2026 Fee Study July Work Session STAFF MEMO

Home of the Superstition Mountains 
City of Apache Junction 
300 East Superstition Boulevard  Apache Junction, Arizona 85119   
  
 
 
 
MEMORANDUM TO:  
 
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members 
THROUGH:   
 
 
Bryant Powell, City Manager 
FROM: 
 
 
 
Liz Langenbach, Parks and Recreation Director 
DATE:  
 
 
 
July 7, 2026 
SUBJECT: 
 
Updates to Chapter 4-1: Parks and Recreation Fee  
Schedule 
 
Apache Junction City Code Volume I, Chapter 4: Fees, Article 4-1: Parks and Recreation 
Fee Schedule addresses parks and recreation fees.  Fees are required by the state of 
Arizona to be reviewed every five years to ensure they are aligned with the local market, the 
community needs, and changes in other laws.   
 
The parks and recreation department has historically used three primary funding sources to 
provide high quality programs, services, and facilities for the community: 1) general fund 
(sales tax); 2) development fee fund; and 3) user fees.  These are supplemented by various 
smaller sources such as grants, donations, corporate partnerships, etc.  Many facilities, 
amenities, and events are paid for by all residents through city sales taxes; however 
additional fees are put in place for more exclusive uses by individuals.    
 
Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission have conducted a thorough review of our 
current market and have made recommendations based on the following: 
 
1. General Market Comparison 
Parks and Recreation fees were last updated in 2021.  The recommended updates will aim 
to increase only those fees that are substantially below market value or need to be 
increased to cover rising operating costs. 
 
2. Demographics and Affordabiltiy 
A priority is ensuring that many facilities/programs are available to all residents, regardless 
of their income level.  This is reflected in some of the fee decisions, and in a robust 
scholarship program, funded by partners to offset necessary fees.    
 
2. New Amenity/Service Fee Considerations 
With the introduction of renovated facilities at the Rodeo Event Center, recommendations 
also include new amenities such as the large pavilion, vendor electricity, and RV hook-ups. 
 
Once city council is satisfied with proposed changes, the fees will be discussed and voted 
on at a future public hearing.  The intent is to have any approved changes effective no later 
than January 1st, 2027. 
 
Thank you, for your consideration.