Presentation and Discussion on the Parks and Recreation Fee Study.

The Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department presented a fee study, last updated in 2021, to the Parks and Recreation Commission on April 1, 2026. The study aims to align fees with the local market, community needs, and legal changes, covering program, membership, reservation, and equipment fees. Current fees for various services, including recreation center and aquatic passes, facility rentals, and program fees, are compared to a benchmark average from comparator cities such as Avondale, Buckeye, and Mesa. For example, the current monthly adult pass is $27, while the benchmark average is $37. Similarly, hourly rentals for the Multi-Purpose Room are $60, compared to a benchmark average of $122.50. The department also reviewed park rental fees and rodeo event center fees, noting that some city partner events have their rental fees waived. The proposed next steps include feedback from the commission, a final presentation to the City Council in the summer of 2026, a public hearing, and potential adoption, with new fees possibly going into effect in January 2027.