City growth brings wave of programs for Goodyear’s youth

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

As Goodyear’s population continues to climb, the city is investing in new ways to keep its youngest residents active, creative and engaged.

Organized sports, arts programs, leadership councils and even hands-on police training now give teens options that Councilmember Trey Terry, who grew up in Goodyear, says simply didn’t exist a generation ago.

“If you wanted a mall, you had to go 30 minutes to Arrowhead or Metrocenter,” Terry said in a Council Corner video. “We did have the Palm Valley Cinema that is long gone, but I would spend Friday nights there. That was the place to go hang out.”

Today, the city’s landscape looks very different.

“We have a bunch of schools now, we have a bunch of parks, we have places where you’ll see kids hanging out all the time,” Terry said.

City officials say the expansion of youth programming reflects Goodyear’s shift from a small, rural community into a thriving West Valley hub, where programs once rare are now woven into daily life.

Goodyear Sports, for example, runs basketball, soccer, volleyball, football and baseball leagues that emphasize safety, skill-building and sportsmanship. Parents volunteer as coaches and assistants, helping to create a community environment on the field.

The city’s Arts and Culture Commission offers a different path for creative students. Programs such as the Mayor Select Art Show, Follow Your Art Jr. and Arts Interact allow young artists to showcase their work and connect with peers. The Georgia T. Lord Mayor Select Art Awards give students a chance to display pieces in a gallery setting and compete for scholarships.

Those drawn to civic engagement can apply to the Goodyear Youth Commission, a group of high school students from across the city who advise local leaders, identify youth needs, volunteer at community events and participate in leadership conferences.

For young adults considering a career in law enforcement, the Goodyear Police Youth Cadets program offers classroom training, ride-alongs, community service and team-building opportunities. Participants, ages 14 to 20, learn about policing while developing confidence and leadership skills.

According to the 2025 National Community Survey, 87% of respondents said Goodyear was a good place to raise children. The same survey showed strong positive feedback on opportunities to get involved in social events, volunteering and community matters.

“Goodyear is not just a small town on the outskirts of the Valley anymore,” Terry said. “We are growing, we are thriving, and there are so many things for kids to do these days to not only make friends but learn something along the way.”

With new programs coming online and continued population growth, city leaders say Goodyear’s next chapter will focus on keeping that sense of community strong while ensuring young residents have access to the tools, training and relationships that will shape the city’s future.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for information.