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QC CURRENT Spring 2024

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Cover Photo : Mansel Carter Oasis Park.

QC CURRENT SPRING 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS Town Council Message ............................................................4 April is Earth Month ..................................................................5 ABCD’s of Drowning Prevention .............................................6 Art Contest: Reduce the Use ...................................................7 Cardboard Box Car “Drive-in” Movie ...................................8 FREE Landscaping Workshops ...............................................9 Parks & Recreation Registration...........................................10 What is Snapology? ................................................................11 ABC/123 Preschool Academy ................................................12 Learn CPR ..................................................................................13 Just Dance! ..............................................................................14 Adaptive Program ..................................................................15 Shimmy Your Way to Fitness ................................................16 Horsemanship .........................................................................17 Recreation and Aquatic Center ............................................18 Splash Pad ................................................................................19 Explore the Trails .....................................................................20 Calendar of Events/Volunteer Information ..................21-22 Spring Into QC ..........................................................................23

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Happy New Year

& Welcome

to the first-ever issue of our QC Current!

A Note From Mayor Wheatley

love the beginning of a New Year – it’s such a great opportunity for us to reflect on our past and look forward to the future. Whether you’re the type to make resolutions or are just looking for something fun and different for you and your family to do, I hope you find that Queen Creek has plenty of opportunities for you in 2024. I often like to say that I’m Queen Creek’s # 1 fan. With so many exciting things happening here, it’s hard not to cheer for our Town! My husband and I made Queen Creek our home in 2007 and we’ve never looked back. As an Arizona native, I loved growing up in the East Valley and we have loved raising our four children in this family friendly community. Queen Creek is a thriving, fun and safe place to raise a family. We have award-winning parks and trails and are continuing to build spaces for our residents to enjoy and create memories. We have Founders’ Park, Desert Mountain Park and Mansel Carter Oasis Park, which offer something for everyone. The two natural washes that run through Queen Creek have been improved to include multi-use paths, providing an excellent environment to walk, run, cycle or even roller blade!

Construction is underway of a new 85-acre community park, Frontier Family Park, located on Signal Butte Road north of Queen Creek Road. Frontier Family Park will also include Queen Creek’s highly anticipated Recreation and Aquatic Center! We’re focused on creating a town where families will choose to live for generations. I’ve always been passionate about keeping Queen Creek a family friendly place and hope you come to love living in and exploring Queen Creek just as much as I do. As you read through these pages, I encourage you to find a place where you can get involved – whether it be through one of the highlighted recreation classes, getting out into our community parks and trails, volunteering for one of our amazing nonprofits, or meeting your neighbors. I look forward to seeing you out and about, enjoying our amazing community!

BUDGET CONSIDERATION The Town of Queen Creek’s budget serves as a spending plan and communication tool. The budget is developed over many months of incorporating both projected revenues and expenses. Learn more.

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April is Earth Month! April is Earth Month in Queen Creek! Celebrate Earth Day every day with free activities, events, and educational materials.

Bag Your Trash, Not Your Recycling Items in your trash cart should always be bagged and tied. Recyclables should be tossed directly into your blue recycle cart.

Don’t Forget to Shut Your Lid! Keeping the lids completely closed on your trash and recycle carts keeps our community clean and safe, avoiding spillage along your streets. Carts must be curbside by 6 a.m. on your pickup day for service between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Register for the Next QC Recycles Event! Celebrate Earth Month at QC Recycles on Saturday, April 20! These drive-through, drop-off events are FREE to all Town of Queen Creek residents. Registration closes on Monday, April 15. Click here for a list of what is and is not accepted.

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ABCD’S of

Drowning Prevention

Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) reminds you to be safe around water and help prevent drownings. Know and follow the ABCD’s of drowning prevention to keep your family members safe. QCFMD has the following tips: Look in the pool first: every second counts when an individual is drowning and precious time is often wasted looking elsewhere. Always look for missing individuals, especially children in the pool or spa first. Drowning is silent: many people believe they will hear someone drowning because the individual will be screaming or splashing. However, drowning is silent with the individual unable to make noise. If you find someone in any source of water: Yell for help and pull the person out of the water. Call 9-1-1 immediately! Begin CPR if you are trained. If you are not trained to administer CPR, follow the instructions from the 9-1-1 operator until help arrives.

Adult supervision

Classes in CPR for adults and swim lessons for children

Pool Draining Dos and Don’ts If you need to drain your pool, there are three options after the water has been de-chlorinated. The best option is to use your pool water in your landscape to utilize the water you have already paid for.

Barriers between children and water

Devices near water including rescue rings, hooks and lifejackets

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Art Contest: Reduce the Use

Now through March 7 at 6 p.m., K-12 students in the Queen Creek water service area can submit their artwork answering, “How can you reduce your water use?” for a chance to win gift cards and other fun prizes!

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Cardboard Box Car “Drive-in” Movie Create a box car from cardboard and other recyclable materials and bring it to Founders’ Park on Friday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. for a movie in the park, complete with free popcorn!

Vote for the movie you want to see by Monday, Feb. 5 on the Town of Queen Creek’s Nextdoor page!

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FREE Landscaping Workshops Reduce your water use and save money on your water bill by attending one of these Water-Smart Workshops, free to Town utility customers. Seating is limited, and registration is required.

To Prune or Not to Prune? Though tempting, resist pruning those unsightly frostbitten plants until new growth starts to appear or the threat of freezing weather is over (usually the end of February to the beginning of March). Check out the Town’s free landscaping guides for more helpful tips.

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Recreation Registration Registration for Town of Queen Creek residents begins Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. Non-resident registration begins Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.

Online

Waitlist

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the online registration program makes it quick and convenient to register for your favorite Queen Creek recreation classes, activities and programs. With a few additional clicks, you can also view your calendar, update your account, print receipts, request facility reservations or sign up to receive e-mail confirmations. Get started by requesting your secure online registration account.

Participants who wish to register for activities where capacity enrollment has been reached may elect to have their name placed on a waiting list. If space becomes available, participants will be notified.

Please note: Individuals under 18 years of age cannot request an account. If registering a child for a program, class, or activity, please provide your own information when completing the New Account Request form, not the information of the child you wish to register. Once you have established your online account, you will have the opportunity to add family members to your account.

In-person Registrations are accepted 8 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Library Recreation Annex, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road (same building as the QC Library; entrance is at the southeast corner).

Enrollment Policy All registrations will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis. Early registration is encouraged; so we can notify you of any program changes or; if you require special accommodations. Every class has a minimum and maximum enrollment to ensure a quality experience. If a class you registered for is full, you will be contacted to discuss alternate classes. If a class is full, participants may elect to have their name placed on a waiting list. On occasion, classes and programs may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.

Refund Policy Refunds will be given for cancellations received prior to the first day of class. Refunds requested after a class has started will be on a caseby-case basis and the Town will work with the Independent Contractor to determine the appropriate refund. Refunds by check will take 4-6 weeks for processing. Refunds by credit card will be returned to the card used for the initial payment. Requests for refunds must be given in writing. Failure to attend a program or “no shows” will not be granted a refund.

Class Cancellation Policy The Town of Queen Creek reserves the right to cancel, combine, or divide classes; to change the time, date, or place of meeting; to change the instructor assignments and to make other revisions that may become necessary. If a class is canceled by the department, the participant will be notified and a full refund or credit will be processed.

Need assistance? Contact us: Parks and Recreation Division 21802 S. Ellsworth Road 480-358-3700 QC CURRENT SPRING 2024

What is Snapology? Snapology provides children’s enrichment at its best with STEAM learning programs that engage children from ages four to 14. Snapology instructors use fun, hands-on activities to teach science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. While children are exploring robotics, coding and design challenges using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and technology, they’re building skills that will help them throughout school and their careers. To kids, it’s just fun! Travel to far off lands featuring superheroes, castles, robots, wizards and so much more! In the Snapology Pokemania class you can explore the Pokémon world by creating your own training gyms, experience unique battles and create your own generation of Pokémon.

The Snapology Castles & Kingdoms class immerses your child in a world of magic, fairytales and royalty as they design their own castles, mazes and royal crowns, while learning about some fun history facts. As one parent mentioned, “my child Wyatt, has loved this class and wants to continue taking classes. We thank you for the great experience.” For a full list of camps, including Snapology, please visit us online.

Youth Camps

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ABC/123 Preschool Academy Kindergarten is a major milestone for kids and parents. Preparing your child to take this big step is the reason why Jody and her teachers at ABC/123 strive to create a fun-loving environment that will encourage your little ones to look forward to learning!

The program is led by Jody Bell, who has experience teaching early childhood development classes for more than 14 years in Chandler, before moving to Queen Creek and has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development.

ABC/123 offers an active learning environment featuring STEAM meets traditional learning with two age-appropriate class offerings.

The year-round program is designed to help your child excel. Classes take place Monday through Friday at the QC Recreation Annex, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd. Learn more about this program and other youth enrichment opportunities such as children’s pottery and music stars online.

The Lil’ Apples class is for students aged 3 to 4 1/2 years old and is designed to prepare students for Kinder Prep. The focus is on learning letters, shapes and colors, but also building confidence in their independence. The Kinder Prep class is for students aged 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 years old and are preparing to enter kindergarten in the upcoming school year. The focus is on learning letters, handwriting, sight words and mathematics, to ensure a foundation for your child’s educational career.

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Learn CPR It’s important for children as well as adults to learn life-saving techniques in case of an emergency. Teens can enroll in a Babysitter & Childcare Training Plus CPR/AED class, where they will learn how to respond to emergencies and illness with first-aid, rescue breathing, and CPR, along with all of the babysitting basics. Students receive a Babysitter’s Certification card and a CPR/AED Certification card, as well as hands-on mannequin practice, interactive learning, and more! Teens can also benefit from the PetSitter Training + Pet First Aid class to teach students how to provide unique specialized care for pet(s) from basic pet first aid/CPR, feeding, medicating, outside and inside play, and safety. For adults, CPR/AED/FA is offered to learn how to respond to emergencies and illness with first aid, rescue breathing, CPR and other appropriate care. Go online to find more about these life-saving classes.

Youth Enrichment

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“The instructor was wonderful. She was friendly and engaging.”

Just Dance! What are the benefits of dancing? You may be surprised to know there are both physical and mental benefits according to an article from GoodRX Health: 1. Improve heart circulation 2. Increase muscle strength 3. Builds strong bones 4. Supports healthy exercise 5. Enhances balance, flexibility and coordination 6. Boosts your brain power 7. Lowers stress and lifts your spirits 8. Helps you stay socially connected

8* Count Dance offers a variety of dance classes including ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz/lyrical and acrobatic arts for a variety of ages. Register online.

Youth Dance QCCURRENT CURRENTSPRING SPRING2024 2024 QC

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Adaptive Program Taekwondo for Special Needs and Seniors features a unique opportunity for all ages and abilities. The class will provide a safe and quiet environment to learn and achieve goals at your own pace. Participants will learn basic self-defense techniques, practice active listening and build confidence through movement.

"Offering specialized classes provides quality recreational opportunities in which everyone can feel comfortable and included; where we, as a community, play together," says Deputy Director of Community Services, Adam Robinson. Adam encourages others in the community that have a talent or skill that they would like to share, to contact the Parks and Recreation Division at 480-358-3700 to learn more.

Additionally, other custom martial arts classes include Ladies Only Taekwondo and Self-Defense Combat Hapkido. Click here to find a full listing of martial arts classes.

Youth Sports/Fitness

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Shimmy Your Way to Fitness Looking for a new way to exercise in 2024? The Beginner Belly Dance class offers a fun way to burn calories and get your heart rate up. The dance class for everybody and every body will look at the dance moves of the MENAHT, how they became belly dance, and how we perform them on stage. This class will have you shimmying from your first lesson! Once you’ve mastered the introduction class, you are ready for Belly Dance Drill, Skills, and Thrills, which will focus on developing your strength, fitness, creativity, technique and performance. We offer a wide-range of adult sports and fitness classes. Find more online.

Adult Sports & Fitness

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Horsemanship You don’t have to own a horse to learn how to ride one! The Beginning Horsemanship class is designed to teach students the basics of Western riding horsemanship. Starting with grooming, general care and saddling safely, kids will also learn about mounting and dismounting, and proper posture and balance when riding. Instructors work with each student on simple control techniques such as asking the horses to walk and stop. After completing the initial class, intermediate and advanced level Horsemanship classes are available as well. Visit us online to learn more.

Youth Enrichment

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Parks & Recreation is excited to open the Town’s first Recreation and Aquatic Center in late 2024. In addition to our current job opportunities, we will be expanding our team to encompass a variety of new aquatic and recreation positions, both part-time and full-time.

Join The Recreation Team Find more information about current and future Recreation and Aquatics positions online.

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Splash Pad With the warmer weather ahead, enjoy cooling down at the splash pads at Mansel Carter Oasis Park and Founders’ Park. Learn more online. Splash Pad at Founders’ Park Hours March - April 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. May - August 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. September - October 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. November - February CLOSED Splash Pad at Mansel Carter Oasis Park Hours March - October 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. November - February CLOSED

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Explore the Trails Get outside and enjoy the great weather along the Queen Creek and Sonoqui Wash trails. Visit us online for more information and adhere to these trail rules to help keep everyone safe.

Available Facilities The Town of Queen Creek offers a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities available to host birthday parties, business meetings, company picnics, special events, wedding receptions, softball practices and more! Visit Facility Rentals for more info or call 480-358-3700.

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CLICK TO ENLARGE

CALENDAR OF

EVENTS

MARCH

Water Conservation Expo MAR SRP 8 a.m.-noon

Learn about SRP’s role in water and save money on a smart irrigation controller for your drip and sprinkler system.

Workshop: Pruning MAR Free 9-11 a.m.

Join us for this introductory presentation taught by an ISA-certified arborist, and learn the basics of pruning to keep your investments healthy, functional and looking great!

Contest: Reduce the Use MAR Art 6 p.m.

K-12 students can submit their artwork answering the question, “How can you reduce your water use?” through March 7 at 6 p.m.

Workshop: Composting MAR Free 9-10:30 a.m.

Join our composting class to unlock the secrets of transforming kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich, organic compost for your garden and beyond!

N’ Boots Queen Creek MAR Roots March 13-19, Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, 20464 E. Riggs Road

Volunteer opportunities are available! Check online to learn more about how you can get involved.

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Tickets for Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek Pro Rodeo performances are on sale now! General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. The fun starts with the All Women’s Rodeo kicking off festivities again this year on Wednesday evening March 13. Admission to the All Women’s Rodeo is free with a donation of three or more canned food items to benefit Mary Gloria Foundation.

a Leak Week! MAR Fix March 18-24

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Take part in the EPA’s Fix a Leak Week on March 18-24 with the Town’s free water audit guide.

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GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE DONATE BLOOD Visit Vitalant to find upcoming dates and to schedule an appointment. Use sponsor code P1T83.

Fan Fair Workshop Series MAR QC Want to participate in Queen Creek’s inaugural cosplay contest at the

Into QC 2024 MAR Spring 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mansel Carter Oasis Park

APRIL 5

April 2024

Hop on over to Spring Into QC at Mansel Carter Oasis Park, presented by Earnhardt Queen Creek Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership. This signature event celebrating Queen Creek’s families is complete with live entertainment and the always popular egg hunt. There’s fun for everyone! Experience the fun from past Spring Into QC events, watch here.

APR

Earth Month

upcoming QC Fan Fair. Start your costume with the help of some local pros at a series of foamsmithing workshops held at Gangplank.

Free Cardboard Box Car “Drive-in” Movie

6:30 p.m. Create a box car from cardboard and other recyclable materials and bring it to Founders’ Park for a movie in the park, complete with free popcorn!

APR

Free Workshop: ABCs of Landscape Watering

APR

QC Recycles Drop-off Event

9-11 a.m. This class will give you the tools to water your landscape efficiently in our unique desert environment.

7-11 a.m. Pre-registration closes April 15.

20 Free Workshop: Backyard Makeover

9-11 a.m. This class will teach easy, step-by-step methods to revamp your grass yard into a colorful, fragrant, interesting, eco-compatible and useful outdoor living space.

JUN

What’s Poppin’ in QC?

5-7 p.m., Queen Creek Library Find out what’s popping in Queen Creek, while enjoying free popcorn at the Queen Creek Library, Zane Grey Conference room. Learn about new businesses coming to town, traffic and roadway updates, information on the Town’s water strategy and updates on the Town’s new recreation facilities!

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WRISTBAND PRESALE Purchase online starting Feb. 12 - March 11 Presented By:

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