 Pima County seeks public comment on proposed fees for Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation facilities and programs
PIMA COUNTY, Feb. 28, 2022—The Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department (NRPR) wants to hear from the community about proposed changes to its existing fees. The public may submit their comments by email or in person through April 30.
The proposed fee adjustments would impact facility rentals, including fields, ramadas and campgrounds; admission to facilities, such as shooting ranges and swimming pools; program enrollments; special event permits; and other services offered by NRPR. The proposed fees are consistent with other local jurisdictions.
If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the fee schedule would benefit all users of County’s natural spaces, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, and programs. “Our fees have been lower than other local jurisdictions for many years, with many programs offered free to County residents. Additional revenue will allow us to expand our services and invest in new programming," said Robert Padilla, NRPR Deputy Director.
In addition, it would help NRPR recover more of its operating cost expenditures bringing the department closer to the national average for cost recovery. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association in 2021, the average for recovering expenses from fees was 22.9%. At the current fee schedule, Pima County only recovers about 6%.
NRPR last raised its fees in 2018.
The public can review the proposed fee schedule online in Acting County Administrator Jan Lesher’s Feb. 3 memorandum to the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Pima County residents may provide their comments through April 30 by
- Emailing nrpr_fees@pima.gov
- Filling out a comment sheet in person at one of the locations listed below. All sites are open weekdays, 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.
Comment sheet locations:
Ajo Community Center, 290 Fifth St., Ajo, AZ
Catalina Community Center, 16562 N. Oracle Road
Drexel Heights Community Center, 5220 S. San Joaquin Ave.
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road
Littletown Recreation Center, 6465 S. Craycroft Road
Picture Rocks Community Center, 5615 N. Sanders Road
Robles Ranch Community Center, 16150 W. Ajo Highway
NRPR Main Office, 3500 W. River Road (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range, 11296 S. Harrison Road
After the public comment period ends, NRPR plans to host at least two virtual open houses to give those who did not comment before the April 30 deadline one final opportunity to do so. NRPR will announce details about those meetings soon.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the proposed fee schedule at its Aug. 15 meeting.
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