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Phoenix Parks Department reports strong demand for Phoenix Plays summer camps; new registration options added
Summary
Parks staff told the board that Phoenix Plays will operate at 26 community centers this summer, serving ages 6'12 with prices from free to $80 per week; registration opened March 19 and demand filled many sites within minutes, prompting flexible weekly and daily options.
Assistant Director Brandy Barrett introduced Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Danielle Poor Romo, who briefed the board on the 2026 Phoenix Plays summer-camp program.
Danielle Poor Romo said the department will offer camps at 26 community and recreation centers across the city, with sites serving between about 40 and 150 children per day. Camps target ages 6 to 12, generally run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and follow local school calendars. The program includes an adaptive camp at South Mountain Community Center, volunteer opportunities for teens and a 1:15 staff-to-camper ratio.
Registration opened March 19 and the department reported roughly 1,300 immediate registrations, with some sites filling in under five minutes and wait lists created. Based on participant feedback from previous years, staff added weekly and daily registration options to provide flexibility for caregivers. Price points range from free up to $80 per week; $80 equates to about $16 per day for a typical 11-hour camp day.
The department emphasized partnerships with local school districts and community food programs to provide free breakfast, lunch and snacks at camp sites. Staff also detailed communication practices: site orientations before camp, weekly newsletters, and a dedicated Phoenix Plays website and QR code for registration.
Board members congratulated staff on program popularity and asked about wait lists and registration mechanics; staff said waiting lists are active and the site implemented a registration queue this year to manage demand. Staff said a number of centers still had availability after the initial sign-ups.
The board did not take action; staff will continue finalizing staffing, supplies and operations ahead of the summer season.
