[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6277223,"mediaKeyId","2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a","parentId",2656546,"title","Meeting actions: commission approves agenda/minutes and schedules April meeting","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",334000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a&start=334&end=334","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a/thumbnail_334000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6277223/Apache-Junction/Pinal-County/Arizona/Meeting-actions-commission-approves-agendaminutes-and-schedules-April-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277223-6bf82c82139c68d870321dff3812cfd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072533&Signature=KkNDHjK~6hVLoRxIQHETT-C-wB3xvJafKg8YivzEemMO5aezjywO8AlKwUwqgWEehu7ATJFXJHF26TQQm50f-mVtgylQHmiSHkIcO1u9DiqunHwaUsDWvAUhKf3VZCO~ksJ8oHWiPCOj8M2K0YOyutzSb2x3bK22APkINceqNr1-VDEQWTocyJqg8uPQh7E~HekrKWUPA5wfcpBjl1-mQSIb9eOhYTBPUBLzdkN5pnTW0tdIqa3VsDfZjXky9xhD1isWG0PEYvxBGW76GD5t16E4zrJIPgpv6TVjtwQ9xJZd~OAFBnEfaShQmrJMRKNVngynoKj6My9PxHjSKTDyPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Apache Junction, Arizona","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","The Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Commission took two formal votes during its March 5 meeting.

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes of the Feb. 5, 2025, regular meeting. The motion as stated in the record was: “I move that the Parks and Rec Commission accept the agenda as presented and approve the minutes from the 02/05/2025 regular meeting.” A member seconded the motion; Commissioner Frank Schambach was recorded as the second. Roll call votes were recorded as follows: Frank Schambach — yes; D. L. Kine — yes; Cheryl Bigelow — yes; Felicia Madrid — yes; Judy Bory — yes; Heather Mueller — yes. The chair announced the motion passes.

The commission also voted to set its regular meeting date: a motion was made to hold a regular meeting on April 2, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 East Superstition Boulevard. A member moved and another seconded; roll call votes were recorded as: Judy Bory — yes; Frank Schambach — yes; D Alkind — yes; Cheryl Bigelow — yes; Felicia Madrid — yes; Heather Mueller — yes. The chair announced the motion passes.

No other formal votes or ordinance/resolution adoptions were recorded for distinct bills or contracts at the March 5 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Apache Junction Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting - 3/05/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the March 5 meeting the commission approved the meeting agenda and February minutes and set the next regular meeting for April 2, 2025, at 6 p.m. by voice/roll‑call votes.","taxTitle","Apache Junction, Pinal County, Arizona","taxId",52809,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6277227,"New aquatics coordinator introduced; city plans 40th‑anniversary pool events and swim program changes",414,1841000,2255000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a&start=1841&end=2255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a/thumbnail_1841000.jpg","/articles/6277227/Apache-Junction/Pinal-County/Arizona/New-aquatics-coordinator-introduced-city-plans-40thanniversary-pool-events-and-swim-program-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277227-3e108d71ed73d389f8f31f0ec106e7cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072533&Signature=SbyKk~kt9SCpimB37l0cmKTVm8KF-gY5AzCAmcyAHb-WpetU3Rmz94Z7GSR0mEtAp9tIpGO9GDdiwrDzpVv0CR9OCJcbCGGendoq~T9tLZUelWb10azXkQcg8PVKt8HQ3oYXb-oYDw-vIPXz0gmkiaecen-ly465OyNtI6nOev1xZ36xpIcc4KcAbps9~texIpEdpFN68ucZwqgSBmpQXqqpKlY72VCFX7IknVgTPUoB~n4XzZQizuHgrZbdDyBbNu~P5tb7d9oEt8LdowL8PFhzvTu0qJzkmPZadsXBZg11bfKayZy4oDhBsAtEH-SVRtS414ShQPXxpxxm6BGbkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission on March 5 introduced Julia Feroldi as the new recreation coordinator of aquatics and heard a summary of upcoming aquatics programming and staffing.

Jamie (Parks and Recreation staff) said Feroldi has been involved with the department since she was a junior lifeguard and has helped ramp up swim lessons and lifeguard recruitment. “She is now the recreation coordinator of aquatics,” Jamie said.

Julia Feroldi spoke about her history with local programs and said she aims to grow aquatics programming and water‑safety education in Apache Junction. Feroldi told commissioners the department plans to mark the aquatic center’s 40th anniversary with a public celebration and outreach to former lifeguards. Staff also said lifeguard training is underway and the applicant pool is larger this year compared with recent years, improving prospects for summer staffing.

On programming, staff told the commission they will continue the swim team and have lowered the competitive swim team minimum age to 6 (from 8) to match neighboring East Valley programs; coaches will require swim‑test certification for younger participants. Feroldi also cited expanded weekend swim lessons and other program growth tied to renewed staff capacity.

No vote or personnel action was taken during the meeting; the introduction was informational and staff said they will provide additional details as summer programming schedules and staffing are finalized.","The commission welcomed Julia Feroldi as recreation coordinator of aquatics; staff said lifeguard hiring is stronger this year, the pool will celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer and youth swim team age minimum will be lowered to six.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6277231,"Apache Junction parks staff report completion of drainage and park maintenance projects, and schedule for MGC work and pole replacements",278,783000,1061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a&start=783&end=1061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a/thumbnail_783000.jpg","/articles/6277231/Apache-Junction/Pinal-County/Arizona/Apache-Junction-parks-staff-report-completion-of-drainage-and-park-maintenance-projects-and-schedule-for-MGC-work-and-pole-replacements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277231-26f3ae2ec038ca5b710a923909631b7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072533&Signature=eUClf3NW85zqiS4ELbVPe4D0K3-UHw5pBC7oaTpNRNFZsmTN-9yQkKwyzwQ5zRyEWcBV8y4wYl24VVBUdqrOeLjbLQRTZMrfpKHpMz0iT1vDZQgJydKAJWf6yXDSdyLSPLl-dLaUCbys8PH0gL9xnRcSUrT6QgP~Kq6ppTNrGpdDAM~CpCyM90LWO94UKJj1D7E6pegv1stiXVcRWbs5XK3pXK~r5XejMcIjErjfAF1BvTGai44OKbO1grXwzAIB5YXI~1sNPwzqNfOBHfVqpQwDvMSMr2QTDbQRL7NUIVr8tvvRXYITOfYJQU2hZsv41ttKMQFb2rZeDjCgMjUyVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dave Butler updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 5 about several ongoing and completed maintenance and capital projects across city parks.

Butler said crews logged roughly 120 staff hours over two days preparing arenas and facilities for the recent rodeo, underscoring the labor involved in large city events. He reported the Subers And Shadows drainage project has finished concrete work and sidewalks should reopen pending final curing; remaining finish‑work is scheduled next week. \"All of the drainage work, all the sidewalks are done,\" Butler said.

Staff installed a new play structure at the Jamie Sullivan Memorial Park (referred to in the meeting as Jamie Sullivan Park) and began demolition of showers at the Multi‑Gen Center (MGC). Butler said the MGC shower demolition will move to concrete socketing and pouring in the coming week and that the project could continue into May depending on construction schedules.

Butler also said staff are transitioning flower displays to summer annuals, with a public giveaway event planned for April 5 (members of the public can pick up annuals at the focal point event). He reported that materials for area light pole replacements at SSP have been ordered, with lead times for some fixture heads extending schedules; staff hope to begin pole removal and replacements by mid‑month and finish as remaining heads arrive.

Commissioners asked whether the small play structure would receive shade; Butler said space and safety standards limit additional shade installations for that small structure, but an existing larger shade donated by Apache Greyhound Park covers the large structure nearby.

Butler emphasized the drainage improvements are part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and that the ADA accessibility improvements to the sidewalks will make the park easier to navigate for strollers and wheelchairs during major events.

No formal vote or action was taken on these project updates; the report was informational.","Superintendent Dave Butler reported the Subers And Shadows drainage project and sidewalks are complete, a new play structure at Jamie Sullivan Memorial Park was installed, the MGC shower demolition is underway and area light pole replacements at SSP are ordered with installation expected mid‑month.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6277236,"Apache Junction renews Tree City USA status; staff earn growth award for tree salvage work",316,2229000,2545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a&start=2229&end=2545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a/thumbnail_2229000.jpg","/articles/6277236/Apache-Junction/Pinal-County/Arizona/Apache-Junction-renews-Tree-City-USA-status-staff-earn-growth-award-for-tree-salvage-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277236-58fe51e0d74f8a4c86ada272b941b8b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072533&Signature=il5UOoSrowmUy-Wit2Nta5LQz0M5~rqdeRNxCT-Gmu7F5QmS564jbHsj9KJSDnXbZdVJ3qeDiEhN6Fhkh7tepIh~3HsWNOQ5iDAddoXkeVyurfher94HtSHvinwJnnT5j7ji0CYwP5HmXkk57norF5wTjHyVhyCnx6McNBp-vAkxfp2StkWLmP6kGYpb3B3evTnl~NzgJlY4KZplJKSZMmRsAmSdbW4r4Y8dHljWFYI8Y-RdXNM1DCOTtZIVqTuFw2D3Ds72xLSmCJnl2nilHPhLTV9zT~jSJRjetLVFJu3wBSy2roaBodzZ8voaUIP2zl4Pvtcu-lb1L-5OtD6O-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Liz (Parks and Recreation staff) told the commission on March 5 that the city’s Tree City USA applications were approved and that Apache Junction received a Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation.

The application materials highlighted tree salvage and reuse tied to recent park projects. Liz said 314 trees removed during construction at Painted Sky/Blossom Rock were boxed, cared for and replanted across park spaces and linear parks. The submission also included a salvage plan for that site and documentation of planting and care.

Liz described other points in the city’s application, including a partnership membership in the Alliance for Community Trees and city collaborations with Arizona‑based partners. She said staff plan to attend the state Arbor Day ceremony in Phoenix to accept the Growth Award and bring details back to the commission.

Liz also described a contractor/utility partnership called the SRP 'Right Tree, Right Place' program that removed 30 trees on city property that were at risk of interfering with utility lines and replaced them with 90 replacement trees planted in parks and medians. She said the replacements were 24‑gallon (size) trees and that the work produced large, visible plantings across city sites.

Commissioners asked about related equipment and reuse: staff said a proposal to add a wood chipper to the parks budget is under consideration, which would allow more on‑site mulch use; staff cautioned public distribution would raise safety and liability issues. Staff also noted other non‑tree donations (benches) exist in the inventory but were not part of the Tree City application.

No vote was taken; the report was informational. Liz said staff will return after the state Arbor Day ceremony to share the award and documentation.","Parks staff said the city renewed its Tree City USA designation and earned the Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award for work that included salvaging and replanting 314 boxed trees and a SRP 'Right Tree, Right Place' project that replaced 30 at‑risk trees with 90 new trees.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6277241,"Apache Junction outlines plan for 16‑court Prospector Park pickleball expansion",1219,2664000,3883000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a&start=2664&end=3883","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2656546-fc82a924e9243638d0e3b094eb45b67a/thumbnail_2664000.jpg","/articles/6277241/Apache-Junction/Pinal-County/Arizona/Apache-Junction-outlines-plan-for-16court-Prospector-Park-pickleball-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277241-27d42f41f3c6738fe7cb04ebd4309cc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771072533&Signature=K~MABlrrogFEAl8XsgCRanTyalGhfbdqqO7kO3~w8hpIMMVc1bG4n6XnuedbnxwME0Yg8ni0nR2knqRXze6bIK6OvkPKanv-A9iZgU~xBm9UdTSSjB3imYu9QeTc87Mm0y~lAVioevzy4oe2kW~9p1A1-NKnmRb37Vz-u85FpXLjFX3edFEZxvG0TSubpphkYzfXwIpvSX5vHvU0-vBMvX~DLBP49hDhk7j2fe0m0CH6E0b9b2dy3ihyNq95PSK8ouQd3TweqP8yILWuv2MRKGBK-qY9Ut4vLDf-owRBmwFT5g~TfBgrjBM9HW6e2LpCJFp5YXuFrhUu3u8K5ubVlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on March 5 presented final design concepts and preliminary operating rules for a planned 16‑court pickleball expansion at Prospector Park in Apache Junction.

The project, funded through the city’s development fee account and designed by DIG Studio, would add 16 lighted courts, ADA‑accessible walkways and a dedicated championship ADA court, additional shade structures and ramadas, and synchronized dark‑sky‑friendly lighting tied into the existing Musco controller. Staff said the layout was constrained by a minor wash that carries stormwater through the park and that the design preserves the existing flow while connecting the new courts to the current complex.

“Part of the design had to incorporate how can we work around that wash, and still get 16 courts in there,” Superintendent Dave Butler said during the presentation. He said the design includes a mix of hard metal ramadas and shade canopy nets similar to existing playground shades.

Riley (staff member), who outlined operations, said the team aims to complete construction drawings by the end of March and go to bid; staff are targeting a May construction start but cautioned that final timing depends on bid results and available funds. “We’re hoping to have construction drawings done this month…we’re still hoping that by the end of this month, we’ll have full construction documents done and ready to go,” Riley said.

On operations, staff proposed keeping the current 4 reservable courts while dedicating the new courts primarily to open play, with a mix of reservable and first‑come, first‑served areas. Staff described a paddle‑queue system used by nearby cities where play is first‑come until demand requires rotation, an ADA court that takes priority for players with accessibility needs, and the possibility of designating beginner courts during peak times. Proposed rental fees for reservable courts were presented as $5 per hour for residents and nonprofits, $6.25 for nonresidents and $7.50 for for‑profit groups; staff noted the Prospector site is on a BLM lease that does not allow for‑profit businesses to rent those courts.

Commissioners asked about water availability and restroom proximity; staff said potable water lines were not confirmed for the new strip and that restrooms with water fountains are roughly 500–600 feet from the new court area in two directions. Staff also said shade canopies were drawn as an add‑alternate if the project needs to be phased to meet budget constraints.

No formal action or vote on the expansion was taken at the meeting; staff said they will meet with local pickleball players for additional input before finalizing operational rules.

Planning and construction timeline

• Design consultant: DIG Studio (selected last fall).
• Site constraints: minor wash crossing the site, ADA access requirements.
• Key features: 16 courts, one championship ADA court, ramadas/shade, dark‑sky lighting tied to existing Musco controller.
• Schedule: construction documents by end of March; bids to follow; possible May construction start (dependent on bids and funding).

Jamie (Parks and Recreation staff) and Riley said they will return with a proposed operations policy after further meetings with local players and user groups.","City staff presented design and operational plans for a 16‑court pickleball expansion at Prospector Park, funded from development fees; construction documents are expected this month with a possible May start pending bids and available funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Meeting actions: commission approves agenda/minutes and schedules April meeting

New aquatics coordinator introduced; city plans 40th‑anniversary pool events and swim program changes

Apache Junction parks staff report completion of drainage and park maintenance projects, and schedule for MGC work and pole replacements

Apache Junction renews Tree City USA status; staff earn growth award for tree salvage work

Apache Junction outlines plan for 16‑court Prospector Park pickleball expansion