[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6228457,"mediaKeyId","3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be","parentId",3473350,"title","Skate advocates urge city to add small, low-cost 'skate spots' to neighborhood parks","audioSeconds",567,"startMs",3175000,"endMs",3742000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be&start=3175&end=3742","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be/thumbnail_3175000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228457/Phoenix/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Skate-advocates-urge-city-to-add-small-low-cost-skate-spots-to-neighborhood-parks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228457-415ac12f7595972c5286ea62554bf7b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940037&Signature=Qrag0-TtXth75LYqrBWlNKHdXy2MsU5SD0RNdXb4c2q2A09-6zuAMEkNrjSAXZ411d47SLx9gydc2U-N2SujBtfVR7mwcq7Le-cZDcmHK8q8nIjrpw42fBf342BI7zzuJkoZ3jB49n9~c2kS6wWR9DLwVK-vnInRIjqjpTdcgYnsnBUMkBS7sYV7dCBJE0p93rr9yb6nkWpG04sUExNdV7MWeMuykxB0FrCG56ElJSSHlMQ2FsRMDKD7TFRyCZi-~m0y5tF27jCbZeYJAjKohOKAs~By6N5rnruwjLrljzfZlebiddTdAu3ghegBQIwqkZiXsIip3OLlHn68Ziqb7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Phoenix, AZ","date","2025-05-23T22:35:54.177Z","article","A group of skateboard advocates and volunteers urged the Parks Board to add scalable skate features to neighborhood parks as part of an update to the Parks Master Plan, arguing the features would expand access for beginners and reduce the need for distant, large skate plazas.

Karen Della Vina, a skateboard community member and longtime Phoenix resident, told the board neighborhood skate areas would help beginners and make access to the sport more equitable. \"Kids need this outlet. They need to escape the technology. They need to be outside,\" she said.

Volunteers with Cowtown Skateboards and Cat Town Skateboards described a low-cost retrofit approach. Trent Martin of Cowtown said the group can deliver small retrofit skate spots for as little as $20,000 per site. Scott McPherson suggested repurposing underused turf, desert-scape zones and stormwater retention areas with modular concrete features, saying hardscapes can reduce maintenance costs compared with turf.

Why it matters: Speakers argued that many of Phoenix’s large, well-known skate plazas sit on the outskirts of the city and are not accessible to youth in the urban core; neighborhood skate features, advocates said, would be affordable, quick to install and would activate underused park land.

Public-materials and offers to partner
Speakers said they compiled a proposal PDF for the board and offered volunteer support and nonprofit partnerships to plan and maintain small skate features across the city. Cowtown representatives emphasized they are not petitioning to replace large plazas, but to add smaller, local options within neighborhood parks.

Ending: Board members and staff thanked the volunteers and advocates for their proposals; no formal action was taken at the meeting but speakers asked staff to consider the proposal as the master plan update proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple speakers at the Parks Board meeting urged the board to include small skate features—ledges, benches, banks and ramps—in neighborhood parks as part of the parks master plan, arguing they are low-cost, quick to install and expand access for youth who cannot reach larger regional skate plazas.","taxTitle","Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2207,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228461,"Residents demand answers after crews ‘obliterated’ nature trail at Piestewa area of Phoenix Mountain Preserve",501,3853000,4354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be&start=3853&end=4354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be/thumbnail_3853000.jpg","/articles/6228461/Phoenix/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Residents-demand-answers-after-crews-obliterated-nature-trail-at-Piestewa-area-of-Phoenix-Mountain-Preserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228461-2140f88dbd06fddb369b1058d460ae4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940037&Signature=PHnALCeztq7sFptFuVE2NwtydHJLVuz55fzOvvZyQn~EnYO9qmi3h3MCn8TM2hcHxgYPSVoITwJCytwj7V-D4mrA~wIoHiNy9kpZiucKVUEbA~FjCa-96-WoiojFb5g2oPhhAQBnbHyQ-Xzj5R4v9W5L77E1MnlzY8Jw9YUJ0vsKSimphA54XS1ull6sl~ATDCkrtwPeezLboweVEetsrO0cCGmuxw~kQl5cRMsP4Wy9v-sTBaTm04~ADztFs6DVVyF0ODoG-Pgm3AeDniNthsJZgKEz7Jpnb8-942gCh2j7pbcvcfeWsrJb5JmvuI~JOlXJxL60ONmiObYx8ZJAKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents urged the Parks Board to explain recent work that they say removed a well-used nature trail near Piestewa in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, describing the change as an unannounced obliteration and demanding the issue be placed on a board agenda.

\"This wasn't repair work. It wasn't necessary. It's just removal with no explanation,\" Jessica Dobbs, a resident and longtime preserve user, told the board during the Call to the Public. Dobbs said crews \"obliterated\" the trail and that there were no posted permits, job boards or family notification prior to the work. She said the community has submitted 13 public-records requests seeking details about approvals and funding.

Jerry Van Gass, who identifies himself as a preserve watchdog, told the board the change followed a construction-style blading of the trail and said Native American community members were offended that the project removed a route used for sunrise ceremonies. Tim Sercowski (identified in remarks as \"Tim Sears\" and later self-corrected) called the effort a \"bridge to nowhere,\" criticized lack of public input and asked who authorized the work.

Why it matters: Speakers framed the incident as a transparency and prioritization problem — they contrasted the unannounced trail removal with slow progress on other park projects such as the South Mountain activity complex and North Mountain renovations. Residents asked for a formal explanation and documentation of approvals and funding.

Requests and next steps
Public commenters asked the Parks Board to place the item on the next meeting agenda and to provide an explanation of who authorized the work, the source of funding and why the project proceeded without public notice. The community requested a staff report responding to 13 public-records requests and to explain whether city charter or preserve-management rules permitted the action.

Board response
At the meeting’s close, board leadership acknowledged the comments and did not take formal action on the item; speakers said they will return and requested the matter appear on next month’s agenda.

Ending: Residents said they will continue to pursue public records and push the board to add a staff report to the agenda to explain approvals, funding and the rationale for the trail removal.","Multiple residents said crews removed a well-used nature trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve without posted permits or public notice and asked the Parks Board to place the issue on a future agenda; speakers said they filed records requests and called for greater transparency.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228466,"Parks department highlights expanded adaptive recreation, reopens Telephone Pioneer pool under Ability360 partnership",863,1867000,2730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be&start=1867&end=2730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be/thumbnail_1867000.jpg","/articles/6228466/Phoenix/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Parks-department-highlights-expanded-adaptive-recreation-reopens-Telephone-Pioneer-pool-under-Ability360-partnership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228466-5c16291abc5b435f1f448f6de0d7cd97/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940037&Signature=Ja4CYV48y8P0Qf9lk7uUPSGiiVYCqeNHMHCYW~-my~Isxg5PD6wgrtBOcPiDvYNcqqi1HOaZHILTQED1x6bAebmgRPKpyFIXZ7DJsR2ARzM1D1F565VZXkzTAoQ0pJngCljlbwLYG96H3h7DW1212FxGXyAGFgh3-5VZsbj0sgbH17wuzRamvntgMHVnjqz4~HGQ1k0dIi870ppEDuNgPa1T5FwT1HE7QfR2l3LDmQdEM0j4I9UprXBUZ~9Q40SZJXWrcCNYdUM6vMHvEt56THwkTJf-4SY4YyUEuILoZQN5A0Eq8JMx7x1tyJ5tb-8A6Pp9XVJ842yD7WO92NFf0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Department presented an update on adaptive recreation, emphasizing partnerships and capital work to expand access to high-quality programs for residents with disabilities.

Assistant Director Marty Whitfield and Assistant Director Brandy Barrett described long-running programs and partnerships with organizations such as Ability360, the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities, Special Olympics Arizona and the Heart in Education and Recreation Therapy Foundation (the Heart Center). Whitfield said the department’s \"partners program,\" based at South Mountain Community Center, has served adults with disabilities since 1988 and provides life-skills, social and recreational opportunities.

Why it matters: Department leaders said adaptive services increase independence and community connection for participants and that partnerships help the city reopen facilities and expand offerings faster than the department could do alone.

Key details
- Partnerships and programs: The department works with Ability360, Special Olympics Arizona, Diamond Dogs of Arizona and Arizona DES Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide adaptive sports, clinics, life-skills programs and year-round Special Olympics opportunities.
- Telephone Pioneer Pool: Staff said Ability360 will operate an inclusive aquatics program at Telephone Pioneer Pool; the pool had been closed since 2020. The city’s golf program also partners with Ability360 for adaptive golf at Encanto 9, Encanto 18, Aguila 9 and Papago Golf Courses.
- Equipment and competitions: Staff highlighted a ‘‘Caramobile’’ stand-up assist device that allows adaptive golfers to stand and swing; the city hosts regional and state Special Olympics competitions and adaptive golf events with nonprofit partners.
- Camp Collie and Heart Center: The Heart Center provides nature-based, inclusive outdoor experiences at Camp Collie with archery, equestrian activities and other adaptive programming.
- ADA and capital projects: The department said $2.2 million from the city’s bond program was awarded to renovate the Telephone Pioneer recreation center, including ADA upgrades; staff pointed to recently completed projects such as an ADA-accessible playground in Council Park (opened May 2024) and a sensory room at Cesar Chavez Community Center.

Discussion and follow-up
Board members and public commenters praised the partnerships. Brielle Carter, senior manager at Ability360 Sports and Fitness Center, thanked the department and described planned wheelchair basketball tournaments supported by the Phoenix Suns initiative and a new playground donation at Telephone Pioneer Park planned for November.

Staff said they will continue to add adaptive recreation coordinators (the department recently added two) and to coordinate with state agencies to ensure compliance for services funded through the Arizona DES Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Ending: Department leaders said adaptive programming will continue to grow through partnership-driven operations and targeted ADA capital work to make Phoenix parks and facilities more accessible.","Staff told the board the department is expanding adaptive recreation through partnerships with Ability360, Special Olympics and others, reopening Telephone Pioneer Pool for adaptive aquatics and using bond funds and ADA upgrades to improve accessibility across parks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228471,"Parks officials cite vandalism, expand sunscreen placement and detail ranger, security steps to keep parks safe",123,85000,208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be&start=85&end=208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3473350-77064c4e0161190dba30676dbe0970be/thumbnail_85000.jpg","/articles/6228471/Phoenix/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Parks-officials-cite-vandalism-expand-sunscreen-placement-and-detail-ranger-security-steps-to-keep-parks-safe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228471-6d2b90849c6500aa6b25548fe7fdbc9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940037&Signature=ZItKsKl9pKJW1RWN67bhWHiQBVE5jy6t2Za0DeOnVmahueWAwGKnaJEnHn2LsUCdL7mO5BrlrHlH8NLNvyS-4KPEiETKfqlegFWrSfcsd3YgZMViGY-4gmoldyiDo-jO0CGURxcv8jk0jyD2UuGZxc-Vc-pekcArjteP7WJy~Qc54gRuQrolcWEPSgfY6n3WU-wxSJX4Fez6a75vXK88VueHXMLT7lTECA23Uzy53imtUtlIDo9IrNg6P5jdpMRc0vNBmIlVrVpEcY-gS6HU2ZZB2sUhVcNW~h52UHBTC50SRk4qg2eKBajMACyQGfCF6HVYjlGJG6EnNuwIQwUOKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department told the Parks Board an ongoing vandalism problem has prompted the department to place sunscreen dispensers at staffed visitor centers and to continue a multi-pronged approach to park safety.

Director Cynthia Aguilar said repeated vandalism to dispensers at splash pads has been \"at a very high rate,\" and that the department’s agreement with Impact Melanoma will place dispensers at South Mountain and North Mountain visitor centers where staff presence increases visibility. Aguilar added that formal sun-safety classes are not part of the current agreement but that the department can work with Impact Melanoma if the group wishes to offer classes.

The update given May (presentation began during item 3A) centered on enforcement through park rangers, expanded trespass authority, 24/7 urban ranger coverage and privately contracted overnight security. \"The park rangers enforce our code of conduct,\" Deputy Director Jared Rogers said. \"Rangers lead with education and most of our interactions ... are positive interactions.\" Assistant Director Marty Whitfield described the overnight security program, noting the city’s contractor, Wyndham Security, uses body cameras and makes multiple daily patrols at a dozen parks selected for higher incidents of code violations.

Why it matters: Phoenix governs one of the nation’s largest municipal park systems and officials said scale creates both benefits and safety challenges. The department said more visible staffing, targeted security and technology have reduced some recurring problems and provide better records for follow-up enforcement and service referrals.

Key details
- Urban rangers: The department reported 44 park rangers assigned to the urban program as of 2024 and said a third overnight shift launched in September 2023 to provide 24/7 coverage in urban parks.
- Trespass and citations: Staff reported about 2,500 trespass actions logged into the department database to identify repeat offenders and escalate enforcement when appropriate. Staff said code-violation tickets average \"about one a day\" (roughly seven a week). Rangers most frequently cite off-leash dogs, loitering/after-hours use and drug paraphernalia.
- Overnight security: Wyndham Security has provided overnight roving coverage at 12 parks since February 2023. Through April, staff said Wyndham made more than 16,800 contacts; Phoenix Police assisted on 139 occasions, Phoenix Fire assisted on 27 occasions, and park rangers assisted on 151 occasions.
- Cameras and data: The department installed temporary solar-powered mobile camera units at Cortez, La Credera, Cesar Chavez and Perry parks with 24-hour recording and 15-day storage. Staff said one camera deployment helped Phoenix Police during an investigation of a shooting at a park. The department also piloted a code-of-conduct answering service that, to date, generated about 836 calls the department would not have otherwise known about; staff plan to issue a new RFP to expand diagnostic tools and formal ticketing of reports.
- Enforcement area clarified: Working with the city law department, rangers confirmed authority to enforce park rules on areas maintained by Parks Department immediately adjacent to park property, and the department is posting signs where fences exist to clarify rules extend to the street.

Discussion and next steps
Board members pressed staff for examples of common calls and how rangers connect people to services. Jared Rogers and Marty Whitfield said rangers routinely connect people to the Office of Homeless Solutions and other partners when needs are identified and that the code of conduct includes an appeal process for trespass orders. Whitfield said naloxone is optional under a citywide policy and that many rangers choose to carry it.

The board approved the consent agenda including the item related to sunscreen dispensers; staff indicated the department will continue the program within existing constraints and focus dispensers at visitor centers to limit vandalism.

Sources and attribution: Quotes and factual attributions come from Director Cynthia Aguilar, Deputy Director Jared Rogers and Assistant Director Marty Whitfield during the Parks Board presentation and from a public commenter (Julia Tagger) who raised the initial question about sunscreen dispensers during the consent-item public comment period.

Ending: Staff told the board the department will continue targeted staffing, partner referrals and technology deployments while the department issues an RFP to improve the answering-service data and tracking for future reports.","Phoenix Parks and Recreation staff told the Parks Board the department is shifting sunscreen dispensers to staffed visitor centers because of repeated vandalism at splash pads, described recent enforcement changes and outlined overnight security, camera deployments and a new reporting pilot.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Skate advocates urge city to add small, low-cost 'skate spots' to neighborhood parks

Residents demand answers after crews ‘obliterated’ nature trail at Piestewa area of Phoenix Mountain Preserve

Parks department highlights expanded adaptive recreation, reopens Telephone Pioneer pool under Ability360 partnership

Parks officials cite vandalism, expand sunscreen placement and detail ranger, security steps to keep parks safe