Newsletter

PARKS, RECREATION,
OPEN SPACE, AND EVENTS
A P R I L 2 0 2 6
N E W S L E T T E R
Connecting our community through people, parks,
natural areas, and programs.
Bench Press Competition
High School Hog Call Bench Press Competition
The Aquaplex recently revived a cherished tradition, largely thanks to the dedication of
recreation staff, Brad Stricker. This weightlifting competition, once held when Recreation
operated out of the Cogdill Center, has found new life and energy with a fresh group of
participants. For the past year, Brad has been mentoring a group of high school students who
meet with him after school in an informal setting. During these sessions, he shares guidance on
strength training, exercise, and overall health and wellness, creating a space where students can
learn, grow, and build confidence. The High School Hog Call event gave these students a chance
to put their hard work to the test in a safe,
encouraging, and fun environment. The results
were impressive—many participants achieved
personal bests, and two standout lifters
surpassed the 200-pound mark. The excitement
didn’t end with the final lift. Recreation staff are
already planning future events, inspired by the
enthusiasm of the students—many of whom
were asking about the next competition before
this one had even wrapped up. It’s clear that this
renewed tradition is not only building strength,
Staff & participants group photo
but also a lasting passion for fitness.

McMillan Mesa Park
PARKS PARKS
Parks Staff Earn New Certifications
Congratulations to our Parks team members who earned new professional certifications in April.
Lynold Herder, Ko-Bar-Li Gillan, Robert Hewat, Devin Todd, and Nathan Sahmie achieved their
ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician credentials. This certification strengthens our team’s ability
to maintain efficient, sustainable irrigation systems across our parks.
Jonathan Guetter and Israel Armenta became IAPMO Certified Backflow Testers. Their new skills
help ensure the safety and integrity of our water systems.
Thomas McKenna earned the Arizona State Certified Pesticide Applicator – Aquatics
Endorsement. This certification enhances our team’s stewardship of waterways and aquatic
environments. We are proud of
March 2026 Trail Number Counts of Users their dedication to advancing
14000 their skills and strengthening
12000 our department’s expertise.
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
AZT Loop FUTS CCC Hill Bridge Mesa Site East West Trail
Entrance
Buffalo Park Tree Mars 66 66
Foxglenn Mesa Waterbird Sinclair
Lone Observatory Cyn Route Route
Buffalo
McMillan Picture Cyn
Picture

Daddy Daughter Ball
RECREATION RECREATION
Daddy Daughter Ball
This year’s Daddy Daughter Ball was a wonderful success, with
families filling the room for an evening of magic and memories.
Guests enjoyed creating charming take‑home crafts, sharing a
delicious dinner, and dancing the night away—from upbeat
favorites like the Macarena to sweet slow dances full of spins and
twirls. Staff truly outdid themselves with whimsical décor that
brought the “Tennis Shoes and Tiaras” theme to life, making the Dinner at Daddy
entire event feel playful, enchanting, and absolutely adorable. Daughter Ball
Chillin’ in the Pines Hockey Tournament
Jay Lively Activity Center proudly hosted the 10th Annual
Chillin’ in the Pines Hockey Classic. This year’s tournament
featured two competitive divisions and a total of ten teams,
showcasing impressive talent across both the B and C levels.
Remarkably, two first‑year teams skated away with
championship titles: the Icy Hot Boys, a team made up of Father & daughter
players traveling from across the country—including as far as slow dancing
Minnesota—claimed the B Division title, while F.G.S., a group of athletes
from our local adult hockey league, earned the C Division championship.
Both teams will have their names added to their division trophies, and
players received custom championship hats to commemorate their
hard‑earned victories. The tournament continues to grow each year,
and excitement is already building as we expand to 10 additional
teams across two new divisions this coming May. We are thrilled to
see this beloved event thrive and look forward to another fantastic
tournament next year as Northern Arizona’s premier adult hockey
competition.
Hockey players

OPEN OPEN SPACE SPACE
Students hiking at Buffalo Park
Community & Student Engagement
Highlights
The Open Space education team organized a
month filled with field trips and community
events, including:
Flagstaff High School students learning about
ethnobotany at Picture Canyon. Students at Picture
Canyon
Sechrist Elementary students rotating through land
management and geology activities on McMillan Mesa.
Flagstaff Junior Academy students participating in a kestrel
Citizen Science project with habitat hikes. Person examining a yucca plant
Marshall Elementary fourth graders
measuring trees they planted,
celebrating growth with observations
and poetry.
Preschool and kindergarten students
from Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool
hiking at Picture Canyon.
Earth Day activities where students
from all Flagstaff high schools removed
invasive weeds and engaged with STEM Outdoor classroom
professionals, alongside an Open Space
booth featuring educational activities.
Celebrate Trails Day
Open Space partnered with High Country Adaptive
Sports to host an inclusive Celebrate Trails Day event,
allowing participants of all abilities to try adaptive
cycles on the McMillan Mesa Loop Trail. For some
participants, it was their first chance to enjoy the
Mesa in years due to previous accessibility barriers.
The partnership was vital in making this empowering
Person on an adaptive cycle event possible.

EVENTS, EVENTS, MARKETING MARKETING & & ATHLETICS ATHLETICS
Concerts in the Park Line-Up!
Events and Marketing is excited to share the
lineup for this year’s Concerts in the Park,
featuring a fresh mix of new solo artists and
bands.
June 3 rd – The Flag 5 at Jim Cullen Memorial
Park
June 10 th – The Stellar Jays at Peaks View County
Park
June 17 th – Optimal Delusion at Cleo Murdoch
Park
June 24 th – Big Daddy D and the Dynamites at
Raymond County Park
July 1 st – Holly Kirsten at Cheshire Park
July 8 th – The High Standards at Smokerise Park
July 15 th – The Pocket Limes at Mobile Haven
Park
July 22 nd – Ryan Biter at Bushmaster Park
July 29 th – The Coveralls at Jim Cullen Memorial
Park
Flagstaff Flagstaff Flagstaff Flagstaff Regional Regional Regional Regional Plan Plan Plan Plan 2045 2045 2045 2045
On May 19, City of Flagstaff voters will choose whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff
Regional Land Use Plan 2045. The election is a vote-by-mail only election. There will be no
polling places on election day. Ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 19 th .
To learn about the Regional Plan, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045.
For election information, visit City of Flagstaff Elections | City of Flagstaff Official Website.

Upcoming Events &
Programs
Mountain Mash Up
Friday, July 17 h - 19 th | Jay Lively Activity
Center
Lace up those skates and register now to be
part of this draft‑style tournament. Space is
limited to the first 48 skaters and 4 goalies, so
secure your spot today! Registration is based
on skill level for ages 18 and older. All skill
levels are welcome. Goalies will draft the
teams, and each player will receive a unique
jersey. Teams will consist of 12 players and a
goalie, with four games guaranteed. It’s a
great opportunity to meet new people and
have fun!
Registration: $150/ per player
Wednesday Weed Pulls
Every other Wednesday May 13 th -
September 2 nd | 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Picture Canyon
Join the Open Space team at Picture
Canyon for one of these upcoming
volunteer events where you’ll learn how to
identify invasive plants, practice effective
removal techniques, and help restore the
landscape with native seed mixes. Whether
you are looking for meaningful
conversations with fellow volunteers or
hoping to zone out in a peaceful, meditative
activity, this is a great way to connect with
nature and support the health of our local
ecosystem.

Aquaplex Summer Camp
Select weeks throughout June & July |
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Ages 5-12
Summer is just around the corner and
the Aquaplex is gearing up for some fun
filled weeks packed with swimming,
games, arts and crafts, and more!
Member Price: $120
Non-Member Price: $150
Register Online or at the Aquaplex front
desk.
Adult Summer Softball
- Second Session
Games begin July 10 th !
Registration for the second session
Adult Softball is now open!
Registration:
$350/ Team

Summer Sports Camp
June 22 - 26 | 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM | Hal
Jensen Recreation Center
Join the PROSE staff this summer for a
fun and active sports camp! Campers
will learn the basics of a wide variety of
games while developing teamwork,
confidence, and new skills. We will also
introduce participants to exciting new
sports and activities throughout the
week.
Registration:
$75/ Camper
Grass Volleyball
June 16 - July 28 | Thorpe Park
Softball Complex | Ages 18+
Summer is just around the corner,
which means volleyball on the grass!
All skill levels are welcome.
Registration:
$275/ Team
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