By Bobbi Buchli | Gilbert Vice Mayor
As Gilbert’s vice mayor, I am thrilled to share the exciting plans for our parks and recreation programs coming this summer. We are preparing for an engaging and fun-filled 2025 summer season, offering a variety of activities and events for families, youth, and individuals of all ages.
One of the highlights will be our new handmade crafts camps at the Gilbert Community Center. What better way to escape the heat than creating awesome handmade crafts? Each week we will explore a new theme and create amazing crafts.
Our youth enrichment camps also offer weekday and weekend options where kids can explore arts, cooking, theater and STEM activities.
Gilbert offers more than 500 sports leagues and activities for young athletes. From basketball and soccer to specialty camps, we are ensuring there’s something for every level and interest.
Our aquatics and swimming programs, including lessons and recreational swim sessions at multiple town locations, will help kids stay cool while learning important water skills.
Gilbert is excited to bring our community together through special events like Movies in the Park, which will be held every Friday in May, H2O Fest on June 5, the Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, and the Gilbert 4th of July Celebration featuring fireworks and entertainment. These events provide fantastic opportunities to enjoy time with family and neighbors.
Registration for all summer programs is now open, with priority for foundation members and Gilbert residents. For more information, please visit gilbertaz.gov/parks.
Gilbert Regional Park: A destination for recreation and connection
Gilbert Regional Park continues to be a premier destination for outdoor activities. With 16 pickleball courts, six tennis courts, six sand volleyball courts, and two basketball courts, there’s no shortage of spaces for sports enthusiasts.
The park also features a 4,000-square-foot splash pad that is illuminated for evening play and open year-round.
The Mountain playground offers climbing features, slides, swings, and a zip-line, while The Creek provides a dedicated area for younger children.
Our amphitheater and 10-acre event lawn host large gatherings with stunning views of the lake and San Tan Mountains.
The seven-acre fishing lake, stocked with bluegill, catfish, and bass, is surrounded by a scenic walking path, providing a relaxing retreat for all.
As our community continues to grow, we are addressing space constraints creatively by expanding program offerings and adjusting our facilities usage. McQueen Park Activity Center, for example, has shifted its focus from full-day summer camps to 1–2 hour camps throughout the day, allowing us to better accommodate a wide range of age groups and activities.
Expanding access and enhancing programs
We are also proud to offer specialized programs to ensure everyone can participate.
Our aquatics team is introducing adaptive swim lessons for individuals with disabilities, providing a lower instructor-to-student ratio and tailored modifications to support each participant’s learning experience. These lessons will be available at several pools, with designated time blocks to meet participants' needs.
Additionally, we are hosting a high school pickleball tournament on July 12 as part of our teen events.
As a proud grandparent, I can share that my grandchildren absolutely love the parks and recreation opportunities here in Gilbert. Whether it’s basketball, swimming, or exploring our playgrounds, they’re always excited to participate in the various activities we offer. It’s wonderful to see how these programs bring joy to families, just like mine.
The town council remains committed to enhancing residents’ quality of life through expanding summer programs, improving recreational initiatives, and investing in community spaces like Gilbert Regional Park, Desert Sky Park and Freestone Park.
We provide fee assistance through the Gilbert Assistance Program and partnerships with the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Foundation to ensure all community members can participate.
Through these efforts, council continues to prioritize recreation, accessibility, and community engagement. Whether you’re attending a special event, participating in a camp, or enjoying the amenities at our parks, we look forward to a vibrant and memorable summer in Gilbert.
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we make Gilbert a place where everyone can thrive.
We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.
