Flagstaff Parks - Recreation - Open Space - Events

Preservation, leisure time activities, and wellness

The City of Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events (PROSE) Division preserves parks and open spaces and provides programs, activities, and wellness, all while weaving together environmental stewardship, safety, and education for the entire community.  PROSE is funded with both general fund and the Bed, Board, and Beverage Tax.  

Thirty-three percent (33%) of the Bed, Board, and Beverage Tax, or BBB Tax, is distributed and expended for parks and recreation, in conformance with Chapter 2-03 of City Code (Parks and Recreation Commission).  

The Parks and Recreation Commission is charged with making recommendations to the City Council concerning the annual budgetary allocation of the parks and recreation portion of this tax, to include but not be limited to: 

  1. Developing parks and recreation facilities, and programs as needed to benefit the community and its visitors. 

  2. Funding for the Flagstaff urban trails system (FUTS) development and maintenance. 

  3. Developing, acquiring and distributing material to promote parks and recreation. 

  4. Retaining of appropriate staff to implement approved programs. 

For purposes of the above information, "parks and recreation" means the development and management of public parks, recreational facilities, and programs which are available to the residents and visitors including funding the Flagstaff urban trail system (FUTS). (Same meaning as set forth in Section 3-06-001-0001.) (Ord. 865, 12-12-72; Ord. 1335, 10-16-84; Ord. 2015-22, Amended, 01/05/2016) 

For purposes of the above information, "parks and recreation" means the development and management of public parks, recreational facilities, and programs which are available to the residents and visitors including funding the Flagstaff urban trail system (FUTS). (Same meaning as set forth in Section 3-06-001-0001.) (Ord. 865, 12-12-72; Ord. 1335, 10-16-84; Ord. 2015-22, Amended, 01/05/2016) 

Parks 

The Parks Section focuses on preserving the places, spaces and amenities for programmed and self-directed leisure activities, creating a myriad of paths to wellness for the community.  The team collaborates with individuals, groups, non-profit organizations, schools, and small businesses to deliver the preservation of spaces, to provide leisure and event locations that provide a memorable experience and benefit to the community by including: 

  • Preservation of all landscape types 

  • Safety and access to both active and passive recreational spaces 

  • Connectivity via trails and multi-modal (FUTS) and associated maintenance 

  • New improvements and amenities  

 

Parks and fields created
using BBB funding: 

  • Bow and Arrow Park  

  • Bushmaster Park 

  • Continental Park 

  • Foxglenn Park 

  • McMillan Mesa Park 

  • The Basin/BMX Park 

  • Thorpe Softball Complex 

  • Christensen Elementary School field (now Summit High School) 

  • Sechrist Elementary School field 

  • Thomas Elementary School field 

  • Mount Elden Middle School field 

Future projects planned using BBB funding 

  • Play structure replacement; year one is Ponderosa Trails Park, then the 2-5 years play structures at Smokerise Park and Mobile Haven Park. Year three will likely include McMillan Mesa Park play structure. 

  • Court resurfacing and dedicated pickleball courts at Bushmaster Park 

  • Heritage Square restroom 

  • Ponderosa Park renovation 

  • Thorpe Park improvements (clean up and eventual redevelopment of the Mogollon and Dale portion of the park) 

  • Cheshire Park expansion including a new multipurpose field and community running track 

  • Continental Park Girls Softball Complex phased development 


Recreation 

The Recreation Section focuses on programming in both indoor and outdoor spaces and facilities plus provides the opportunity for self-directed leisure activities for the community.  The team collaborates with individuals, groups, non-profit organizations, and schools to deliver programming and a healthy, safe space through four recreation centers, athletics programming, and community events: 

 

Recreation facilities programmed and maintained with BBB Recreation funding:  

  • Hal Jensen Recreation Center 

  • Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center  

  • Jay Lively Activity Center (ice arena) including adult hockey leagues and tournaments 

  • Flagstaff Aquaplex (membership-based pool and fitness facility with community meeting room space) 

Signature events and athletic programming using BBB funding:  

  • Winter Wonderland downtown tree lighting ceremony 

  • Concerts in the Park 

  • 4th of July festivities 

  • Permitting of all private events on city property 

  • Adult athletic leagues including softball, basketball, indoor and outdoor volleyball 

  • Youth basketball league 

Future recreation-based projects using BBB funding: 

  • Add air conditioning and improved heating at Hal Jensen Recreation Center 

  • New programming opportunities with the expansion of Cheshire Park and Continental Park