courts
4.	 Outdoor Fitness Exercise Facilities
5.	 E-Sports Room
The City of Buckeye divided into multiple planning areas helps to understand the 1 to 1 correspondence
between community needs and planning areas.
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Community Needs and Outreach

05
ANALYSIS AND  
RECCOMMENDATIONS
Total Developed Park Acreage per 1,000 Residents 
The following table provides the benchmarking totals for the levels of service provided for developed 
parks per 1,000 residents. 
Total Indoor Recreation and Outdoor Aquatics Square Footage per 1,000 Residents 
The following table provides benchmarking totals for indoor recreation facilities and aquatic facilities. 
Agency
Number 
of Indoor 
Recreation 
Facilities
Total Indoor 
Recreation 
Facilities Square 
Footage
Number of 
Outdoor Aquatic 
Centers/Pools
Total Outdoor 
Aquatic Center/
Pool Square 
Footage
Indoor 
Recreation 
Square Footage 
Per 1,000 
Residents
Outdoor Aquatic 
Centers Square 
Feet Per 1,000 
Residents
Avondale Parks and Recreation
2
90,500.00
1
16,944.00
947.55
177.41
Boulder Parks and Recreation
3
150,950.00
5
121,104.00
1,394.46
1,118.74
Buckeye Community Services
3
22,345.00
1
7,500.00
187.60
62.97
Casa Grande Parks and Recreation
3
100,200.00
1
11,967.00
1.496.00
178.75
Glendale Parks and Recreation
5
121,648.00
2
24,176.00
482.47
95.88
Goodyear Parks and Recreation
2
50,000.00
2
105,910.00
448.40
949.80
Peoria Parks and Recreation
1
42,000.00
3
40,156.00
210.61
110.32
Benchmarking Indoor Recreation 
Facilities and Aquatics Facilities
Comparative Analysis Findings 
The City conducted benchmarking analysis that included 
seeking information from representative municipalities to 
determine whether the City adequately provides municipal 
parks for residents to use. The representative municipal 
agencies included: Boulder Parks and Recreation, Casa 
Grande Parks and Recreation, Glendale Parks and Recreation, 
Goodyear Parks and Recreation, Avondale Parks and 
Recreation, and Peoria Parks and Recreation.
Agency
Population
Total Acreage of 
Developed Parks 
Less 2 Acres
Total Acreage of 
Developed Parks 
3 - 15 Acres
Total Acreage of 
Developed Parks 
16-50 Acres
Total Acreage of 
Developed Parks 
over 51 Acres
Total Developed 
Acres/1,000 
Residents*
Avondale Parks and Recreation
95,509
3.9
26.2
42.8
134.1
2.2
Boulder Parks and Recreation
108,250
28.35
169.1
236.49
423.53
7.92
Buckeye Community Services
119,110
6.55
1.09
Casa Grande Parks and Recreation
66,949
10.78
70.5
76.7
535
10.00
Glendale Parks and Recreation
252,136
6.3
318
100.4
537.1
3.81
Goodyear Parks and Recreation
111,508
4
53
190
0
2.22
Peoria Parks and Recreation
199,424
0
237.56
61.68
349.75
3.25
*Note: Does not include special use areas.
Benchmarking Developed Park 
Acrea / 1,000 Residents
Buckeye is significantly behind when compared to benchmark cities in:
Developed Park Acreage
Indoor Recreation Square Footage
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Analysis and Reccommendations
7.39
47.75
68

Desired Level of Service for Amenities and Parks
Since the 2016 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the city has more than doubled in population 
from 57,000 residents to 119,110 residents. Currently, the city provides 1.09 acres of parks per 1,000 
residents. To determine Buckeye’s desired level of service standar ds, the City used information 
gleaned from the survey issued to the jurisdictions in Maricopa County on the number of park acres, 
facilities and amenities. In addition, the city gathered information from the National Recreation 
and Parks Association. The following table provides a comparison of level of services amongst the 
benchmarking cities as well as the other agency findings.
Desired Level of Service Comparison Matrix
Amenity
City of Buckeye 
Existing
Level of Service
Valley-Wide 
Average Level 
of Service*
Benchmarking 
Valley-Wide 
Median Level 
of Service*
National 
Recreation 
and Parks 
Association**
City of Buckeye 
Desired
Level of Service
Multi-Use Diamond Fields
1 Per 14,889 
Residents
1 Per 8,000 
Residents
1 Per 16,873 
Residents
1 Per 6,821 
Residents
1 Per 12,000 
Residents
Multi-Use Fields
1 Per 17,015 
Residents
1 Per 13,000 
Residents
1 Per 13,471 
Residents
1 Per 7.375 
Residents
1 Per 13,000 
Residents
Outdoor Basketball Court
1 Per 17,015 
Residents***
1 Per 10,000 
Residents
1 Per 10,029 
Residents
1 Per 9,643 
Residents
1 Per 10,000 
Residents
Outdoor Pickleball Court
0
1 Per 8,300 
Residents
1 Per 19,826 
Residents
1 Per 20,244 
Residents
1 Per 10,000 
Residents
Outdoor Tennis Court
0
1 Per 8,300 
Residents
1 Per 11,885 
Residents
1 Per 8,731 
Residents
1 Per 10,000 
Residents
Outdoor Sand Volleyball 
Court
1 Per 29,777 
Residents
1 Per 8,300 
Residents
1 Per 24,597 
Residents
1 Per 46,517 
Residents
1 Per 10,000 
Residents
Playgrounds
1 Per 19,852 
Residents
1 Per 8,000 
Residents
1 Per 13,276 
Residents
1 Per 5,016 
Residents
1 Per 8,000 
Residents
Ramadas
1 Per 4,107 
Residents
1 Per 4,000 
Residents
1 Per 7,407 
Residents
N/A
1 Per 4,000 
Residents
Swimming Pools
1 Per 119,110 
Residents
1 Per 46,000 
Residents
1 Per 111,780 
Residents
1 Per 65,697 
Residents
1 Per 50,000 
Residents
Recreation Center/ 
Multi-Generational Center/
Community Center
1 Per 39,703 
Residents
1 Per 50,500 
Residents
1 Per 62.000 
Residents
1 Per 57,750 
Residents
1 Per 50,000 
Residents
Dog Park
1 Per 119,110 
Residents
1 per 91,000 
Residents
1 Per 90,760 
Residents
N/A
1 Per 30,000 
Residents
Park Acres
1.09 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
3.8 Acres Per  
1,000 Residents
3.7 Acres Per  
1,000 Residents
7 Acres Per 1,000 
Population
4 Acres Per 1,000 
Residents
*From 2022 City of Chandler Parks and Recreation Master Plan 
**From NRPA Performance Review Report
*** Includes the 3 courts at 6th Street Plaza
Master Planned Communities / HOAs
Buckeye is comprised of several master planned communities which include HOA developed 
parks. The following table compares similar valley cites and the total developed park acreage 
for both agency and HOA parks. Each of these agencies utilize both City and HOA developed 
park acreage when defining the current level of service for developed park acreage per 1,000 
residents. The table provides a comparison of the current and recommended service levels for 
developed park acreage per 1,000 residents.
Developed Park Acreage - City and HOA Parks
Agency
City 
Inventory 
(Acres)
HOA/Other 
Inventory 
(Acres)
Total  
Inventory 
(Acres)
Current % 
of Inventory 
Provided By 
City
Current Level 
of Service
Recommended 
Service Levels
Casa Grande
693
551
1,244
56%
22.1 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
19 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
Chandler
1,486
801
2,287
65%
8.2 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
8.5 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
Goodyear
254
449
703
36%
6.6 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
8.8 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
Buckeye
129
508
637
20%
5.3 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
8 Acres Per 
1,000 Residents
Buckeye Developed Park Level of Service Projections
1.60
2.15
2.75
3.35
4.00
2024
2034
2039
2044**
2054**
209
63
225
275
339
 LOS = Acres/1,000   Total Additional Acres*
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
4.50
0
100
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
Acres per/1,000 Residents
Additional Acres
* Based on current inventory 
** Notes: Uses 2039 Projected Population
200
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Analysis and Reccommendations

Recreation Program Plan Strategies
The following identified Program Strategies are important for the Department to consider moving forward. These strategies 
will act as a guide for the implementation of this plan and the improvement of the Department. These strategies, as a 
result, should be updated and utilized by staff to implement and track progress on this Recreation Programming Plan’s 
recommendations.
Recreation Programs and Services Strategies
Short-Term Strategies 
Develop new programs that residents have identified as a need within fitness, hobbies and special interests, and special 
events. Specific program areas noted as “High Priority” in the Statistically Valid Survey included hobby and interest classes, 
fitness programs, community special events and festivals, art programming, family programming, educational classes and 
lectures, and nature programs. 
Develop a program that follows a decision matrix to assess new opportunities incorporating (at a minimum) local trends, 
community interest/need, cost recovery goals, and age segment and population segment served by location among other 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Further develop the gap mapping for programs and locations to include overlaying similar provider locations onto program 
maps for a more detailed perspective. 
Begin to address gaps in programming identified within the program mapping. 
Enhance and optimize the Department’s marketing strategy for all programming. According to the community survey, 61% 
of respondents preferred the Eye on Buckeye publication and 43% preferred social media as their methods of learning about 
programming. With this information, and the everchanging preferred methods of communication, the Department should 
stay vigilant in understanding how their residents and participants can best be reached.
Ongoing Implementations 
The Department should evaluate Core Program Areas and individual programs, ideally on an annual basis, to ensure 
offerings are relevant to evolving demographics and trends in the local community.
Staff should continue to monitor the effectiveness of the various pricing strategies they employ and adjust as necessary. It is 
also important to regularly monitor for local competitors and other similar service providers as an increase in competition 
may alter program pricing.
Continue to monitor demographic shifts and program offerings to ensure that the needs of each age group are being 
met. It would be best practice to establish a plan including what age segment to target, establish messaging, identify 
which marketing method(s) to utilize, create a social media campaign, and determine what to measure for success before 
allocating resources towards a particular effort.
Complete a Program Lifecycle Analysis on a regular basis and ensure that the percentage distribution closely aligns with 
desired performance. Include annual performance measures for each Core Program Area to track participation growth, 
customer retention, and percentage of new programs as an incentive for innovation and alignment with community trends.
Organization Structure Assessment 
Staffing
When comparing staffing in Buckeye to other parks and recreation agencies in the region of central Arizona and Boulder 
Colorado, similar results emerge. Buckeye falls below the median of other agencies and, excluding seasonal employees, 
actually ranks among the lowest staffing levels per 10,000 residents of the agencies evaluated. This data is illustrated in 
the tables below. *Only Parks and Recreation FTE’s are included in the data below.
Agency
Population
Total Full-time  
Equivalents (FTEs) 
Total FTEs per  
10,000 Residents
Boulder Parks and Recreation
108,250
358.45
33.11
Goodyear Parks and Recreation
111,508
167.1
14.99
Buckeye Community Services
119,110
94.3
7.92
Peoria Parks and Recreation
199,424
150.1
7.53
Avondale Parks and Recreation
95,509
41.8
4.38
Glendale Parks and Recreation
252,136
103.8
4.12
NRPA Median for agencies serving 100,000 to 250,000: 120.0 Total FTEs, 7.9 FTEs per 10,000 residents
With Seasonal Employees
Agency
Population
Total Full-time  
Equivalents (FTEs) 
Total FTEs per  
10,000 Residents
Boulder Parks and Recreation
108,250 
358.45
33.11
Goodyear Parks and Recreation
111,508 
167.1
14.99
Peoria Parks and Recreation
199,424 
150.1
7.53
Buckeye Community Services
119,110 
66.8
5.60
Avondale Parks and Recreation
95,509 
41.8
4.38
Glendale Parks and Recreation
252,136 
103.8
4.12
NRPA Median for agencies serving 100,000 to 250,000: 120.0 Total FTEs, 7.9 FTEs per 10,000 residents
Without Seasonal Employees
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
30
31
Analysis and Reccommendations

In terms of full-time equivalents comparison with the other benchmark cities, Buckeye is fourth out 
of the seven benchmark cities when looking at FTEs with season employees. In terms of acres of 
developed parks, both Buckeye and Goodyear have 1.5 acres per FTE. When comparing FTEs without 
seasonal employees, Buckeye is second lowest out of the seven benchmark cities with only Glendale 
providing fewer number of FTE per 10,000 residents. Buckeye is below the NRPA FTE per 10,000 
residents which is 7.9 compared to Buckeye’s 4.28 FTE without seasonal employees.
Strategic Hires
• Community Research and Data Management Specialist
• Asset Management/Logistics Specialist
• Business Analyst 
• Volunteer Program Manager
• Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator
Additional Staffing
• Specialized/certified maintenance staff 
• Front-line staff and maintenance crew leaders
Ad
ti
i
t ff
Modernize Employment Practices and Support
• Improve job descriptions with greater specificity and modern terminology
• Develop and manage a consistent and thorough on-boarding process for new  
or transferred employees
• Develop a formalized training program for all divisions of the Department
• Complete “career mapping” for each position within the Department to identify 
logical growth opportunities
• Develop a formalized incentive program aligned with Department 
performance objectives
Staffing Recommendations
There is already a very strong culture of “partnership”  
within the city and especially within the Community Services 
Department. The City relies heavily on other organizations, 
entities, agencies, and individuals to serve the residents of 
Buckeye in an operationally efficient manner. It is expected 
this practice will continue and grow in the years to come. 
Even with this strong commitment to partnerships to 
leverage the staffing needs of the city, improvements can 
be made for parks and recreation to elevate the high quality 
of this public service. Based on a thorough assessment of 
existing staffing in the Department as well as best practice 
findings from similar agencies both regionally and nationally, 
the following recommendations were developed to improve 
efficacy of parks and recreation in Buckeye as a progressive 
and resilient public service.
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
32
33
Analysis and Reccommendations

06
THEMES
Based on what we heard, the 
following themes were identified 
from the key recommendations. 
CELEBRATE  
OUR NATURAL 
RESOURCES 
	• Explore partnership 
opportunities for nature center 
with organizations like Audubon
	• Continue the investment in Rio 
Reimagined
	• Conduct a grant study on land 
purchase opportunities
	• Partner with FCDMC to maximize 
green infrastructure drainage 
solutions as the need develops 
Based on what we heard the following themes were identified based on key recommendations.
*Based on statistically-valid survey
Most Supported Key Recommendations
We’re unique in a lot of ways and the 
biggest is all of the open space we 
have. Would like to see the City buy 
the land adjacent to the White Tanks 
to ensure its preservation.
“
“
Have done a good job at preserving 
and protecting wildlife corridors 
with the White Tanks Conservancy. 
Making sure that is not an 
afterthought and it’s an upfront 
priority is important as development 
continues to occur.
“
“
73%
Of Residents Support Dedicated 
Funding Options that Enable the 
Preservation of Open Spaces and 
Development of Parks and Trails* 
87%
Of Residents Support Preserving 
Open Space and High-Value Natural 
Resources*
What We Heard
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
34
35
Themes

ENHANCE 
COMMUNITY 
CONNECTIVITY 
	• Create a trail connection 
between Skyline and   
White Tank Mountains 
Regional Parks
	• Add a trailhead to the west 
side of Skyline Regional Park
	• Connect rivers to ridges in 
the City
	• Create a ten-year Arts and 
Culture Plan
I would like to see trails that 
connect. Trails that go beyond the 
immediate community.
“
“
There are some groups that 
aren’t as fluent on social media as 
others. Communication needs to 
be a combination of tried-and-
true communication like mailings 
mixed with social media and more 
technology-based solutions.
“
“
Most Supported Key Recommendations
#1
Resident 
Need is 
Special 
Events and Festivals*
79%
Of Residents Support Development 
of Multi-Use Paths and Trails*
GROW A WELL-
DISTRIBUTED PARKS 
SYSTEM
	• Create a shared-use performing 
arts space
	• Work with developers on 
opportunities to construct parks in 
master planned communities that 
could be conveyed to the city
	• Partner and co-locate future 
schools with land for a community 
park, recreation center, and 
aquatics facility
	• Master plan and build  
multi-generational center  
and aquatics facility
Most Supported Key Recommendations
We need a more centralized aquatic 
center/rec center. Buckeye is so 
large and driving out to the current 
center is too far.
“
“
I would love to see a Buckeye 
sports complex that can provide 
year-round sports opportunities 
and host tournaments.
“
“
80%
Of Residents Support Identifying 
and Acquiring Land to Develop 
More City Parks*
84%
Of Residents Support Developing 
New Indoor Recreation Facilities 
What We Heard
What We Heard
*Based on statistically-valid survey
*based on statistically valid survey
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
36
37
Themes
Special Events and Festivals
	•

• Add 10+ pickleball courts to 
Sundance Park
	• Implement park ranger program
	• Implement formal volunteer 
program 
	• Create a gateway on the Monroe 
Avenue realignment near Town 
Park, study connection options 
between 6th Street Plaza and City 
Hall for events
REINVEST IN 
EXISTING ASSETS
Most Supported Key Recommendations
*based on statistically valid survey
I wish there were more shaded play 
areas and large shade trees in the 
parks.
“
“
Please invest in the communities in 
the far west and historic Buckeye 
areas. We have no close recreation 
areas and the park areas available 
to us lack amenities.
“
“
73%
of Residents Support Improving the 
Existing Aquatics Facility*
81%
of Residents Support Investment in 
Updating and Improving City Parks*
STRATEGICALLY 
PROVIDE PROGRAMMING 
OPPORTUNITIES
	• Partner with HOAs to host special 
events in various areas throughout 
the city
	• Assess partnership opportunities 
to expand nature based education 
programs 
	• Provide adaptive recreation 
programming for all ages
	• Explore opportunities to provide 
recreation programming in master 
planned communities
Most Supported Key Recommendations
Our biggest challenge is that there 
is no indoor space for additional 
programs.
“
“
Please consider additional art 
classes for those of us who don’t 
live in a 55+ community.
“
“
#1
Hobby and 
Interest 
Classes is the Top  
Programming Priority  
for Residents
71%
Of Residents Identify Hobby  
and Interest Classes as a Need
 
What We Heard
What We Heard
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
38
39
Themes

07
VISIONARY PROJECTS
Amber Lasso
The vision for the “Amber Lasso” is to develop a nature-based 
regional trail providing passage to the Rivers to Ridges areas 
and connecting the existing natural and cultural assets. 
The Amber Lasso is a looped trail alignment that includes a 
southern and northern perimeter loop with Skyline Regional 
Park at the central core of the two loops. The two irrigation 
canals (RID and BWCDD) provide east/west connections 
within the southern loop of the Amber Lasso as well. Several 
additional primary pathway connections from the Amber 
Lasso include north/south connections with Watson Road 
and Miller Road which provide connectivity to Skyline 
Regional Park, Sundance Park, Earl Edgar Park, and the  
Gila River.
The Amber Lasso alignment utilizes existing pathways and 
corridors that include Lost Creek Trail in Verrado, Maricopa 
Trail, El Rio corridor, and the Hassyampa corridor. Key initial 
recommendations include an Amber Lasso site specific 
trail master plan to further define the trail alignment, 
create branding identity and signage standards, explore 
partnerships, and identify grant opportunities.
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%
&
'
(
10
Skyline
Regional Park
Estrella
Mountain
Regional Park
Gila River
Buckeye Irrigation Distict Canal
Roosevelt Ir
riga
tion
 Distict
 Ca
nal
BETHANY HOME RD
CAMELBACK RD
INDIAN SCHOOL RD
THOMAS RD
MCDOWELL RD
VAN BUREN ST
YUMA RD
LOWER BUCKEYE RD
BROADWAY RD
SOUTHERN AVE
BASELINE RD
BELOAT RD
ELLIOT RD
NARRAMORE RD
RAY RD
PERRYVILLE RD
JACKRABBIT TRL
VERRADO WAY
DEAN RD
RAINBOW RD
WATSON RD
APACHE RD
MILLER RD
ROOKS RD
TURNER RD
WILSON AVE
PALO VERDE RD
BRUNER RD
JOHNSON RD
315TH AVE
319TH AVE
GLENDALE
GOODYEAR
MARICOPA
COUNTY
WEST
EAST
WEST
WEST
WEST
EAST
E/N OF
CANAL
NORTH
S OF CANAL
W OF
CHANNEL
N OF CHANNEL
S OF CHANNEL
E OF RIVER
E OF RIVER
E OF RIVER
E OF RIVER
E OF RIVER
E OF RIVER
N OF CANAL
EAST
EAST
EAST
WEST
EAST
EAST
S OF ROAD
SOUTH
SOUTH
SOUTH
SOUTH
SOUTH
NORTH
T
S
E
W
T
S
E
W
T
S
E
W
SOUTH
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan - Trails
Buckeye Planning Area
Maricopa County Regional Parks
National Monument
FEMA Floodway
City Parks
40 Acre Trailhead Parcel
Wildlife Linkage
Habitat Patch
Maricopa Trail
Maricopa County Trails
City of Surprise Trails
City of Goodyear Trails
!
!
!
!
! Jurisdictions
")
Crossing
Parks Master Plan Trailhead
Major Trailhead
Minor Trailhead
City of Buckeye Trails
Proposed City of Buckeye Trails
City of Buckeye Trails
Secondary Path
Primary Path - Existing Decomposed Granite
Primary Path - Existing Concrete Sidewalk
Primary Path - New without Full Corridor
Primary Path - New with Full Corridor
¨
0
2
4
1
Miles
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
40
41
Visionary Projects

Rivers to Ridges
Within the City of Buckeye’s municipal planning area lies a multitude of 
existing natural and cultural assets, such as the Sonoran Desert National 
Monument, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Skyline Regional Park, 
Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Robbins and Powers Butte Wildlife Areas, and 
the Gila and Hassayampa rivers. Yet, these features exist as isolated assets 
that should be integrated and connected by pathways and trails. 
Primary paths should be constructed to connect the White Tank 
Mountains to both the Gila and Hassayampa rivers. Similarly, the Buckeye 
Hills and the Sonoran Desert National Monument are recommended to 
be connected via primary paths where topography does not constrain the 
path width or surface material. Major and minor trailheads are utilized for accessing the Rivers to Ridges Paths. 
The Maricopa Trail and El Rio Trail are prime examples of the City’s proposed Rivers to Ridges trail along the Gila River. The 
Maricopa Trail already has regional significance and connections to communities throughout the Valley. The El Rio has also 
been identified as a regional pathway and trail corridor to provide connectivity to the neighboring cities of Goodyear and 
Avondale to the east. 
In 2016, the El Rio Design Guidelines and Planning Standards Master Plan was developed in a collaborative effort between 
the cities of Buckeye, Avondale, and Goodyear; Maricopa County Planning and Development; and Flood Control District of 
Maricopa County. The master plan provides a shared vision to continue to restore the Gila River and provide the county and 
cities with a consistent design and planning standard to maintain the focus and increase awareness and appreciation of the 
Gila River. 
In 2020, Buckeye developed the El Rio Trail Assessment which provided an assessment of the El Rio corridor within the 
jurisdictional limits of Buckeye. The plan evaluated alignment alternatives along the river and identified a preferred 
alternative.
Municipal/Recreation Campus
The community has identified a need to provide more 
indoor recreation space. The City has identified the 
vision of developing a public municipal campus to 
include a recreation center and aquatics facility with 
other community facilities like libraries and public safety 
facilities. This could become the model to provide a 
municipal / recreation campus within or around the 
City planning areas. Other valley cities such as Surprise, 
Avondale, Glendale and Goodyear are utilizing this model 
to create efficiencies with infrastructure and development 
to provide access to community-based facilities within a 
municipal campus setting. A recommendation from this 
plan is for the City to conduct a feasibility assessment to 
identify potential sites for a municipal campus.
Presence at the Landing 
The Landing is a 2,100-acre (3.4 square mile) project site 
located just south of I-10 and Verrado Way. It is a critical 
growth area for Buckeye and offers an opportunity to 
integrate an entertainment hub with unique and diverse 
recreational and living opportunities. The Landing 
also provides the city with another way to incorporate 
recreational amenities and programming into the area. 
The Landing project area includes the Flood Control District 
of Maricopa County Flood Retaining Structure 4. This flood 
retaining structure provides 100-year flood protection 
for downstream landowners. The dam is maintained and 
operated by the FCDMC with Arizona Department of Water 
Resources (ADWR) as the regulating agency. This property 
provides 205 acres of land use within the FCDMC flood 
retaining structure. FCDMC is open for joint use recreation 
opportunities and has several examples of this kind of 
application throughout the Valley. FCDMC provides recreation 
easements for the use of the land. Park development and 
maintenance costs are the responsibility of the City. An 
example of a similar use within a FCDMC facility is the City of 
Phoenix’s Reach 11 sports complex. The Community Services 
Department should continue to be involved during the 
planning process to identify recreation opportunities and be 
part of this diverse development.
The Landing Land Use Concept
Buckeye Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Executive Summary
42
43
Visionary Projects

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY