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PARKS, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE, AND EVENTS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 N E W S L E T T E R Connecting our community through people, parks, natural areas, and programs. Kids swimming at Parents’ Night Out Kids playing Gaga Ball Parents’ Night Out at the Aquaplex This month, the Aquaplex introduced a new program, Parents' Night Out, to give parents and caregivers a safe, affordable, and enjoyable evening to themselves. Meanwhile, their children enjoy a variety of supervised activities. The Kids eating pizza inaugural event took place on Sunday, September 13, and was a great success, with 20 participants attending. The evening included pool play, rock climbing, gym activities, and a pizza party. The program gave participants a chance to stay active, socialize, and enjoy a fun evening at The Aquaplex. Based on the positive response to the first event, Parents' Night Out will become a recurring program throughout the calendar year. We are excited to continue offering this service to our community and provide families with an affordable, convenient recreational option. New carpet at Hal Jensen Recreation Center RECREATION RECREATION New floor in office New Flooring at Hal Jensen Recreation Carpet close-up Center Facility improvements at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center are moving forward, highlighted by the installation of fresh carpeting and new laminate flooring that will enhance the look and feel of the office and front desk area. Jr. Suns Youth Basketball Registration NOW OPEN! - Get ready for a great season of youth basketball! Skills & Drills - Saturday, November 21 st - Skills & Drills Day is a fun, introductory session designed to help place youth basketball players into the appropriate teams for their grade level. Participants will rotate through basic skill stations, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, so coaches can get a sense of each player’s abilities and ensure balanced, supportive teams for the season. Session Times: 2nd/3rd Grade: 9:00–10:00 AM 4th/5th Grade: 10:15–11:15 AM Middle School: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM League Registration Deadline: December 21st Flagstaff High School field trip at Picture Canyon OPEN OPEN SPACE SPACE Educational Field Trips Honors Biology students from Flagstaff High School visited Picture Canyon to investigate water quality through hands‑on activities. AP Biology students from Flagstaff High School explored biodiversity at McMillan Mesa by comparing species diversity in disturbed and natural areas. Summit High School continued monthly Open Space programming, practicing birding in PE and developing nature journaling skills in Student Success class. Mount Elden Middle School 7th graders expanded their field journaling skills by drawing and labeling storm clouds to support their cloud curriculum. The Trailblazers Learning Community participated in Birding Basics at Picture Canyon, comparing bird observations in riparian and forested habitats. Community Outreach Recap Science Saturday at Willow Bend Environmental Booth at Science Saturday event Education Center: Open Space showcased the new Wildlife Discovery Trunks, allowing visitors to explore Bird and Mammal trunk materials along with ready- to-use lesson binders. FACTS After‑School Program Lights On! Event: Kids explored local wildlife through hands-on activities focused on identifying mammal tracks and scat. Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at Bushmaster Park: Open Space offered a nature‑inspired art activity where kids created cards using leaf rubbings and natural materials. Science in the Park, Flagstaff Festival of Science: To kick off the festival, Open Space hosted a plein‑air watercolor activity encouraging participants to observe and paint the natural landscapes around Wheeler Park. Public Safety Bond Initiative Flagstaff voters will see two public safety-related questions on the November ballot - Prop 404 and Prop 405. Prop 404 would fund 77 additional public safety positions, such as firefighters, paramedics, wildland fire management personnel, and dispatch call takers. Prop 405 would fund the construction of the Wildland Fire Management Facility, a new fire station to improve response times, expansion of the Flagstaff Police Department and Evidence Warehouse facilities, and a variety of public safety equipment improvements. CLICK CLICK HERE HERE to learn more about Prop 404 & 405 connect.flagstaffaz.gov/ safety-committee UPCOMING UPCOMING EVENTS EVENTS Winter Wonderland - December 5 th Join us on Saturday, December 5th for Winter Wonderland and the annual Tree Lighting, 2:30pm-7pm! This event is FREE, Family-Friendly, and so much fun! Stay tuned for more updates on bands and activities! FOLLOW FOLLOW US US ON ON SOCIAL SOCIAL MEDIA MEDIA Flagstaff Aquaplex Pumpkin Sunflowers Plunge at Buffalo - Swim Park and splash while picking out your own floating pumpkin! A Costume Contest will be held at 5:00 PM with prizes for the most creative looks! Satuday, October 24 th | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Flagstaff Aquaplex | $10 General Admission / $5.00 in Costume Fright Night at Hal Jensen - Grab your blanket and pillow and join us in watching a Halloween movie! We will be serving up popcorn, candy! Friday, October 30 th | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Hal Jensen Recreation Center | FREE Spooky Skate at Jay Lively - Get your costumes ready and join us for a fun Halloween themed night on the ice! Friday, October 30 th | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Jay Lively Activity Center | Regular Admission