QCCURRENT
StarStudents&Teachers
This year the Queen Creek Town Council recognized 11 youth and five educators as Queen Creek Star Students and Queen Creek Star Teachers at Town Council Meetings during April and May.
Star Students is a program that gives teachers, administrators and school leaders the opportunity to recognize the incredible work of students who have gone above and beyond. Presented to students in elementary, middle and high school, Star Students allows our Town Council to recognize not only the academic achievements of students, but also individuals who have served kindly and with enthusiasm, and who show integrity and respect.
Star Teachers create inclusive environments where students feel valued, supported and heard. They demonstrate integrity by holding high ethical standards in the classroom, while modeling honesty and fairness. Respect is ingrained in their approach, shown through active listening and treating everyone with dignity. Faculty and administration can nominate teachers from their school to be recognized with this honor.
We encourage all teachers, administrators, school counselors and staff to submitonlinethrough Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
CitizenLeadershipInstitute
Queen Creek Town Council recognized 26 graduates of the Citizen Leadership Institute (CLI) this May. CLI is an award-winning program that gives residents the opportunity to learn more about the Town of Queen Creek through guest speakers, group discussions, activities, field trips and topic-related exercises. During the course of the leadership program, participants interact with members of the Town Council, Town staff, local business leaders, neighbors and community members. As part of the graduation requirements, CLI class participants work together on a variety of group projects that benefit local nonprofits.
QC Neighborly Award
The QC Neighborly Award is an initiative to encourage residents of Queen Creek to interact with their neighbors to help our community maintain its small-town feel.
We would like to congratulate residents of Encanterra for their efforts as they were awarded the 2025 QC Neighborly Award! Watch the video below to hear their story.
The 2025 QC Neighborly Award has been claimed, but there’s still time to share what you are doing in your neighborhood for the 2026 award!
Whether it's coordinating a neighborhood donation drive, organizing meals and support for a family or individual in need, or beautifying the streets with a clean-up effort, there are countless ways to be QC Neighborly! Thank you to residents from Bellero Estates and Ironwood Crossing who provided additional ways to help in their community!
We want to hear from you, learnmoreonline
Congratsto Encanterra!
ThanksgivingSafetyTips
UseCautionWhenCookingThisThanksgiving
Everyonelovesadeliciousholidaymeal,butitcanalso increasetheriskforhomefires.AccordingtotheNationalFire ProtectionAssociation,Thanksgivingisthepeakdayforhome cookingfires.TheQueenCreekFire&MedicalDepartment (QCFMD)offersthefollowingcookingsafetytipstohelpreduce theriskoffirethisThanksgiving:
Keepanythingthatcancatchfireawayfromthestovetop (ovenmitts,foodpackaging,etc.).
Stayinthekitchenwhenfrying,grillingorboilingfood.Ifyou mustleavetheroom,turnoffthestove.
Besuretothawtheturkeycompletelybeforecooking. Keepkidsatleastthreefeetawayfromthestove,oven,hot foodandliquids.
Ifyouhaveapanfire,placealidonthepanandturnoffthe burner.Neverthrowwateroruseafireextinguisherona panfire.
Ifthefiredoesnotgooutoryoudon’tfeelcomfortable slidingalidoverthepan,geteveryoneoutofyourhome. Callthefiredepartmentfromoutside.
DisposeofYourCookingOiland GreaseResponsibly
This holiday season, save your drain by recyclingyourused cookingoilandgrease at the QC Recycling Center (22179 E. Ryan Rd.).
Pouring used cooking oil and grease down your drain can cause backups and overflows, and putting it in your trash or recycling carts can cause fires. By recycling instead, you help keep Town sewers working correctly. Plus, your used cooking oil and grease are converted into biodiesel fuel.
ChristmasTreeSafety
TheChristmastreeisthecenterofmanyholidayfamilytraditions.TheQueenCreekFire&Medical Departmentwouldliketosharesometreesafetytipssothatyoucanenjoytheseasonwithfriendsandfamily safely.
PICKINGTHETREE
Chooseatreewithfresh,greenneedlesthatdonotfalloffwhentouched.
PLACINGTHETREE
Beforeplacingthetreeinthestand,cut2”fromthebaseofthetrunk.
Makesurethetreeisatleastthreefeetawayfromanyheatsource,likefireplaces,radiators,candles,heat ventsorlights.
Makesurethetreeisnotblockinganexit.
Addwatertothetreestand.Besuretoaddwaterdaily.
LIGHTINGTHETREE
Uselightsthathavethelabelofarecognizedtestinglaboratory.Somelightsareonlyforindoororoutdoor use.
Replaceanystringoflightswithwornorbrokencordsorloosebulbconnections.
Readmanufacturer’sinstructionsforthenumberofstrandstoconnect.
Neveruselitcandlestodecoratethetree.
AlwaysturnoffChristmastreelightsbeforeleavinghomeorgoingtobed.
AFTERCHRISTMAS
Bringoutdoorelectricallightsinsideaftertheholidaystopreventhazardsandmakethemlastlonger. GetridofthetreeafterChristmasorwhenitisdry.
Disposeofthetreeassoonaspossible.Dried-outtreesareafiredangerandshouldnotbeleftinthe homeorgarage,orplacedoutsideagainstthehome.
LIVECHRISTMASTREEDISPOSALOPTIONS
DropoffyourliveChristmastreesfrom Thursday, Dec. 26 through Thursday, Jan. 9 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily at the self-service drop-off area just north of the Town of Queen Creek’s Field Operations Facility (19715 S. 220th St.), access from 220th St. and Queen Creek Rd.
All lights, decorations and ornaments must be removed before dropping off. Only live Christmas trees will be accepted.
Alternatively, you canself-haulyourtree(and up to 1,000 pounds of material) to Waste
Connections’ Apache Junction transfer station for just $10. If you’d prefer a pick-up, you can cut down your tree to four-foot sections and scheduleabulkpick-up
ShopLocalfortheHolidays
‘Tis the season to make a big impact on your Town! When you ShopQueenCreek, you are supporting the local economy, jobs and community programs including public safety, road improvements, parks and recreation. With a variety of local shopping and dining options, shopping QC has never been easier. Invest in your community and support neighborhood businesses by Shopping QC this holiday season.
Celebrate Responsibly
BurnCleaner,BurnBetter
This winter, consider using electricity or gas instead of wood for heat. If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, ensure it meets EPA design specifications (or retrofit your fireplace with an air pollution reduction device) and burn only dry, seasoned wood.
When you burn cleaner and better, you’re making a healthy decision to improveourair. Best of all, these wood-burning alternatives are acceptable to use on No Burn Days, and still provide an inviting, warm fire glow while reducing harmful smoke pollution.
TruckFirePrevention
Yourhelpisneededtopreventfiresintrashandrecyclingcollection trucks!Sometimescalled"hotloads,"thesetruckfiresbeginwhen collectedmaterialscatchfire,smolder,spontaneouslycombust,or becometoxicduetoincompatiblewastemixinginside.
Truckfirescanpotentiallyjeopardizethehealthandsafetyofthe collectiontruckdriverandthepublic.Theycanoccurduringcollection oronpublicroadwaysanddamagecollectionvehiclesandpersonal property.
Properlydisposingofhazardousitemssuchaselectronics,cookingoil, ashes,andbatterieshelpstopreventtrashandrecyclingcartand truckfires.Italsokeepsourstormwaterrunoffcleanandkeepsmany itemsoutoflandfills.
Fireworks
Consumerfireworks,includinggroundandhand-heldsparklingdevicesarelegaltopurchasewithintheTownofQueenCreek Dec.10-Jan.3-usingthefireworksisrestrictedtoDec.26-Jan.4-anyfireworksthatgointotheairareillegal.
Legal,consumerfireworksareonlyallowedonprivateproperty;individualswhouse,dischargeorignitepermissibleconsumer fireworksareresponsibleandliableforexpensesasaresultofanyemergencyresponse.Pleasebeconsiderateofyour neighborsandcelebratesafely.Reporttheuseofillegalfireworkssuchasbottlerockets,firecrackers,romancandles,orother aerialdevicesbycontactingQCPD’sNon-Emergencynumberat480-358-3500.
Herearesomesafetytipstokeepinmind:
Adultsshouldalwayssupervisefireworkactivities-sparklersburnattemperaturesofabout2,000degrees—hotenoughto meltsomemetals.
Neverhaveanyportionofyourbodydirectlyoverafireworkdevicewhenlighting,movebacktoasafedistance immediatelyafterlightingandonlylightoneatatime.
Nevertrytore-lightorpickupfireworksthathavenotfullyfunctioned.
Neverpointorthrowfireworksatpeople.
Keepabucketofwateroragardenhosehandy.
Nevercarryfireworksinapocketorshootthemoffinmetalorglasscontainers.
Dousespentfireworkswithplentyofwaterbeforediscardingtopreventatrashfire.
RecyclingRight
Makearesolution torecycleright!
Recycling right can be easy when you know what to do. These are the top five recyclables in Queen Creek:
Cardboard
Paper
Metal cans
Plastic bottles
Aluminum cans
Place these items in your blue recycling cart and take bulk recyclables to the QC Recycling Center at 22179 E. Ryan Rd., (with access off of Ryan Rd. near Frontier Family Park)
Don’t know if it’s recyclable? AsktheRecycleRight Wizard
Holidayrecycling
Recycle right this holiday season with the RecycleRight Wizard! Simply type in the item you’re looking for, and find the best way to dispose of it. Here are some commonly searched-for items this season:
Holiday lights can be reused or donated, recycled at an electronics recycler or retail store, or taken to the HouseholdHazardousWastefacility with a free voucher.
Wrapping paper that includes any glitter, foil, plastic or other materials beyond paper should be thrown away in the trash. Wrapping paper that’s paper only can be recycled!
Christmas decorations can be reused, donated, or tossed in the trash. Remember to bagandtieyour trashbefore taking it to the curb.
RegistrationforTownofQueenCreek residentsbeginsMonday,Nov.3.
Non-residentregistration beginsMonday,Nov.10. Register Online Today! Available
LapSwim
WinterLapSwimHours:
Monday - Friday
5:30 - 8 a.m./11 a.m. - 1 p.m./5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 8 - 10 a.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - noon
AdultSportLeagues
CoedVolleyball BUMP, SET, SPIKE! Register your team for the Adult Coed Volleyball League. The league runs for seven-weeks with a single elimination tournament to conclude the season.
Softball(Men’s&Coed)Season
These are recreational softball leagues for adults ages 18-plus. The league is eight-weeks long. In weeks one through seven, each team will play a doubleheader. Week eight will be an end of the season single elimination tournament.
Three divisions of play are being offered: Men’s Monday Recreational Lower, Men’s Wednesday Recreation Upper and Coed Friday.
EventsattheRecCenter
AnElf'sPicture-PerfectChristmas
Dec.11,5-7p.m.
Celebrate the holidays with a whole bunch of elf cheer! Strike a pose with one of Santa’s elves for a magical photo op, sip on some hot cocoa, and get creative with a festive craft!
NorthPolePlunge
Dec.13,10a.m-noon
Join us for some jolly, winter fun at the Queen Creek Aquatic Center! Take an icy plunge in our Lazy River (AKA the Polar Vortex) or glide down our frosty water slides and warm up with some delicious hot chocolate and Christmas-themed arts and crafts on the pool deck. This program is available for all ages. Please note, this event has a max capacity of 100 participants.
NoonYear’sEve
Dec.31,10a.m.- noon
Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve with a fun-filled countdown to noon! Enjoy music, games and a balloon drop, bringing all the excitement of New Year’s without the late-night bedtime. This event isn't just for the little ones; adults 18 and older can enter a raffle for exciting prizes to ring in the new year.
LearnmoreaboutalltheeventsofferedattheQueenCreekRecreation&Aquatic Centeronline! All events hosted at the Recreation & Aquatic Center are only open to residents of the Town of Queen Creek. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult for the events listed above.
WinterEventsat FrontierFamilyPark
SantaPaws
Dec.15,5-7p.m.
Celebrate the Howlidays with Santa Paws pictures! Bring furry friends for a festive snap with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pets and humans alike will enjoy the fun—and everyone goes home with a special treat!
RunRunReindeer-5K&KidsFunRun
Dec.20,9-11a.m.
Get ready to lace up your running shoes this holiday season and join us for Run Run
Reindeer - 5K & Kids Fun Run in partnership with Fleet Feet! Bring your kids and friends for a festive run through a scenic route at Frontier Family Park designed for all skill levels.
Runners of all ages can join us for the 5K starting at 9 a.m. The little ones (three - 12 years old) will be able to have just as much fun at 10 a.m. during the Kids Fun Run! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a joyful walk with your loved ones, this event welcomes all ages and abilities.
Santa'sWorkshop
Dec.20,10:30a.m.-12:30p.m.
Christmas is taking over Frontier Family Park with a winter wonderland! Step into Santa’s magical workshop and let's get crafty with festive decorations, holiday cards and keepsakes to share with family and friends. Sip hot cocoa, snap photos with Santa and dive into the ultimate pre-Christmas fun!
Registration is required. Click the links above to sign up today!
YouthVolleyball
YouthVolleyball
This recreation league is focused on fun, sportsmanship and team play. Players will learn and/or improve their skills in pumping, setting, footwork, etc. Players ages five to 13 will be put on teams by age divisions. Each team will have a seven-week season with a scheduled practice and game each week.
5-6 Division
7-8 Division
9-10 Division
11-13 Division
Tuesday evenings
Wednesday evenings
Thursday evenings & Saturday mornings
Friday evenings & Saturday mornings
YouthSports/Fitness
TeenPrograms
TeenLabs
Teen Labs bring out creativity with hands-on projects that are fun but manageable. In January, teens sculpt their own clay magnets to personalize lockers or fridges, while February moves outdoors with a spray-paint stencil night where shirts, tote bags, and boards become bold works of art. Each lab lets teens experiment, express themselves, and leave with something to show off.
Esports
Esports nights keep the competition lively and social. January kicks off with a Mario Kart tournament full of bracket play, big screens, and crowd energy, while February dives into Apex Legends squads with pointbased battles and live scoreboards. Each night balances structured play with plenty of hype and recognition for the winners.
LINKNights
LINK offers a rotating series of social nights from fall into winter, giving teens something new each month. November mixes in karaoke, Just Dance, and even an arcade night. The season also features a “Turkey Bowl” football game, a goofy-costumed pickleball tournament, giant yard games, a 3v3 basketball showdown, and a silent disco in January. Whether casual or competitive, every LINK night has a unique twist that keeps teens coming back.
AdaptiveFamilyFunNight
Families are invited to a welcoming evening designed for individuals with disabilities and their families. With bowling, video games, and a clay sensory craft, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event will be fully staffed to provide support, though participants under 13 or anyone needing direct supervision should attend with a responsible adult. It’s a relaxed, inclusive night built around fun, connection and shared experiences.
WinterCamps
PokemaniaWorkshop
Students will explore the Pokémon world and practice their Pokémon training skills! They will create their own training gyms, unique battles and examine the habitats, characteristics and needs of different Pokémon.
ArchaeologyWorkshop
Snapology takes on Archaeology in this fun-packed, deep-dig into the world of artifacts, science and exploration! Practice techniques used to uncover artifacts, explore the history of ancient ruins and come dig and learn alongside us!
RobloxWorkshop
In this workshop, students will explore their favorite Roblox™ adventures by using LEGO® bricks and creating interactive games! From designing an Obby to building a 3D character skin, students will be fully immersed in the gameplay and game design of Roblox™!
WinterHolidayRoboticsWorkshop
Students will work together to build holiday-inspired robotics models, play games with their models and modify their work to learn the basics of robotics and create unique memories that will last much longer than the holiday season!
Ready,Set,Build!
During this three-day camp, young scientists will launch catapults, race marbles on wild rollercoasters, and engineer crazy structures with cups and straws. It’s fast, fun, and full of hands-on STEM challenges that spark creativity and problem-solving!
TheWigglyWorldofScience
Buzz, wiggle, and explore! In this three-day camp, kids will dig into life science with live worms, discover the power of pollinators, and explore ecosystems and biodiversity through fun, hands-on activities. It’s a wild and wiggly adventure into the world of living things!
Guts,GooandGenes!
Dive into the slimy, squishy world inside you at Guts, Goo and Genes! Young scientists explore germs, blood, and DNA through fun experiments, models, and creative STEM challenges. It’s a hands-on week of gross, giggly, and fascinating science fun!
YouthCamps
Adult Enrichment
CulinaryArtsClasses
AdultDateNight
Spice up your evening with a hands-on cooking experience designed just for couples! In this interactive class, you and your partner will work side by side to create a romantic three-course meal while learning new culinary techniques from our chef instructor. Leave with full hearts, satisfied appetites, and the confidence to recreate this delicious menu at home for your next date night! Registration is per couple.
Rollin’IntoChristmas
Get into the festive spirit by learning to bake and decorate the classic Bûche de Noël, a traditional French Yule Log cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! In this hands-on holiday baking class, you'll be guided stepby-step through the process of creating a light sponge cake, rolling it with a rich filling, and finishing it off with chocolate ganache and decorative touches like sugared cranberries, meringue mushrooms and powdered sugar “snow.”
Arts&Crafts
HolidayCardCreation
Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and festive art class! Young artists will design and create their very own handmade holiday cards to share with family and loved ones. Using a variety of art supplies, techniques and creative inspiration, participants will explore their artistic side while crafting one-of-a-kind cards that spread holiday cheer. All supplies are included, just bring your imagination and holiday joy!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOV. 8
PancakeBreakfast
9-11 a.m., Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre
Wake up to “what’s cooking” in Queen Creek at the free pancake breakfast hosted by your Queen Creek Town Council! This is a great opportunity to come learn about the services and programs the Town offers while you visit with your neighbors, Town Council and staff members. Peek inside construction, utility and emergency vehicles in the Touch-a-Truck demo area.
Don't be surprised if you see a horse or two! Participants will also get the opportunity to see barrel racing, horse and carriages and much more in many of the arenas.
DEC.
5&6
QCHometownChristmas
TownCenter,21802S.EllsworthRd. Dec.5,6-8p.m. Dec.6,10a.m.
The community is invited to celebrate the holiday season in a family friendly atmosphere. On Friday, Dec. 5, the evening event will feature a tree lighting, letters to Santa, pictures with Santa, music and more! On Saturday, Dec. 6, the morning event will feature a Rockin’ Around QC themed-parade!
FreeWater-SmartWorkshops
Learnmoney-savingand water-reducingtips fromlocalexperts.
Classes are held at the Queen Creek Library. Free for utility customers, but seating is limited. Registeronlinetoday!
BeProactiveandAvoidFrozenPipes
Waterexpandsasitfreezes.Pipesthatfreezemostfrequentlyarethoseexposedtoseverecold, likeoutdoorhosebibs,swimmingpoolsupplylines,watersprinklerlines,andwatersupplypipes inunheatedinteriorareaslikebasementsandcrawlspaces,atticsorgarages.Pipesrunning againstexteriorwallswithlittleornoinsulationarealsosubjecttofreezing.Followingthesesimple tipscanhelpyouavoidcostlyrepairs:
Wrappipes,vacuumbreakersandbackflowdevices—Ifyourpipesareinareasthatdon’t getwarmair,considerinsulatingthemwithinsulationsleevesorwrapping.Rememberto wraptheabove-groundvacuumbreakertoyourlandscapewateringsystemandthe swimmingpoolsupplylines.Commercialbusinessesshouldtakespecialcaretoprotecttheir backflowdevicesfromfreezing.
Alwaysdisconnectyourwaterhosefromyouroutdoorspigotbeforethetemperatureinyour areadropsbelowfreezing—Thewaterinsidethehosecanfreeze,andthefreezingcontinues backintothespigotuntilitreachesyourpipes.Anypipethatfreezescanburst.
Drainyourpipes—Ifyou’retakingatripinthewinter,considerdrainingyourpipestoprevent themfrombursting.Shutoffthemainvalve,turnonallthetaps(hotandcold),andletthe waterrununtilthepipesareemptied.
CrisisLifeline Call9-8-8ForHelp
Whilethistimeofyearcanbefunandfestiveformany,itcanalsobea significantsourceofstressandcanbeatriggerforthosewhosufferfrom depression.
Helpisjustaphonecallawayforthosewhoneedsomeonetotalkto. Trainedcounselorsareonstandby24hoursaday,seven-daysaweek.All youhavetodoisdial9-8-8onyourphone.Numerousstudieshaveshown thatcallersfeellessdepressed,lessoverwhelmed,lesssuicidalandmore hopefulafterspeakingwithaLifelinecounselor.
AnImportantReminder ThisHolidaySeason
DrivetoArrive:SlowDown.BeSafe.PayAttention.
Distracted,aggressivedrivingandspeedingarethreeofthemost commonfactorsintrafficcollisionsinQueenCreek.Slowdown, avoiddistractionsandusecommoncourtesysowecanallget homesafelyfortheholidays.
queen creek Happy Holidays
