FY27 STRATEGIC PLAN

APACHE APACHE JUNCTION JUNCTION
2027 2027 2027 PARKS PARKS&RECREATION PARKS&RECREATION RECREATION
STRATEGIC STRATEGIC STRATEGIC PLAN PLAN PLAN

Introduction
Hello, Apache Junction!
We hope you enjoy reading about this year’s strategic plan, as much as we enjoyed putting it together with
our staff and our Parks and Recreation Commission. 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, 2025 through June 30, 2026) and a few strategies for the current year. As you
look through, you can fill out our Strategic Plan survey online at www.apachejunctionaz.gov/parks.
Alternatively, attend one of our monthly Parks and Rec Commission Meetings to share your opinions.
As in previous years, here are some of our most recent award winning parks, programs, and people!
2025 Tree City USA/Growth Award
2025 Fields of Excellence Award - Little League Complex
Urban Night Sky placed designation awarded to the Municipal Complex
APRA 2026 Partnership Award - Lost Dutchman Marathon Inc. & City of Apache Junction
Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you out in our parks and programs!
Liz Langenbach
Parks & Recreation Director
FY26/27 BUDGET AT A GLANCE
$16,885,074*
Personnel $7,004,663
Operations $3,142,411
Capital $6,738,000
$0 $2M $4M $6M $8M
*Not including special funds such as senior services, grants, development fees, etc.
FEATURED CAPITAL PROJECTS
01 02 03 04 05
RODEO AND SUPERSTITION SHADOWS PROSPECTOR PARK FLATIRON PARK MULTIGEN CENTER
EVENT CENTER PARK/AQUATIC CENTER IRRIGATION & LIGHTING PLAZA & SHADE STRENGTH EQUIP.
$4,925,000 $330,000 $935,000 $400,000 $138,000

About Our Team
Our Vision:
Our Vision
Connecting through people, parks, and programs.
Our Mission
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.

Organizational Chart

New New New Park Park Park Development Development 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
10 public Parks & Recreation Commission meetings
Policy 2.1.1- Encourage and facilitate public were conducted in FY26
participation in planning and expanding the parks and Held stakeholder meetings for pickleball courts and
trail system community dog parks
Surveyed the community regarding needs for the
future City Services Expansion site and park
Completed Construction of Phase 1 Rodeo Event
Policy 2.1.2 - Consider development of additional Center - will begin construction of Phase 2A in FY27
community facilities Held grand opening for Prospector Park Pickleball
Court Expansion
Working cooperatively with Brookfield Development
Policy 2.1.3 - Coordinate with developers to to design the public Central District Park within
incorporate potential sites for parks, trails, open space, Blossom Rock
and other recreational facilities Work cooperatively with CIP Department and DR
Horton to develop a new park at the City Services
Expansion Site
Partnering with Pinal County on the development of
the CAP Trail and Superstition Basin Park
Policy 2.1.4 - Coordinate with other public and private Weeke's Wash Regional Stormwater Detention
groups on jointly developed parks, trails, and Facility - considering recreation amenities are in
recreational facilities design
Partnering with BLM on a jointly operated trailhead
along Sheep Drive Trail
Began showing 10 minute walk concept on our City
Policy 2.1.5 - Update and reintroduce the Parks and Park map for context and future planning
Recreation Master Plan for review and eventual Updating the Strategic Plan yearly to help guide
approval by the City Council department planning efforts
Propose Process for Parks and Recreation Master
Plan in FY27 and FY28 Budget Planning

Park Park Park Expansion/Improvements Expansion/Improvements Expansion/Improvements
General Plan - Goal 2.2
Plan for the safety, maintenance, and expansion of existing facilities
OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY26 completed $9,615,530 million in capital facility
Policy 2.2.1 - Include priority park system expansion expansion/improvement projects
projects and necessary maintenance programs in the FY27 budgeted $6,738,000 million in capital
City's annual budget and Capital Improvement Plan improvements (not including park at City Expansion)
FY27 Parks Operational budget: $2,619,257
Review Prospector Park lease for patent/purchase
Policy 2.2.2 - Pursue options for purchase or patent Review BLM Rec & Public Purpose Leases for
from BLM on current Rec & Public Purpose Leases patent/purchase: Silly Mountain (exp 2031), Sheep
Drive Multi-Use (exp 2043), Prospector (exp 2039)
Continue working with Pinal County for CAP Trail &
Policy 2.2.3 - Consider updates, as needed, to existing Superstition Basin
intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to increase The current agreement with AJUSD expires 2028
(will work on renewal in coming years)
usability of community facilities Working on agreements with Great Hearts Academy
and Imagine Prep schools
Policy 2.2.4 - Maintain an area of honor of war Consider additional public art pieces and potential
veterans as part of the City Hall campus memorials at existing and future parks
Policy 2.2.5 - Continue to ehance landscaping in high FY26 completed the Apache Trail median plan
visibility right-of-ways such as the Apache Trail/Old Idaho to Meridian
Ironwood Linear Park expansion to Warner Dr.
West Highway median currently under construction
Successfully implemented a new Code of Conduct
Policy 2.2.6 - Operate a Park Ranger program that at parks and the public library exterior
provides a safe, secure, and enjoyable facility/program Developing additional interpretive and other ranger
experience for all users programming
161 hours of Park Ranger training in 2026

Programs/Services Programs/Services Programs/Services
General Plan - Goal 2.3
Take a leadership role in the community for execution of a diverse Parks & Recreation
programming and services strategy
OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
9,923.25 volunteer hours in FY26 ($349,993 value)
Continue existing volunteer programs (Jr guards,
Policy 2.3.1 - Maintain existing youth and adult volunteer coaches, senior services, YAC)
volunteer programs and develop new programs to Recruited 17 YAC members, after all but 1 graduated
further enhance programs and facilities Added Silly Mountain Volunteer/Steward Program
Continue Parks and Recreation Internship
Received 1120 program/event surveys in FY26, a
27.5% increase from FY25.
452 Program Sessions offered
Policy 2.3.2 - Through citizen input and the Parks and New programs include: Run Club, AJ Young Artist,
Recreation Commission, evaluate the needs and Neighborhood Sports
provide a variety of programs and services YAC introduced a community survey for teens
FY26 - 4,627 MGC memberships (106,499 visits)
FY26 - 2449 group fitness classes conducted
Added a Turkey Trot Fun Run at the MGC
Policy 2.3.3 - Maintain and develop special events that A new event promoter hosted Boots and BBQ, with
attract visitors and residents to Parks and Recreation two more events slated for FY27 at our facilities
facilities and downtown businesses Completed a Special Event ordinance to streamline
the event process for safety and ease of use
Policy 2.3.4 - Develop and promote programs and Added sensory bag(s) to events and camps
facilities that are inclusive in nature and enhance the Added sensory areas to two special events
lives of individuals with special needs Partnered with Mesa Parks and Rec for Adaptive
Special Interest classes/events
Volunteer led, youth-serving non profits such as AJ
Little League and Black and Gold Youth Football pay
Policy 2.3.5 - Support and assist governmental and only 25% of facility reservation fees
non-profit organizations that offer related Worked cooperatively with local schools (AJUSD,
services/programs, and work together to avoid ALA, Imagine Prep, and Great Hearts Academy) as
duplication well as the Public Library on mutual programs
Work with non profits to collaborate on shared special
events

Marketing Marketing Marketing and and and Promotions Promotions Promotions
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
OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Utilization of CivicRec as our online and in-person
Policy 2.4.1 - Maximize participation in programs registration software
through improved marketing and offering multiple 56.5% of registrations in-person, 43.5% online
registration options Offer in person, online, & onsite registration
options
Average response time to patrons less than 24hrs
Utilization of CivicRec as our online and in person
facility reservation software (36% online and 64%
in person)
Policy 2.4.2 - Maximize the public use of facilities Hosted 925 baseball/softball reservations, up 224
through improved marketing and customer-oriented from previous year.
reservation processes Created an improved web page specifically for
hosting special events
Developed a new brand kit for marketing the
Rodeo & Event Center
Social media milestones:
Facebook- 15,054 followers s
Instagram- 3,166 followers
Policy 2.4.3 - Utilize a multi-modal marketing approach Print media milestones/goals:
that incorporates print, electronic, radio, television, 26,500 copies of Citizen brochure distributed
social media, and in-person sources 3X per year
Welcome bags went out to over 270 home buyers
in new neighborhood developments; 3,476 since
program inception

Grants Sponsorships Donations
Development
Fees Taxes
Fees
Funding Funding Funding Strategies Strategies Strategies
General Plan Goal 2.5
Utilize multiple funding sources in order to maximize services, programs, and facility
amenities for city residents
OBJECTIVES/POLICIES STRATEGIES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY26 grants included: DFFM Invasive Plant Grant,
CDBG grants, Drowning Prevention Coalition
Policy 2.5.1 - Work cooperatively with other city grant, LTAF, Central Arizona Ageing transportation
departments to maximize use of grants, gifts, and grants, and several others
corporate partnerships $660,488 grant utilization in FY26
$15,582 gifts and donations in FY26
$48,767 corporate partnerships in FY26
$622,381 in Development fees and investment
income raised in FY26
Policy 2.5.2 - Evaluate the parks and open space Superstition Vistas area contributed to new
development fee and adjust as needed based on development through their Community Facilities
impact from users District
Worked with the Development Services Dept to
update the City’s Development Fee Study
Conducted a fee assessment with implementation
Policy 2.5.3 - Evaluate the Parks and Recreation fee of new and updated fees in January 2027
structure for programs, facility rentals, and services $7,573 in scholarships given out for youth who
every 5 years to ensure compatibility with the market cannot afford full fees
and our community demographic Offered multiple programs free of charge within
aquatics, youth special interest, and events

PARKS AND FACILITIES PLAN
EXISTING SITES FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FISCAL YEAR 2027/2028 FUTURE
Blossom Rock Expansion of Ironwood Linear
Expansion of Ironwood Linear
Park & Ridgeline Linear Park
Linear Parks Park to Warner Dr.
to Elliott Rd.
Consideration of Veterans Park Implementation of CityHall
City Hall Campus Library Reading Garden Opening
for DAR America 250 Marker Master Plan Improvements
Dutchman Dog Park
Phase 2 sidewalk and northeast
Flatiron Park Parking lot crack seal
shade structure
Shade structures and walkway
Little League Park
improvements
Multi-Generational Replacement of Strength &
Walking track replacement
Center Selectorized Fitness Equipment
Multi-Use Trails & Horse crossover signage Construction of joint trailhead
Open Space replacement with BLM Goldfield Rec Area
Painted Sky Park Adding Little Lending Libraries
Phase 2 Irrigation renovation & General park landscaping
Ramada renovations
laser leveling multi-use fields updates and improvements
Replacement of picnic tables &
Prospector Park Lighting updates throughout park
benches throughout
Dedication signage Jeff Bell
Softball Complex
Renaissance Point - Walking
ROW &
trail improvements/repairs
Neighborhood
Properties Arroyo Verde - Palm Wash
repairs
Construction Phase 2A - Check in Construction Phase 2B -
Complete Construction Phase
building, offsite utilities, site Maintenance office, bleachers,
2A (potentially start Phase 2B)
fencing, and marquee arena improvements.
Rodeo & Event
Center Design/Construction Phase 3
(including event grass, stage,
and parking improvements
Silly Mountain Park Invasive plant mitigation project Review and update Master Plan

PARKS AND FACILITIES PLAN
EXISTING SITES FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FISCAL YEAR 2027/2028 FUTURE
Ballfield dugout renovations Laser-level infields
Superstition Shadows
Park
Replace picnic tables throughout Remove non-functional turf Skatepark Renovation
Turf conversions/desert
Superstition Shadows Re-paint buildings Filtration system updates
landscaping
Aquatic Center
Replace water features. Restroom updates throughout
Marquee & Focal Point Flower bed renovations
FUTURE SITES FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FISCAL YEAR 2027/2028 FUTURE
Blossom Rock North Primarily sports fields/courts
District Park developed by Brookfield
Blossom Rock Central Design of a Community Fishing
Construction of Central District
Lake, splashpad/adventure
District Park Park by Brookfield
playground and more
Construction and maintenance
CAP Trail Completion of trail design
of trail
Superstition Basin and Park design (dependent on
Park and amenities construction
Park development fund)
Design of trail (Silly Mountain to Future phases designed and
Lost Dutchman Trail
Superstition Mtn) constructed
Design of Park at the Apache Possible construction of park
Radiance North Park
Junction City Expansion Site and maintenance facility.
Weekes Wash Regional Construction of detention
Detention & Rec Area structure and amenities
Design/Construction of a park
Apache Junction Landfill
at the closed/mitigated landfill
Park
(no later than 2035)
PROGRAM AREA FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FUTURE
Park Ranger Interpretive Programming offered by Park
Implement a Park Ranger Annual Training Calendar
Program Rangers

Recreation/Service Programming Plan
PROGRAM AREA FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FUTURE
Add sensory swim hour at least once a week
Aquatics
Improve operational efficency through updated
Expand on Saturday swim lessons
technology
Create internal special event handbook Continue to diversify events to be more inclusive
Increase external special events - BBQ, Taco &
Events
Margs and Balloon Glow added FY27
Introduce STEM componets to Dino Days and
Earth Day event
Multi-Generational Replace strength equipment & offer instruction
Add more education and wellness programs
Center classes on usage
Increase opportunities for physical activity during
Increase transportation options and funding
the congregate meal time frame
Senior Programs
Host an offsite fieldtrip
Expand pickleball program to utilize new Plan for expanded sports leagues, utilizing new
Prospector courts locations (incl. recruitment of players and coaches)
Sports
Host in-house youth sports camps, including
pickleball, during school breaks.
Add staff training to create greater awareness for Begin to plan for school breaks at multiple locations
inclusivity and behavioral management to accommodate for new growth
Youth Programs
Research and implment a new teen program
Develop additional lake programing: remote control
Research integration of outdoor programming with
Outdoor devices, expanded fishing programs, kayaking,
technology.
Recreation paddle boarding
Programs Continue to grow evening and year round
Implement Volunteer Steward Progarm
programming
Extend online facility reservations to MGC Continue to research marketing strategies to reach
classrooms our community
Admininstative/ Branding of the Rodeo Grounds and Event Center
New branding for the parks and rec division
Marketing to attract new users
Social Media goal of at least 3 reels/videos per
month
Research and implement programming for
Add additional STEM oriented programming for youth
Homeschool and/or preschool ages
Special Interest
New craft programming for adults

APACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Performance Indicators FY22/23 FY23/24 FY24/25 FY25/26
# OF MGC VISITS 97580 102202 103326 106499
# OF MGC MEMBERSHIPS SOLD 4659 4927 4541 4627
# OF GROUP FITNESS CLASSES CONDUCTED 1971 2101 2220 2449
# OF GROUP FITNESS CLASS ATTENDANCE 18452 18444 20491 25033
# OF FACILITY RESERVATIONS 1431 1753 2124 2286
# OF SURVEYS CONDUCTED 1037 397 878 1120
# OF REC PROGRAM SESSIONS OFFERED 337 414 454 452
OPEN SWIM ATTENDANCE 13602 19134 19288 20816
SWIM LESSON ATTENDANCE 905 965 880 1037
SENIOR MEALS SERVED 11398 10753 13124 14346
# OF ONE-WAY TRIPS SENIOR TRANSPORTATION 4768 4814 4553 5137
# OF HOME DELIVERED MEALS 16537 15972 11311 15625
# OF VOLUNTEER HOURS SERVED 6907 8502 9397 9923
TOTAL $ VALUE OF COMPLETED CAPITAL PROJECTS $4,197,571 $3,269,692 $4,177,125 $9,615,530
FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS 11882 14000 15932 18220
DEVELOPMENT FEES/INVESTMENT INCOME RAISED $163,587 $401,655 $492,830 $622,381
WELCOME BAGS DISTRIBUTED TO NEW RESIDENTS N/A 150 1500 270

AGE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION
PARKS AND RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS
2026 NATIONAL COMMUNITY SURVEY
PARTICIPANT SURVEYS
How did you hear about us?
PARTICIPANT SURVEYS
Benefits Received
FIELDS OF EXCELLENCE APRA PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Apache Junction Little League Ballfields Lost Dutchman Marathon Inc. & City of AJ


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