Maricopa County is offering a small but meaningful gesture for military service members this Veterans Day: no cost of entry to its regional parks. As quoted in a press release, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is waiving the $7 per vehicle day-use park entry fee on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for all active and retired military personnel. This move comes in tribute to the 2.86 million men and women estimated to be serving in the US military as of March 2025, based on data provided by USA Facts.
Not lost on the decision-makers, the act resonates with a sense of community appreciation. Expressing the sentiment, Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2, told Maricopa County News, "Today, and every day, we honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage and dedication." Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair of District 3, also encourages military personnel and their families to enjoy the parks' natural beauty.
According to the same press release, in 2005, Veterans Day was officially proclaimed as Military Appreciation Day at all Maricopa County regional parks by the Board of Supervisors. This initiative extends beyond a singular day as Jennifer Waller, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, notes that veterans with a service-connected disability are offered a discounted annual pass year-round, emphasizing ongoing gratitude and support for their service.
In discussing the community's relationship with the military, Supervisor Debbie Lesko of District 4 spoke during a spring tour to the Pima Air and Space Museum, where she had the special opportunity to step aboard the historic World War II-era Martin Mars seaplane before it was retired, and exclaimed about the reminder of "the incredible innovation, bravery, and dedication that have defined our military for generations." Supervisor Mark Stewart of District 1 highlighted the oft-overlooked sacrifices of military families, pronouncing their story part of every service member's, urging them to enjoy a carefree day in the regional parks.
The parks themselves are lauded for their role in community building and the service members' fundamental role in ensuring the freedoms Americans enjoy. With approximately 120,000 acres, the Maricopa County parks system is one of the largest in the United States, located no more than a 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. Details of activities at the parks can be found by calling (602) 506-2930 or visiting their website for those interested in taking part in this Veterans Day tribute to military service members.
