2026 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan

APACHE JUNCTION
PARKS & RECREATION
APACHE JUNCTION
PARKS & RECREATION
STRATEGIC PLAN
2026
2026

Introduction
Hello, Apache Junction!
Thank you, for taking the time to check out our Strategic Plan.  It’s an opportunity each year to map out
where we’ve been and where we are going in tiny snapshots for the community.  The goals are based on
the citizen approved City of Apache Junction 2020 General Plan.  For each objective, we’ve shared just a
few of the key achievements from last fiscal year (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) and a few
strategies for the current year.  
We have a lot of capital projects this year, but here are some of the highlights:
Rodeo Event Center Phase 1 Construction
Little League Complex Restroom/Concession Renovation
Dog Park Shade Structures
Apache Trail Median Re-Vegetation
Aquatic Center Deck and Shower Flooring
Aquatic Center Fencing/Masonry Replacement
Superstition Shadows Park Aquatic Center & Playground Shade
MGC Interior Re-Paint
Prospector Park Pickleball Courts
Our team is proud of the programs, facilities, and services we provide to our quickly expanding
city. Here are some of our most recent award winning parks, programs, and people!
2024 APRA Young Professional of the Year - Riley King
2024 Outstanding Sports Program - Parent Tot Sports
2024 Tree City USA/Growth Award
2024 Fields of Excellence Award - Little League Complex
2025 APRA Park Professional of the Year - David Butler
2025 Outstanding Facility - Painted Sky Park
DarkSky Certified Sportsfields - Prospector & Superstition Shadows Parks
As you look through the Strategic Plan, and you see something that is missing, or you think could be more
clear, please don’t hesitate to tell us!  We revisit the Strategic Plan EVERY year.  We want your input.  You
can attend one of our Parks and Recreation Commission meetings in person or you can fill out our
Strategic Plan survey online at www.apachejunctionaz.gov/parks.
We hope to see you out in one of our parks or programs!
Liz Langenbach
Parks & Recreation Director

Our Vision:
  Our Mission
  Our Vision
 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.

Organizational Chart

OBJECTIVES/POLICIES
STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Policy 2.1.1- Encourage and facilitate public
participation in planning and expanding the parks and
trail system
9 public Parks & Recreation Commission meetings
were conducted in FY25
Held stakeholder meetings for pickleball courts
Surveyed  community members regarding park
needs, including a method to offer feedback on the
Strategic Plan
Policy 2.1.2 - Consider development of additional
community facilities
Held the Grand Opening of Painted Sky Park
Opened Ridgeline Linear Park
Completed Design of Phase 1 Rodeo Event Center,
Prospector Park Pickleball Courts and began
construction on both projects. 
Policy 2.1.3 - Coordinate with developers to
incorporate potential sites for parks, trails, open space,
and other recreational facilities
Working cooperatively with Brookfield Development
to design the public Central District Park within
Blossom Rock
Work cooperatively with CIP Department to Master
Plan South City Campus which includes a park
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 Superstition Basin Park 
Weeke's Wash Regional Stormwater Detention
Facility - considering recreation amenities in design
Partnering with 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
Began showing 10 minute walk concept on our City
Park map for context and future planning
Updating the Strategic Plan yearly to help guide
department planning efforts
Propose Process for Parks and Recreation Master
Plan in FY27 and FY28 Budget Planning
New Park Development
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
FY25 completed $5.3 million in capital facility
expansion/improvement projects 
FY26 budgeted $6.21 million 
Policy 2.2.2 - Pursue options for purchase or patent
from BLM on current Rec & Public Purpose Leases
Review Prospector Park lease for patent/purchase
Review Silly Mountain, Sheep Drive, & Multi-Use
Trails leases for patent/purchase
Policy 2.2.3 - Consider updates, as needed, to existing
intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to increase
usability of community facilities
Continue working with Pinal County for CAP Trail &
Superstition Basin
The current agreement with AJUSD expires 2028
Explore IGA/MOU opportunities with the local
charter schools adjacent to parks/trails
Policy 2.2.4 - Maintain an area of honor of war
veterans as part of the City Hall campus
Consider additional public art pieces and potential
police memorials at Veterans Memorial Park
Policy 2.2.5 - Continue to ehance landscaping in high
visibility right-of-ways such as the Apache Trail/Old
West Highway median
FY26 plans include completing adding vegetation
and granite to Apache Trail median 
Completed Ridgeline Linear Park at Superstition
Vistas
Took over maintenance of Idaho Median US60 to
Baseline
Policy 2.2.6 - Operate a Park Ranger program that
provides a safe, secure, and enjoyable facility/program
experience for all users
Hiring a 2 evening Assistant Ranger Supervisor to
lead Park Ranger duties
nd
Created and promoted the See Something Say
Something campaign with text/call contact info
Park Expansion/Improvements
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 develop new programs to
further enhance programs and facilities
9397 volunteer hours in FY25 ($326,939 value)
Continue existing volunteer programs (Jr guards,
volunteer coaches, senior services, YAC)
Adding Silly Mountain Volunteer/Steward Program
Added new popular Sound Bath pool reservation  
Policy 2.3.2 - Through citizen input and the Parks and
Recreation Commission, evaluate the needs and
provide a variety of programs and services
Received 878 program/event surveys in FY25-large
increase due to auto generated surveys in CivicRec
131 MGC membership survey responses
454 Program Sessions offered
New programs include: fishing, full moon hikes, First
Saturday, cornhole league, 2 pickleball
instructors/classes, and more
MGC sold 4541 memberships; 103,326 visits in FY25
Conducted 2220 group fitness classes in FY25
Policy 2.3.3 - Maintain and develop special events that
attract visitors and residents to Parks and Recreation
facilities and downtown businesses
Added parking and an ICS team to Easter Event
Halloween event in 2025 will go back to a free event
Grow Wellness event, adding more city businesses
Collaboration with local business for Paint and Pints
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 sensory bins and adaptive areas to Dino
Days, April Pool’s Day, and the Easter Egg Hunt
Added adaptive Egg Hunt, w/ options for egg hunting 
Manage 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 Football pay only
25% of facility reservation fees
Work cooperatively with local schools and Library
Work with non profits to collaborate on shared special
events
General Plan - Goal 2.3
Take a leadership role in the community for execution of a diverse Parks & Recreation
programming and services strategy
Programs/Services
Programs/Services

OBJECTIVES/POLICIES
STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Policy 2.4.1 - Maximize participation in programs
through improved marketing and offering multiple
registration options
Utilization of CivicRec as our online and in-person
registration software
55% of registrations in-person, 45% online
Offer in person, online, & onsite registration
options
Response time to patrons is less than 24 hours
Policy 2.4.2 - Maximize the public use of facilities
through improved marketing and customer-oriented
reservation processes
Utilization of CivicRec as our online and in person
facility reservation software (26% online and 74%
in person)
Processed 739 reservations at Dutchman Dog
Park & Ruff Ranch Dog Park
New events to the Rodeo Event Center included: a
Bluegrass Festival, Development Services’
Building Safety Expo, and a partnered burro derby
and family equestrian event
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- 13,400 followers & 428,700 reach
Instagram- 2,532 followers & 38,200 reach
Print media milestones/goals: 
26,500 copies of Citizen brochure distributed
3X per year
Created Z-card park/facility maps
Utilized multiple platforms to increase summer
recruitment of staff
Welcome bags went out to over 1,500 home
buyers in new neighborhood developments 
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
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
FY25 grants included: ARPA, DFFM Invasive Plant
Grant, CDBG grants, Drowning Prevention
Coalition grant , LTAF/GRIC/Central Arizona
Ageing transportation grants, SRP
$2,421,637 grant utilization in FY25 
$31,273 gifts and donations in FY25
$20,278 corporate partnerships in FY25
Department taking over the administration of our
own corporate partnership program
Policy 2.5.2 - Evaluate the parks and open space
development fee and adjust as needed based on
impact from users
$492,830 in development fees and investment
income raised in FY25
Superstition Vistas area contributes to new
development through their Community Facilities
District
Will work with the Development Services Dept to
update the City’s Development Fee Study
Policy 2.5.3 - Evaluate the Parks and Recreation fee
structure for programs, facility rentals, and services
every 5 years to insure compatibility with the market
and our community demographic
Last market fee study done in 2021 and will start a
new study in 2026
$6,100 in scholarships given out for youth 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
Funding Strategies
Utilize multiple 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 2025/2026
FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
FUTURE
City Hall Campus
Library Reading Garden
Construction
Consideration of Veterans Park
for police memorial (PAC)
Dutchman Dog Park
 Install shade structures 
 
 
Flatiron Park
Review Master Plan and additional
needs with Commission
Phase 2 ramada and central
plaza
Little League Park
Concession and restroom
renovations 
Shade structures and walkway
improvements
Multi-Generational
Center
Interior paint throughout
Walking track replacement
Multi-Use Trails &
Open Space
Complete trail marker placements
Horse Crossover Signage
replacement
Construction of joint trailhead
with BLM Goldfield Rec Area
Painted Sky Park
Acquisition of additional space
north of the Dutch
Prospector Park
Phase 1 Ballfield Irrigation
renovation
Phase 2 Ballfield renovation &
removal of non-functional turf
Multi-Use Fields Irrigation
renovation
Phase I Pickleball Court
construction 
Lighting updates throughout park
Ramada renovations
Parking lots crack and slurry seal 
Dedication signage Jeff Bell
Softball Complex
ROW &
Neighborhood
Properties
Apache Trail Median 
Re-vegetation (Ironwood to
Delaware)
Renaissance Point - Palm Wash
Repairs
Renaissance Point - Walking
trail improvements/repairs
Arroyo Verde - Palm Wash
repairs
Rodeo Event Center
Construction Phase I - ADA
sidewalks/parking, large ramada
extended, site electric/utilities
Design Phase 2 Master Plan
Possible construction     Phase II Design/Construction Phase II
Silly Mountain Park
Invasive plant mitigation project
Review and update Master Plan
Consideration of interagency
resource/interpretive center

PARKS AND FACILITIES PLAN
EXISTING SITES
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
FUTURE
Superstition Shadows
Park
Skatepark concrete and bowls
repair design
Laser-level infields
Replacement play equipment
Ramada replacements and phase
2 of lighting updates
Remove non-functional turf
Possible construction of
skatepark renovations
Superstition Shadows
Aquatic Center
Re-coat decking & slide
renovations
Re-paint buildings
Filtration system updates
Fencing and CMU wall
replacement
LED Lighting 
Restroom updates throughout
Install added shade
 
Marquee & Focal Point
Flower bed renovations
FUTURE  SITES
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
FUTURE
Blossom Rock District
Parks
North District Park design
(Developer)
Central District Park
Design of Central District Park
(Developer)
Construction of Central District
Park (Developer)
Blossom Rock Linear
Parks
Construction Ironwood Linear
Park to Warner (Developer)
Construction Ridgeline Linear
Park to Warner (Developer)
Ironwood & Ridgeline Linear
Parks to Elliott
CAP Trail
Completion of trail design
Construction and maintenance
of trail
Superstition Basin and
Park
Park design (dependent on
development fund)
Park design and construction
documents
Park and amenities construction
Lost Dutchman Trail
Design of trail (Silly Mountain to
Superstition Mtn)
Future phases designed and
constructed
Radiance North Park
Master Plan of South City
Campus 
Design of Park at South City
Campus
Construction of Park at South
City Campus
Weekes Wash Regional
Detention & Rec Area
Construction of detention
structure and amenities
PROGRAM AREA
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
FUTURE
Park Ranger
Program
Added a Sr Park Ranger to the evening rotation for
additional team supervision and extra staffing in
parks
Implement a Park Ranger Annual Training
Calendar
Promotion of See Something-Say Something
campaign

Recreation/Service Programming Plan
PROGRAM AREA
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
FUTURE
Aquatics
Year-round trainings for aquatics staff
Continue to expand aquatics programming; fitness,
events, classes, etc. 
Expand on current events and add 1 more event
Add additional opportunities for adaptive programming
in aquatics
Events
Working with Cohere on partnered programs and
events at Painted Sky
Continue to diversify events at new park locations
Update the Special Event Code to include a city-
wide permitting process
Continue to look at ways to introduce STEM
programming to events (like Mad Science)
Discontinue ticket/wristbands for Halloween Event
- all games free
Multi-Generational
Center
Improve member engagement with staff, and
incentive programs
Add more education and wellness programs 
Host two new events: 20 Birthday Celebration
and Turkey Trot
th
Senior Programs
Continue to partner with other agencies for
programs (Oakstreet Health, Library)
Increase transportation options and funding
Research field trips for seniors
Sports
Expand pickleball program to utilize new
Prospector courts
Begin to strategically plan for expanded sports leagues.
Utilizing space locations and recruitment of players and
coaches
Host a varied sport program for ages 3-5
Youth Programs
Add value programming to intercession camps
(guest speakers, entertainment) 
Grow summer program to multiple sites
YAC recruitment and youth program survey
Continue to grow teen programming
Outdoor Recreation
Programs
Develop a hiking program
Develop additional lake programing: kayaking, paddle
boarding
Research biking related programs, clubs, meet-
ups to implement
Continue to partner with other agencies for programs
and initiatives 
Implement a volunteer program for Silly Mountain
park monitoring/maintaining
Admininstative/
Marketing
Begin Fee Study for programs, facilities, and
services
Take updated fees to Parks & Rec Commission and
City Council for final adoption
Social Media goal of at least 3 reels/videos per
month
Continue to research marketing strategies to reach our
community
Special Interest 
Offer a monthly Read & Rec program with the
Library along with other new programs
Continue to work with the Library to cross market and
offer programs to both audiences 
Research other agencies and partners for classes Continue to add STEM oriented programming for youth

Contact Us
ajpr@apachejunctionaz.gov
www.apachejunctionaz.gov
@ajparksandrec
480-983-2181