2026 Fee Study July Work Session STAFF MEMO

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.
Home of the Superstition Mountains