As visitor numbers rise and operational expenses climb, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is considering slight increases in park user fees to sustain park services and maintenance.
Understanding Park Funding
The primary funding source for Maricopa County parks’ daily operations, including utilities, wildfire mitigation, habitat preservation, facility maintenance, staffing, and trail upkeep, is park user fees. These fees are vital for ensuring that parks remain safe, clean, and open to the public.
Proposed Changes
The Department aims to adjust fees to align with other major park systems, which will help in safeguarding natural resources, improving visitor experiences, and maintaining a park system that meets the community’s evolving needs.
“We are grateful for the Board’s support for park projects and improvements,” stated 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.”
The fee adjustments are planned to roll out over a three-year period:
Although fee increases can be challenging, the department is committed to affordability. Despite the rise in the annual pass cost, discounts for seniors and disabled veterans will remain. Furthermore, all entries will continue to include complimentary outdoor education programs, and certain fall days will be designated as free entry days.
The Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public meeting on December 10, 2025, for individuals wishing to discuss the proposed fee changes. The meeting will take place at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, located at 301 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003. If approved, the first phase of the new fee schedule will begin on January 1, 2026.
Details about the proposed fee adjustments and supporting documents are available for review at www.maricopa.gov/parks/fees. Feedback can be submitted through www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025FeeAdjustmentFeedback. The public comment period will be open for 30 days. For more information on Maricopa County’s regional park system, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.
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