Show Low Mayor John Leach Jr. and Parks and Recreation staff reviewed the department’s summer programming and community events on the city’s “Let's Talk Show Low” broadcast, reporting high attendance at the pool and large turnout for the Fourth of July parade.

The discussion outlined why the parks and recreation schedule matters to residents and visitors, citing both youth programming and special events that draw thousands to the city each year.

On the broadcast, Becca Seeley, parks and recreation staff, summarized the department’s core offerings: "So we offer swim lessons, swim team, water aerobics, open swim, special events. We have some programs that we run through all year for kids to have some stuff to go do during the winter time." The department reported more than 20,000 pool visits this summer and said staff taught 475 children to swim.

Terry Nicholas, parks and recreation staff, listed recurring and seasonal events the department runs or helps organize: "We do everything. We cover every major holiday, but we also do stuff like puzzle palooza. It's a puzzle building competition. We have the mini mud run, the scarecrow walk, turkey hunt, the elk hunt, the candy cane hunt." Nicholas also cited the color run and community activities tied to the downtown trail, including a scarecrow walk that drew 90 entries last year and a winter wonderland stroll with about 20 entries.

Officials said parade attendance for the July Fourth weekend exceeded 21,000 spectators and included more than 100 floats. The parks and recreation staff also described sports and youth programs: an after-school program, summer camp, adult coed softball and volleyball year-round, Pee Wee T-ball, a men’s Memorial Day softball tournament that brings 40 teams from in- and out-of-state, and plans to launch a flag football league next year.

The broadcast noted that swim lessons are available beginning at six months of age and that the department partners with the Aquatic Center and local schools for youth sports programs. Staff urged residents to consult the City of Show Low Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the City of Show Low Facebook page, or the city’s Instagram account for schedules and registration details.

Mayor John Leach Jr. closed the segment by thanking the staff for their work in keeping community programming active throughout the year.