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Phoenix outlines expansion of adaptive recreation programs, reopens Telephone Pioneer pool and expands Camp Collie offerings
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Summary
At an April 29 City Council policy meeting, Parks and Recreation staff detailed expanded adaptive programs, partnerships with Ability360 and the Heart Center, reopening plans for Telephone Pioneer pool, Camp Collie summer offerings and ADA-focused capital work across the park system.
Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar told the Phoenix City Council on April 29, 2025, that the department is expanding adaptive recreation services citywide, reopening a long-closed pool at Telephone Pioneer Park, and broadening Camp Collie overnight programs for neurodiverse and neurotypical youth.
The update outlined why the investments matter for people with disabilities and their families: improved access to sports, life-skills programs, therapeutic recreation and inclusive facilities across Phoenix’s park system.
The department said Phoenix now manages 188 flatland parks and more than 40,000 acres of preserved desert land, operates 33 recreation centers, and plans to open 20 pools this summer. Aguilar said the city’s adaptive work relies on partnerships with organizations such as Ability360, Special Olympics Arizona and the Heart Center, and on state supports including the Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities.
“Phoenix is proud to operate one of the largest and most diverse park systems in the nation,” Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar said as she introduced the department’s adaptive recreation overview. The presentation described year‑round inclusive programs ranging from adaptive golf and wheelchair tennis to life‑skills classes and sensory rooms.
Assistant Director Martin (Marty) Whitfield highlighted the department’s long‑running Partners Program, based at South Mountain Community Center and operating in partnership with Arizona DES Division of Developmental Disabilities since 1988. “This program builds confidence, community, and independence,” Whitfield said, noting the program offers excursions, fitness activities and Special Olympics training.
Brandy Barrett, assistant director, described a broad menu of offerings for all ages, including adaptive summer day camps at South Mountain Community Center and planned open‑gym collaborations with Paradise Valley High School that the department estimates could serve 25–40 participants. Barrett also described adaptive golf programs at city courses and a new all‑terrain ParaMobile device that allows golfers with disabilities to traverse courses and stand to swing.
The presentation provided event and participation figures included by staff: Auburn/Encanto golf clinics and on‑course play serve about 15–20 athletes in seasonal sessions; the city hosts a Special Olympics Arizona Regional Golf Championship that draws roughly 350 athletes for a one‑day event; and the Arizona Adaptive Open Championship at Papago runs a three‑day event with about 75 participants. Camp Collie, the city‑owned outdoor camp operated by the Heart Center, is a 30‑acre facility north of Payson; camp fees are $175 for a three‑day session and $275 for a five‑day session, with reduced rates for teen leadership sessions and scholarship support (“camperships”) available via Heart Center fundraising. Staff said Camp Collie hosted about 265 participants last year and aims to expand to about 400 this season.
Staff addressed accessibility of built facilities, noting many parks were constructed before modern accessibility standards and that the department maintains an annual allocation for ADA improvements as well as capital projects funded through the city’s parks initiative. The presentation cited recent investments such as the all‑accessible Encanto Park playground (opened May 2024) and a $2.2 million allocation to renovate Telephone Pioneer Park’s recreation center, including door reconfiguration, restroom updates and fire suppression replacement. The department also described smaller upgrades such as sensory rooms and accessible playground surfacing.
During council questions, Councilwoman Ana Hernandez asked which parks receive enhancements; staff said annual investments are distributed across districts and that the department prioritizes projects by safety, asset condition and geographic equity. Hernandez also asked how the city will coordinate public safety responses for people with disabilities. Lori (city staff/manager’s office) and police‑related staff described multiple approaches: updated policies (including review of use‑of‑force and youth policy components), enhanced academy training that includes interactions with individuals who have special needs, existing non‑police responses such as mobile crisis and the community assistance program, and a new smart notification system families can register to flag vulnerabilities at an address for 911 responders.
Public commenters who are program partners praised the expansion. Chelsea Harden, founder and executive director of the Heart Center, thanked the department and said, “Please share far and wide that Camp Collie is run and managed by a therapeutic recreation program,” and confirmed space remains available for summer sessions. A representative from Ability360 (Gus) said Phoenix’s adaptive recreation network “is like no other” and described active wheelchair tennis and rugby programs that train athletes who will compete nationally.
Councilmembers commended staff and volunteers and noted the work crosses public health, parks, recreation and public safety. The department said it will continue to integrate ADA upgrades into capital projects, coordinate with community partners on program delivery, and return to council as required for project approvals and budget items.
No formal council votes or motions were taken on the adaptive recreation presentation; the session was an informational update and staff took council questions.
