Tempe is taking the next step to determine changes residents may want to make to the city’s parks and recreation system.

Four Tempe focus groups were conducted in November to discuss the city’s parks and recreation system needs.

The goals were “to initiate the project with insight into diverse interests, gain a better understanding of a variety of concerns, opportunities and values and gather input about what is working and where to make improvements,” city officials said in a release.

The goal: close the gap in park access and programs.

Examples:

• Where should Tempe build its next pickleball courts?
• How can the city create partnerships with schools and community organizations to create more opportunities for children?
• What neighborhood parks may be a good fit for a dog park?
• How does the city celebrate the diversity of its residents in programming?

To answer the questions and others, the city is working on an equity study “to analyze, assess, recommend and act on equity within our parks and recreation spaces and programs,” the release stated.

The city has scheduled two meetings that will take place via Zoom on Monday, April 24, as it launches a public survey:

Noon - 1 p.m. - Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 813 2028 3257
Passcode: Tempe
Call-in: 1-669-900-6833

6 - 7 p.m. - Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 864 7798 2705
Passcode: Tempe
Call-in: 1-669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 864 7798 2705
Passcode: 426113

To participate: tempe.gov/MakingSpace

A public survey will be open from April 24 through May 22 on the Tempe Forum homepage.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.