City News Neighborhood Groups and Nonprofits Can Now Apply for Funds to Activate a Local Park

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HOSTING A CONCERT, FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL OR COMMUNITY CELEBRATION IN YOUR LOCAL PARK? Phoenix Parks and Recreation is inviting neighborhood groups and nonprofits to apply for grant funds to activate their local park.

Registration is open for park activation grant funds through the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. Eligible neighborhood groups and nonprofits can be awarded up to $10,000 to host events or activities such as movies in the park, youth sports, fitness programs, concerts and more!

“We are excited to offer this opportunity in our city,” says Director of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Cynthia Aguilar. “Our goal is to build stronger communities by working together to activate our parks in positive ways.” Registration closes on September 29. Register online at phoenix.gov/parks/arpa

WHERE DID THIS MONEY COME FROM?

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law providing the city of Phoenix with nearly $396 million. The first allocation of $198 million was received in May 2021 of which $28,800,000 was dedicated to youth and education programs. In April 2023, the Phoenix City Council approved the use of an additional $500,000 to fund the department’s first Park Activation Grant Program. A portion of these funds are allocated to hiring a Neighborhood Grant Administrator to oversee and facilitate ARPA grant funds.

WHAT IS PARK ACTIVATION?

Park activation is the process of building community trust and engagement with parks and open spaces. Phoenix Parks and Recreation seeks to activate parks through programming in a variety of ways to promote recreational opportunities, the enjoyment of city parks and facilities, and ensure parks provide a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Neighborhood organizations listed with the city of Phoenix or nonprofits seeking to coordinate and hold park activation events and programs in parks serving qualified census tracts are eligible to apply.

WHAT EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR APPLICATION?

• Movies in the Park

• Concerts in the Park

• Food Truck Festivals

• Youth Sports Programming

• Neighborhood Farmers Markets (Must be free admission and have free activities associated with the event)

• Neighborhood Resource Fairs

• Safety Events (ex. Bike Rodeos)

• Fitness Programs

• 2024 GAIN Events

• Neighborhood Celebrations (May include inflatable jumpers and free activities)

Events and activities must be free of cost/admission for the community and park rules must be followed.

All events/programs listed here will be considered priority in the application process. If your event/ program category is not listed, please email tannia. ruiz@phoenix.gov for further consideration.

Ballet Under the Stars 2023 to Enchant with a Graceful Night Out

Photo courtesy of Ballet Arizona

THIS MONTH, THE COMMUNITY IS SET TO EXPERIENCE AN ARTISTIC TREAT AS BALLET UNDER THE STARS RETURNS, OFFERING A RANGE OF DELIGHTFUL DANCE PERFORMANCES TO VALLEY RESIDENTS. Kicking off Ballet Arizona’s 2023-2024 season, the events promise to be spectacular evenings for families.

Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s pristine evenings, residents and visitors can enjoy a mixed repertoire that blends the elegance of classical ballet with the energy of contemporary dance. Attendees are encouraged to bring along blankets or lawn chairs, creating a comfortable viewing experience under the shimmering night sky.

Highlighting the event’s commitment to the community, Ballet Under the Stars remains free and open to the public. Its unique open-air format, complete with professional stage setups, lighting, and costumes, offers an opportunity for everyone, from young children to seniors, to experience the magic of ballet. For those introducing their children to the art form, this event serves as a perfect first glimpse into the world of dance.

For those attending, the organizers have put together a list of tips to enhance the Ballet Under the Stars experience that include: bring a folding chair or blankets to sit on; bring your own picnic or nosh on some local food truck eats; rideshare; arrive early to get the best spot; bring a good light source for after the show; and smartphones are encouraged (because if you post on your Instagram story or feed and tag @balletarizona, you could win tickets to an upcoming Ballet Arizona production).

HERE ARE THE UPCOMING PERFORMANCE DETAILS ACROSS THE VALLEY:

• Saturday, Sept. 23 at Sahuaro Ranch

Historic Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave

Glendale

• Thursday, Sept. 28 at Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd Fountain Hills

• Friday, Sept. 29 at Estrella Lakeside

Amphitheater, 10300 Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear

• Saturday, Sept. 30 at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd., Phoenix

Each performance commences at 7 p.m.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship by The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, Ballet Under the Stars 2023 continues its tradition of making ballet accessible and enjoyable to all. Arizona communities are set to have their spirits uplifted by this dance extravaganza, which promises to be a memorable evening of art, culture, and community bonding.

For more information, visit balletaz.org/ ballet-under-the-stars.