The region of Central Arizona has a legacy of open spaces that have supported Arizona’s rapid growth to
this present day. Still, park systems’ growth and operating resources have not kept pace with population
and economic recovery since the 2008 recession. This limited financial capacity and additional demand,
compromise stewardship success in treasured natural areas and diminish quality visitor experiences
for residents and visitors alike. Therefore, Sonoran Institute (SI), in partnership with the Central Arizona
Conservation Alliance (CAZCA), investigated the “state of the parks” within the region to identify the areas of
greatest need among natural, desert open space parks.
The State of the Parks Initiative: Combined Park System Profiles
October 5, 2026
