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Fountain Hills cites record crowds, revenue and new facilities as events rebound
Summary
Town recreation manager reported record attendance at four signature events, revenue gains for Music Fest and Irish Fest, new park facilities and expanded pickleball courts, and rising volunteer participation.
Ryan Preston, the recreation manager for Fountain Hills, told the council that the town’s community services department recorded ‘‘record crowds for 4 of our major signature events,’’ naming the Turkey Trot, Irish Fountain Fest, Fourth at the Fountain and Music Fest as having particularly strong attendance.
Preston said the turnout has translated into revenue growth: ‘‘Our revenue tripled for Music Fest this year, we've got increased 20% revenue at Irish Fest this year, same increase for Turkey Trot,’’ and added that local vendors and restaurants benefited from the increased visitor traffic.
The department also reported facility improvements and program growth. Preston noted a remodeled community center that has driven higher use, a new restroom at Fort Peaks Park, a splash pad at Fountain Park with a new shade structure and 17 picnic tables, and three new pickleball courts that expanded nightly league play. He said volunteer participation reached a record level across events.
Preston framed the outcomes as part of an ongoing effort to market Fountain Hills as a destination: ‘‘People are recognizing Fountain Hills as 1 of the top event destinations in the valley,’’ and staff are already planning the next cycle of signature events, including Irish Fest. He added the department’s goal is ‘‘another record year’’ for attendance and engagement.
No formal votes or policy actions were reported in the remarks. The statements were given as a status report on programming, facilities and event revenue.
