Check to see if your favorite parks made the list.

Rockin' River Ranch State Park is opening in Camp Verde, Arizona, offering activities like hiking and fishing. Admission is $7 per vehicle and the park operates Thursdays to Sundays.

Arizona State Parks offers a Family Campout Program for a hands-on camping experience priced at $90 for a family of four, with additional adventures in hiking and running available across the state.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is named America's deadliest national park, with 203 fatalities from 2013 to 2023, while the Grand Canyon is third with 136 deaths.

Over 1,200 Arizonans filed for bankruptcy in early 2024, marking a 7.2% increase for the state in 2023. ABC15 News set up an attorney helpline to assist with bankruptcy questions.

The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, known as Ro Ho En, offers a peaceful, Japanese-style landscape and various garden types for visitors in the city's downtown area.

The Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Free Taco Tuesday event to invite public input on the town's park projects while offering free food and family entertainment.

The Peralta Regional Park will be closed to the public this weekend for the Interscholastic Arizona Cycling League's Superpowers Race. The event promotes fitness and sportsmanship among young cyclists. Details are available online for spectators.

Arizona's deserts are set for a vibrant wildflower season, with expectations for a good bloom thanks to wet winter conditions. Peak months are March to April, and visitors are encouraged to stay on trails and refrain from picking flowers.

The "Concert in the Park" series is returning to Buckeye, Arizona in spring 2024, featuring local bands at various parks from March 15 through mid-May.

Litchfield Park invites residents to share their input on a new parking lot and perimeter wall at Camelback Park through an online survey, open until March 18.

Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department launches "Hike Right PHX," a monthly hiking group for all skill levels, promoting safe hiking practices and community building.

The Phoenix Zoo euthanized Beau, a 10-year-old cheetah with paralysis due to a bone tumor, after a celebrated life and contributions to breeding programs.

Chandler Nature Center is hosting a free Nature at Night event on March 23 to promote enjoyment and education of the natural world after dark, featuring hikes, crafts, and educational exhibits.

Fountain Hills is conducting a parking study for downtown and seeks public feedback via an online interactive map to inform its parking management plan.

The Phoenix Police Department launched a surveillance hub called the Real Time Operation Center (RTOC) in the Cactus Park Precinct to reduce crime using cameras, license plate readers, and gunshot detectors.

Litchfield Park's 5th annual Home Tour showcases architecturally diverse homes and gardens in the Litchfield Greens community on April 6th, offering a self-guided tour from 10 am to 4 pm.

Litchfield Park is accepting applications from non-profits that benefit local residents. Proposals are due by April 5, with details available on the city's website or at City Hall.

Litchfield Park's sidewalk improvements will impact local foot traffic starting March 25, with phased closures around Honeysuckle Street for new paver installation.

Avondale announces the opening of its splash pads beginning April 6, with extended hours to begin from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Festival Fields Park's splash pad will open in May due to repairs.

Mesa begins registration for its Parks and Recreation summer programs, including new adult sports, varied youth activities, inclusive adaptive recreation, and aquatic offerings, detailed in their PLAYBOOK Magazine.

Litchfield Park city officials are set to discuss updating the city's fee schedule, potentially affecting street vendors and local businesses. Public input will be sought at a City Council meeting on June 18.

Scottsdale seeks public input on Indian School Park's redesign, offering four concepts for feedback on the park's amenities and layout to shape its development for the next decade or more.

The City of El Mirage started a new Parks & Recreation Department, led by Sean VonRoenn. The department aims to improve community engagement and public spaces.

Chandler's Parks & Recreation Division is now a Certified Autism Center, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity after training over 500 staff in autism awareness.

Sunrise Park Resort in Arizona is introducing its Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster this summer, featuring downhill tracks and individual speed-controlled carts.

Maricopa seeks an artist to design a wrap for Pacana Park Fitness Court, with submissions due by June 17, 2024.

Lincoln Park in Tucson unveils a new children's playground and the largest dog park in the area, known as Wagging Tails Dog Park, featuring artificial turf and amenities for safe canine play.

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has opened a new ADA-accessible playground at Encanto Park, featuring inclusive equipment like the Sway-fun glider and communication boards.

Peoria is considering a proposed Airpark expected to boost the local economy by $1 billion and create 8,000 jobs. The city will discuss the ongoing feasibility study in a June 27 webinar, with a second Q&A session planned for August.

Peoria is hiring a Parks & Sports Facilities Equipment Mechanic to maintain and repair machinery, requiring attention to detail and mechanical skills, with a salary between $22.51 and $25.02 per hour.

Gilbert's Town Council approves a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, developed with extensive community input, to guide local leisure development for the next decade.

Phoenix is combating skin cancer by offering free sunscreen at select splash pads through a partnership between the Parks Department and IMPACT Melanoma.

Queen Creek has announced a temporary pop-up dog park to be available from July 1 to Aug. 31 due to maintenance at the main dog park, with separate areas for small and larger dogs.

The City of San Luis received a $10,000 grant from Campesinos Sin Frontera's Thrive Program to enhance cultural and recreational activities for youths aged 11 to 18.

Gilbert, Arizona encourages residents to share their input on the future development of Desert Sky Park through an Ideas Wall and a survey until the end of July.

Fire managers are letting the Lockett Fire, sparked by lightning near Tusayan, burn to improve forest health by clearing debris within controlled boundaries. The strategy also promotes native flora and adjusts the Arizona Trail's path for hikers.

Fire crews are tackling the 55-acre Weimer Fire in northern Arizona's Black Mesa Ranger District, using containment lines and strategy for full suppression, with no structures threatened yet.

Grand Canyon announces trail closures due to a waterline construction project affecting hikes from Oct 2024 to May 2025.

Mesa Parks and Recreation opens registration for a variety of fall programs including sports, leisure activities, and special events, available to residents with options for children and adults.

Registration for the Tot Time program in Surprise starts on August 5 for residents and August 12 for non-residents, offering educational activities for 3- to 5-year-olds.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Vera has been appointed as the new Parks and Recreation Director for Lake Havasu City, bringing 15 years of experience from her previous role in Maricopa County.

Sunrise Park Resort in Greer, Arizona, launches the new Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, the first tribal-owned alpine coaster in the area, offering a unique ride with rider-controlled speeds up to 25 mph.

Oracle Park in Pinal County reopens with new amenities, including a play structure, walking trail, upgraded basketball courts, and ADA-accessible sidewalks, following extensive renovations.

Peoria Parks and Recreation is launching a turf reduction plan to save water by converting 18 city parks to drought-resistant landscapes, preserving up to a million gallons of water per acre annually.

Gilbert's Desert Sky Park is hosting a September treasure hunt featuring local artists' works, including gnomes and painted rocks with QR codes hinting at new amenities.

Fountain Park begins overseeding in October, transitioning from Bermudagrass to Ryegrass, requiring careful watering and temporarily altering irrigation schedules for several weeks.

Apache Junction opens Painted Sky Park, a new 16-acre recreational area with a lake, walking paths, a playground, and a dog park, as part of a public-private partnership initiative.

Mesa celebrates the expansion of Red Mountain Park with new features and a community event filled with sports and activities. Mayor Giles emphasizes the park’s importance and its eco-friendly upgrades.

Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale is home to many free-roaming peacocks, originally brought from the Chicago World's Fair for pest control, now a part of the park's historic charm.

Grand Canyon's South Rim accommodations set to reopen after successful repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline ended a period of disrupted overnight stays since late August.

Avondale is developing a new park by 2025, adjacent to the library and aquatic center, featuring a playground, walking paths, and serene spaces for $4.1 million.

The South Mountain Environmental Education Center in Phoenix has been renamed the South Mountain Visitor Center and is receiving renovations to improve visitor experience.

Phoenix's Parks and Recreation Department launched a new 24/7 hotline for park-goers to report conduct issues, aiming to enhance safety and enjoyment in the city's parks.

Surprise, AZ, is temporarily closing its Community Dog Park from Oct 7-21 for maintenance, including access upgrades and irrigation improvements. Alternative dog park available at Dick McComb Park.

Mesa Parks and Recreation Department opens registration for winter 2024-2025 activities, including new and traditional sports and crafts, with discounts and accessibility considered.

Gilbert Regional Park will be closed for the Sound Bites Music & Food Festival on October 12, 2024, from 5 AM to 10 PM. Only card payments are accepted at the event, and tailgating is not allowed. The park reopens on October 13 at 5:30 AM.

Gilbert Parks and Recreation has renewed their Certified Autism Center™ status, reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity, particularly for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors, with sensory guides, quiet zones, and more.

Scottsdale's Parks & Recreation department has been reaccredited by CAPRA, marking a 30-year streak as the longest-accredited agency in Arizona and among the top five in the U.S.

Litchfield Park plans to add a Historic Preservation Commission for protecting architectural heritage, with a public session to discuss this scheduled for October 29, 2024. Residents may attend or email comments in advance.

Marley Park's splash pad in Surprise, Arizona, will undergo renovations from November 15, 2024, to April 1, 2025, coinciding with the city's seasonal closure schedule.

Newly renovated restrooms at Oracle Park in Pinal County were vandalized, with fixtures and basins damaged. Authorities seek information and Supervisor McClure expresses disappointment.

Surprise, Arizona has been reaccredited by the CAPRA and NRPA for its effective park and recreation management, reflecting the city's dedication to high-quality public spaces and services.

Mesa's Mesa Grande Cultural Park has been renamed Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki, honoring Indigenous heritage and strengthening ties with the O'odham and Piipaash peoples.

Maricopa County invites residents to celebrate National Take A Hike Day on November 17, 2024, with free park entries and encourages use of over 615 miles of trails. Proper preparation and Leave No Trace principles are emphasized.

Phoenix celebrated South Mountain Park and Preserve's 100th anniversary, focusing on community, history, and conservation, complete with festivities and a time capsule event.

El Mirage is creating a Master Plan to improve its parks and recreation areas, asking residents to provide input through a five-question survey. This is the first step in gathering feedback for the enhancement of local green spaces.

Casa Grande's disc golf course at Frank Pratt Park has been renovated, including new concrete tee boxes and signs, and the city aims to make it a regional attraction for enthusiasts.

Gilbert Parks and Recreation announces over 30 Spring Break camps for kids involving sports, crafts, science, and more, urging early registration due to limited space.

The Dick McComb Dog Park in Surprise, AZ is undergoing an electrical system upgrade from Mar 3-19 but remains open, with visitors advised to be cautious around work areas.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has completed two major timber sales, Baker and Poco Pino, advancing forest restoration and wildfire risk reduction in Arizona.

Glendale has expanded Heroes Regional Park, adding eight new pickleball courts among other amenities, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and enhancing local recreational offerings.

Mark Coronado Park in Surprise, Arizona, will be closed from May 26 to June 13 for routine maintenance, with alternatives suggested at surpriseaz.gov/Parks.

Casa Grande is inaugurating an inclusive playground at O'Neil Park to ensure children of all abilities can play together, emphasizing the community's commitment to inclusivity.

Phoenix launches a new digital tool to show residents how their tax dollars fund park improvements and preserve protection through the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative Program.

Tonto National Forest officials announced controlled burns in the Pleasant Valley Ranger District, aiming to clear excess vegetation and reduce wildfire risks.

Multiple breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline cut supplies to Phantom Ranch and inner‑canyon sites; crews are repairing the line and hikers must treat or carry water.

The Phoenix Zoo has leased nearly 1,100 acres near Sahuarita to build a conservation park that could include safari‑style enclosures and breeding programs for endangered species. Planning and road work remain before a public opening.

A new state contract requires the Salt River herd be reduced and some horses moved to vetted sanctuaries, with fertility control and staged relocations planned.

A Sonoran gopher snake estimated at nine feet slithered through a Phoenix neighborhood on Monday. Experts say the species is nonvenomous and often mistaken for a rattler.

The National Park Service warns quicksand has been found along Lake Powell shorelines and drainages at Glen Canyon NRA. Know the signs and simple steps to stay safe.

After six rescues in 24 hours, Phoenix Fire says the calls look like a pattern and offers practical, field-tested tips for hikers. Hydration, early starts and checking trail closures are key.

Audubon's analysis ties Arizona's rivers and lakes to about $11.7 billion in annual spending and more than 72,000 jobs.

Grand Canyon National Park will reopen limited day access to the North Rim at 6 a.m. on May 15, 2026, after the Dragon Bravo Fire. Scenic overlooks and some trail access return, but overnight services will remain offline.

Federal land managers approved a plan to shrink Lake Pleasant’s wild burro herd from about 2,300 to roughly 140–250, citing safety and ecological concerns. Local rescuers want different tools.

A new half‑acre pavilion, shaded ramadas and ADA‑friendly paths have opened at South Mountain, backed by roughly $25 million in voter‑approved parks funding.

Community groups launched Resilient Phoenix in Maryvale to add shade, plant trees and pilot a sponge‑city approach that could reuse graywater to cool public spaces. A May 20 town hall will unveil early findings.

Starting May 1, Slide Rock will stop allowing cars to line up on SR 89A and will admit vehicles only when enough spaces open. Officials say the change aims to ease dangerous backups.

Campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills will be banned in Phoenix preserves and Maricopa County regional parks starting May 1 as drought raises wildfire risk.

A coalition and the San Carlos Apache Tribe filed a sixty‑day notice saying BLM approved Copper Creek drilling despite trail‑cam photos of Mexican spotted owls; legal action may follow.

Phoenix Zoo warns Organ Pipe and Pajarito border-wall projects threaten Quitobaquito’s pupfish, a unique springsnail and the Sonoyta mud turtle, and could sever wildlife corridors.

A viral social‑media challenge left hundreds of pieces of gum stuck to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park; city crews spent Wednesday scraping the sticky residue away.

Mountain rescues in Phoenix are up sharply this spring even as the city rolls out gates, cameras and ice machines at popular trailheads. Officials point to heat, early starts and overconfidence as drivers of the rise.

A bobcat briefly denned in a Scottsdale attic this week, captured on video and prompting state wildlife guidance and a local response. Officials urge residents to secure roofs and pets.

Sahuarita officers and Arizona Game and Fish tranquilized a bear that was napping in a front‑yard tree; footage shows it falling into a tarp and being taken for relocation.

Cedar City's air tanker base shattered its single‑day dispatch record twice this week, sending nearly 160,000 gallons of retardant as crews fought fires across three states.