Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fountain Hills community services reports record attendance at events, wins state award and marks parks month
Summary
The town’s Community Services Department reported record crowds at major events, growth in volunteerism and a state parks-and-recreation award; staff also briefed the council on Fountain Park irrigation work and volunteer programs.
The Fountain Hills Community Services Department told the Town Council it saw record attendance and revenue at several signature events this year, received an Arizona Parks and Recreation Association award, and will continue to expand programming and volunteer services.
Director Kevin Snipes and his staff presented a year‑in‑review that included record crowds at Music Fest, Turkey Trot and Irish Fountain Fest; revenue at Music Fest reportedly tripled year‑over‑year, and attendance exceeded 10,000 for the winning event. Snipes said the department’s work earned the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association’s 2025 award for Best Special Event among cities and towns under 25,000 residents.
Staff highlighted other developments: new pickleball courts and programming that generated about $42,000 in pickleball revenue; a remodeled community center with increased usage and improvements such as new lobby fans and divider walls; and expanded volunteer programs including a crisis response team (on call 24/7 with over 50 calls last year) and a home-delivered meals program (5,966 meals delivered last year).
Town Manager Rachel Goodwin and Director Snipes also briefed the council on Fountain Park’s irrigation pump station replacement. Snipes said the new pump station caused two weeks of reduced watering during very hot weather and that crews expected to resume normal watering and irrigation as the new station was brought online.
As part of the council’s recognition agenda, Mayor Bridal proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month and the council recognized Behavior Alley, a local ABA therapy business, for growth and community contribution.
Councilmembers asked questions about temporary access during construction, mailbox relocation for the Palomino item later on the agenda, and the town’s new website chatbot “Misty,” which town staff said has been live for about four weeks to assist residents with navigation and information.
Director Snipes said the department will continue to refine event planning and volunteer coordination and asked the council to note the department’s reliance on cross‑departmental town staff support for large events.
