By Erik Strunk
Glendale Parks, Recreation and Library Services, Executive Director

A healthy society is measured on how well it provides for its next generation of leaders and residents. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that neighborhood after-school and youth programs are critical to ensuring this success in each of our respective communities.

After school programs provide a safe place for children to go following the end of the school day.  Many times these programs provide much needed mentorship, study help and social opportunities not available at home or during school.  Parents may also sign up their children to participate in these programs to have peace of mind, knowing their children are having fun and meeting friends in a safe environment.

Youth programs offered through recreation programs and libraries provide a variety of opportunities for children to learn many skills and help with childhood development.  Libraries offer many different early literacy programs for all ages.  Story times and other special programs specifically developed to introduce stories and nurture a love of books are provided to engage children and their parents and start a habit of reading during their early years.  Recreational programs such as art, sports, music and dance provide opportunities to develop small and large motor skills, provide fitness opportunities, teach sportsmanship, foster social skills and build creative minds all through the form of fun.  Some youth programs are even offered for fun with safety in mind.  Learning to swim and water safety is one of the most important skills a child can learn. 

Check your local library and parks and recreation department to see all the opportunities and benefits your city or town provides to you.  These programs are provided to give you and your children a lifetime of learning and pleasure.

Mayor Georgia Lord
City of Goodyear

A frenzy of fans and tourists have returned to the Grand Canyon State for a fun-filled time of year that arrives with the anticipation of the holiday season:

Another spring training season has begun as thousands of fans are converging in Arizona to see their favorite Major League Baseball Team.

A tradition that began with the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants more than 65 years ago, half of baseball’s teams – 15 – today call Arizona their spring training home.

Spring training has boomed into one of the state’s largest tourism draws, generating $422 million a year in annual revenue just during the baseball season alone, according to the results of an economic impact study conducted by Elliot D. Pollack and Company and released by the Cactus League and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority in December. Overall, spring training facilities around the Grand Canyon state generate $632 million a year, that’s including the off-season events held at the facilities.

Goodyear Ballpark – home to the Cincinnati Reds, baseball’s oldest professional team, and the Cleveland Indians – the first team in the Cactus League, was voted the best place to see a spring training game by readers of the Phoenix New Times two of the last three years.

So, while baseball fever is catching on, catch a game in the Cactus League and see all there is to see in the Grand Canyon State.