To cover increased demand and rising operating costs, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is proposing modest adjustments to some park user fees.
HOW ARE PARKS FUNDED?
Funding for day-to-day operations—such as utilities, wildfire mitigation and restoration, habitat preservation, facility maintenance, staffing, and trail upkeep—is covered primarily by park user fees. These fees make up the Operation Fund and are essential for maintaining safe, clean, and accessible parks.
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
By adjusting fees to levels comparable to those of other large park systems, the Department will be able to continue protecting natural resources, enhancing visitor experiences, and ensuring the park system remains resilient and responsive to community needs.
"We are grateful for the Board's support for park projects and improvements," said Jennifer Waller, Director of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation. "However, a recent assessment of costs and revenues concluded that the current fee structure does not fully cover essential services or facility maintenance, putting the quality and sustainability of our parks at risk. To address this, we are proposing a modest, phased fee increase—the first since 2018. While we know fee increases aren't ideal, this gradual approach helps keep parks affordable while ensuring we can continue delivering the services and experiences our visitors expect."
Below is the proposed fee schedule to be phased in over the next three years:
Staff understand that fee increases are never popular, and change can be tough, but they remain committed to keeping options affordable. While the price of an annual pass may be increasing, the Department will continue to offer discounts to seniors and disabled veterans to keep the passes affordable. Additionally, every entry will still include free outdoor education programs, and select days in the fall will be designated as free days for entry.
The Board of Supervisors has set a Public Meeting on December 10, 2025, for those who wish to comment on the proposed fee schedule in person. The meeting will be held in the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, located at 301 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003. If approved, Phase One of the new fee schedule will be implemented on January 1, 2026.
The proposed fee changes, along with supporting documentation, are available for review at www.maricopa.gov/parks/fees. Submit feedback to www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025FeeAdjustmentFeedback. The public comment period will remain open for 30 days. To learn more about Maricopa County's regional park system, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.