Press Coverage December 2016
Arizona familiar with Utah, turning down an here has certainly helped the extension in the offseason to sign matter.” territory for Ohio with Florida. State Club president Kevin Fox said that Exactly two years and one week after there are between 2,000 and 2,500 By Logan Newman/Cronkite News his first bowl appearance in Arizona, local members, and that | December 31, 2016 @ 10:50 am Meyer returned to the Valley with approximately 6,000 people who had
the Gators to coach in the first-ever either graduated or attended Ohio SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The success BCS National Championship Game. State for some period of time lived of both Urban Meyer and Ohio State He laughed when reminded that this in the area. in Arizona is unparalleled. game was against his current school,
Ohio State. Meyer dominated the They’ll be watching and hoping the Saturday marks Ohio State’s eighth then-undefeated Buckeyes as Florida team – and Urban Meyer – can bring visit to the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, ran away with a 41-14 championship home its sixth Fiesta Bowl trophy. the most all time. The Buckeyes are victory. Co-offensive coordinator and 6-2 and haven’t lost in the game in quarterbacks coach Tim Beck, who 25 years. Last season, the Buckeyes and Meyer coached at Scottsdale’s Saguaro High
were back in Arizona, but this time, School in the 1990s, laughed when This is Urban Meyer’s fifth visit to they were together. Meyer led 12-1 asked about Meyer’s record in the the desert since becoming a head Ohio State to a Fiesta Bowl victory state, but called it “no lucky t-shirt.” coach in 2001. He has one regular over Notre Dame. season victory, two Fiesta Bowl wins “(Meyer) prepares the coaches and and a BCS Championship victory. The Buckeyes are re confident they the teams really well for games,”
can do it again this year. Defensive Beck said. “You get more time to He’s hoping to go five-for-five. He end Sam Hubbard pointed out that work. Usually he does a great job doesn’t want to hear about it, they’re in the same hotel and the with that.” though. same city as last year; the main
difference is the practice field. After “You’re the guy who says in the preparing for last year’s game at Estrella peak could seventh inning, ‘Hey dude, you’ve Pinnacle High School, this year got a no-hitter going,’” Meyer said be named for war they’re at Notre Dame Prep, just with a laugh when asked about his outside McDowell Mountain hero perfect record in Arizona. Regional Park. Submitted by West Valley View on
Wed, 12/28/2016 - 12:00am His history in the Grand Canyon “Guys in our pre-practice, in our state goes back to 2004, when he led stretch lines, were like, ‘Man look at The highest peak in Estrella Utah into Tucson for a regular that mountain over there,’” Mountain Regional Park will be season contest against Arizona. Both linebacker Chris Worley said. “We named for a war hero if the schools are now members of the weren’t this close to the mountains Maricopa County Board of Pac-12, but back then the Utes were at the last place.” Supervisors has its way. part of the Mountain West
Conference, and the Pac-12 was still Winning breeds a fan base, and it’s The board has gone on record known as the Pac-10. not just the players who are excited supporting naming the peak in the
for the Fiesta Bowl. Goodyear park for Charles Looking back on it at Fiesta Bowl Humphrey Keating IV, who was a Media Day Thursday, Meyer singled Past success in the Valley has helped Navy SEAL when he was killed on it out as a “tough game.” Score wise, the Phoenix branch of the Ohio May 3 during combat operations in though, Utah dominated. It jumped State Fan Club blossom vice northern Iraq in the war against to a 17-3 first quarter lead before president Courtney Angelo said at a ISIS. shutting out the Wildcats in the club meet-and-greet event on The peak, which is 3,650 feet high, is second half and winning 23-6. Thursday. not currently named.
The Utes would return to the state “There’s always been a big draw for County Supervisor Andy Kunasek one more time that season. No. 5 the Midwest to Phoenix and to proposed the idea of naming the Utah rang in the New Year with a Scottsdale,” she said, “and then peak for Keating. 35-7 Fiesta Bowl victory over having so many Fiesta Bowl games Pittsburgh. It was Meyer’s final game Page 1
Press Coverage December 2016
Keating, who was 31 when he was to expanding the County’s regional heritage for future generations. With killed, was a track athlete when he park system and the Maricopa Trail. more than 120,000 acres of park attended Arcadia High School in Additionally, the Board honored land and 516 miles of trails, the Phoenix and was a member of his Kunasek’s final public meeting as a parks provide visitors and local college track team at Indiana member of the Board of residents with recreational services, University before enlisting in 2007. Supervisors, where he has served facilities, trails, and programs. since 1996. Kunasek announced his That makes it fitting to name the retirement earlier this year. peak in a park with trails for Keating, Maricopa County said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, who Multiple supervisors shared proclaims December represents District 5. commendations of Kunasek. Parks and Trails “People enjoying the outdoors like “During his 19 years on the Board, Month Charlie did, perhaps running, can Andy has been a strong supporter of Dec 15th, 2016 · by Mesa look up and see a peak named in his responsible government planning for Independent staff report · memory,” Gallardo said in a news parks and open spaces,” said Comments: 0 release. Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4, in a statement. “Parks are so The Maricopa County Board of The 19,840-acre park, known for its important to him. In fact, I first met Supervisors proclaimed December as desert and mountain terrain, was the him at the White Tank Mountain Maricopa County Parks and county’s first regional park when it Regional Park. When I joined the Trails Month. This action was in opened in 1954. Board, he was like another big recognition of the vision and brother, guiding me and providing a commitment of the Parks and Keating was the grandson and great leadership model for all of his Recreation Commission and District namesake of the late Charles colleagues. I’ve certainly learned a lot 3 Supervisor Andy Kunasek to Keating, an Arizona savings-and- from Andy’s persistence over the expanding the county’s regional park loan financier whose name was years in planning for future needs.” system and the Maricopa Trail. attached to the Keating Five, a group Additionally, the board honored Mr. of senators who sought to help him “I’ve always appreciated Andy’s Kunasek’s final public meeting as a when his financial empire collapsed. steady hand and thoughtful member of the board of supervisors, The Parks and Recreation approach. He has vast amounts of where he has served since 1996. Mr. Department will assist with knowledge about the County and has Kunasek announced his retirement submitting an application to name been unwavering in his support of earlier this year, according to a press the mountain peak to the Arizona our parks. He will be missed,” release. State Board on Geographic and Supervisor Denny Barney, District 1, Historic Names and the United said. “During his 19 years on the board, States Board on Geographic Names. Andy has been a strong supporter of Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2 responsible government planning for Maricopa County said, “Andy is a gifted leader. He’s parks and open spaces. Parks are so practical, he has vision, and he’s important to him. In fact, I first met honors Supervisor been a true advocate for his him at the White Tank Mountain Kunasek’s constituents.” Regional Park. When I joined the board, he was like another big commitment to Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District brother, guiding me and providing a 5, said that Kunasek “established a great leadership model for all of his parks system collegial environment. With Andy, 12/21/16 colleagues. I’ve certainly learned a lot differences in opinion are from Andy’s persistence over the Foothills Focus acknowledged and respected. He’s years in planning for future needs,” very diplomatic and professional and Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4, NORTH VALLEY – The Maricopa has always had his constituents’ County Board of Supervisors said in the release. interests at heart.” proclaimed December as Maricopa County Parks and Trails Month. “I’ve always appreciated Andy’s The county regional park system was steady hand and thoughtful This action was in recognition of the established in 1954 to meet vision and commitment of the Parks approach. He has vast amounts of residents’ recreational needs and knowledge about the County and has and Recreation Commission and conserve the County’s natural District 3 Supervisor Andy Kunasek been unwavering in his support of Page 2
Press Coverage December 2016 our parks. He will be missed,” Supervisor Denny Barney, District 1, “During his 19 years on the board, On Dec. 10 at about 4:20 p.m., the said in the release. Andy has been a strong supporter of Peoria Police and Peoria Fire- responsible government planning for Medical departments responded to “Andy is a gifted leader. He’s parks and open spaces. Parks are so an injury accident in the area of Cow practical, he has vision, and he’s important to him. In fact, I first met Creek and Castle Hot Springs been a true advocate for his him at the White Tank Mountain roads. The constituents,” Supervisor Steve Regional Park. When I joined the accident involved a single four-wheel Chucri, District 2, said in the release. Board, he was like another big ATV. “He established a collegial brother, guiding me and providing a environment. With Andy, great leadership model for all of his A preliminary investigation shows differences in opinion are colleagues. I’ve certainly learned a lot that the vehicle was traveling off the acknowledged and respected. He’s from Andy’s persistence over the roadway and struck a tree. The rider very diplomatic and professional and years in planning for future needs,” was not wearing a helmet, causing has always had his constituents’ Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4, the rider to sustain significant head interests at heart,” Supervisor Steve said in the release. injuries. Gallardo, District 5, said in the release. “I’ve always appreciated Andy’s Fulton was in Arizona attending steady hand and thoughtful ASU, and his family has been The county regional park system was approach. He has vast amounts of notified. Another rider on a different established in 1954 to meet knowledge about the county and has ATV was with Fulton and came residents’ recreational needs and been unwavering in his support of upon him after he had conserve the County’s natural our parks. He will be missed,” crashed and then contacted police. heritage for future generations. With Supervisor Denny Barney, District 1, more than 120,000 acres of park said in the release. This incident is still being land and 516 miles of trails, the investigated by the Peoria Police parks provide visitors and local The county regional park system was Department’s Traffic Services Unit. residents with recreational services, established in 1954 to meet facilities, trails, and programs. residents’ recreational needs and Impairment does not appear to be ______conserve the county’s natural a factor in this accident. heritage for future generations. With December is Parks more than 120,000 acres of park land and 516 miles of trails, the Weary hikers rest and Trails Month in parks provide visitors and local on memorial Maricopa County residents with recreational services, facilities, trails and programs. benches in Arizona Dec 14th, 2016 · by Queen Creek Independent staff report mountains · Comments: 0 ASU student dies in Posted: Saturday, December 10, 2016 6:00 am The Maricopa County Board of ATV accident near By Bri Cossavella, Cronkite News Supervisors has proclaimed Lake Pleasant East Valley Tribune December as Maricopa County Parks and Trails Month. Saturday Debra Hartin’s family remembers a The action was in recognition of the Posted: Sunday, December 11, 2016 woman who lived her life fiercely, vision and commitment of the Parks 3:30 pm | Updated: 7:58 am, Mon with few limits. She rowed canoes in and Recreation Commission and Dec 12, 2016. the Minnesota wilderness, her District 3 Supervisor Andy Kunasek Your west Valley clothes drenched from rain. She to expanding the county’s regional swam in a triathlon, sharing the park system and the Maricopa Trail, An Arizona State University student running and biking with her sister according to a press release. has died after he was involved in an and niece. She hiked trails in Usery Additionally, the board honored Mr. ATV accident near Lake Pleasant Mountain Regional Park in Kunasek’s final public meeting as a on Saturday afternoon. Mesa—her favorite park in the member of the board of supervisors, Valley. where he has served since 1996. Mr. Jonathan Fulton, 18, of Virginia Kunasek announced his retirement Beach, Virginia, passed away on The adventures stopped one day in earlier this year. scene due to his injuries. May, when the 58-year-old fell while Page 3
Press Coverage December 2016 mountain biking in Arizona. A blood There are no apparent Arizona clot formed in her leg. She died after regulations or official county surgery in July. standards to limit the number or placement of benches. Park Three days after her funeral, a few supervisors decide where to place a family members hiked along the bench so it has little environmental Wind Cave trail at Usery. They saw impact on the desert, said Dawna benches, built of stone or hard Taylor, spokeswoman for the county plastic, engraved with words parks department. Maricopa County Photo by Ryan Dent | Cronkite News memorializing deceased loved ones. Parks and Recreation Department. People can apply for a memorial There, they shared an idea: We need Park supervisors try not to bench directly at a Maricopa County a bench for Debra. overpopulate trails with benches, regional park or print the online Taylor said. If a supervisor feels a version of the application and mail it Memorial benches offer respite for trail has exceeded its number of in. hikers at parks throughout the benches, environmental impact Phoenix metro area. Maricopa being the standard, he or she will Most applications are approved if County Parks and Recreation offers work hard to find a different space is available in a park, said Dan them at regional mountain parks, like location. Wilson, park supervisor at Usery Usery Park and White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The park Mountain Regional Park in the “Before trails are developed, an supervisor and purchaser must agree West Valley. environmental assessment is on a location. completed to ensure the trail doesn’t The benches, made of stone or disrupt any cultural or natural A private company takes about three hardened plastic, are marked with a resources,” she said. months to build a bench, which memorial plaque to reflect a loved costs about $900 and is made of one’s spirit and the person’s Park supervisors have the final say recycled plastic and steel pipes or relationship with nature, said Dan but do their best to avoid removing stone. Harris, park supervisor at Estrella cactus or plants, she said. Mountain Park. Other memorial options are picnic There have been instances where tables and ramadas. Some of them refer to the loved sage bushes and grass have been one’s pastime, like one in the White removed, said Harris, supervisor at Martin’s bench is slated for the Vista Tank Mountains about a man named Estrella Mountain Park. Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Ray Poff: “He liked to ride a good Park. The sentiment will read: horse on a long trail—now he rides a Arizona State Parks don’t have an “Debra J. Hartin, E.O.W (End Of great horse on the trail that never official program like Maricopa Watch) – 6/12/16, You live forever ends.” County, said Glenn Schlottman, in the memories we keep.” chief of marketing, although they
Some are recent, and others are from have placed benches on a “per park long ago. All came to be after basis.” He said the park manager and Maricopa County someone who loved them left development team will construct board wants peak something behind in their name. benches based on who it’s dedicated to, the materials proposed for a named for fallen Stephen Nally, a Scottsdale resident, memorial and how it relates to the Navy Seal caught his breath at a memorial park. San Francisco Gate bench along the Nature trail on a Updated 11:41 am, Thursday, September morning at Piestewa December 8, 2016 Peak, part of the Phoenix Mountains
Preserve. PHOENIX (AP) — The Maricopa
County Board of Supervisors wants “I always look at the memorials and the tallest peak in a mountain range wonder who the people were,” Nally south of Phoenix named in honor of said. “They obviously hiked here. It’s a fallen Navy SEAL. a spiritual experience for me.”
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Press Coverage December 2016
The board on Wednesday asked the Keating's grandfather, Charles H. Keating’s grandfather, Charles H. county Parks and Recreation Keating Jr., was the notorious Keating Jr., was the financier who Department to help petition state financier who served prison time for served prison time for his role in the and federal officials to name the his role in the costliest savings and costliest savings and loan failure of Estrella Mountains peak in honor loan failure of the 1980s. the 1980s. of Charles Keating IV. The mountains are southwest of "This young man was the best of the Maricopa County Phoenix. Most of the range sits on best. He was dedicated, part of an officials ask to the Gila River Indian Community. elite, special-operations force. He set his goals sky high, and then he rename Phoenix Should the name be approved, it achieved them," said Supervisor mountain peak after would mark the second time this Andy Kunasek. century an Arizona mountain peak Navy hero was named for a state resident killed Keating was killed May 3 in Iraq By KTAR.com | December 8, 2016 in wartime. during a battle with Islamic State @ 8:56 am fighters. Squaw Peak in the Phoenix Mountains was renamed Piestewa The 31-year-old grew up in Phoenix Peak in 2003 to honor solider Lori and was a cross country star at Piestewa, the first Native American Arcadia High School. woman to die serving in the U.S. military. Maricopa County board U.S. Navy file photo of Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Charles Keating IV, 31, of San Diego. (U.S. The move made by then-Gov. Janet wants Estrella Navy photo/Released) Napolitano, was met with some Mountains peak named controversy because Napolitano for fallen Navy SEAL PHOENIX — The Maricopa pushed past objections that required County Board of Supervisors want a five-year waiting period for Charles Keating IV to name a mountain peak near posthumous renaming of geographic Associated Press Phoenix in honor of a Valley military landforms. 4:52 AM, Dec 8, 2016 hero who died in battle.
PHOENIX - The Maricopa County The board on Wednesday asked the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors wants the county Parks and Recreation board wants peak tallest peak in a mountain range Department to help petition state south of Phoenix named in honor of and federal officials to name the named for fallen a fallen Navy SEAL. Estrella Mountains peak in honor Navy Seal of Navy SEAL Charles Keating IV. The board on Wednesday asked the Arizona Daily Sun December 8, 2016 county Parks and Recreation Keating, 31, who grew up in Department to help petition state Phoenix, was killed May 3 in Iraq and federal officials to name the during a battle with Islamic State Estrella Mountains peak in honor fighters. of Charles Keating IV. He was awarded the Silver Star for Keating was killed May 3 during a his actions in Iraq during a March 4 battle with Islamic State fighters in fight. Iraq . The 31-year-old grew up in Phoenix and was a cross country star Keating was posthumously at Arcadia High School. promoted to chief petty officer.
Keating was awarded the silver star He attended Arcadia High School for his actions in Iraq and U.S. Navy and graduated in 2004. He was FILE - This undated U.S. Navy file photo shows posthumously promoted to chief engaged to be married in November Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Charles Keating petty officer. and lived in the San Diego area. IV, 31, of San Diego. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors wants the tallest peak in a mountain range south of Phoenix named in honor of the fallen
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Press Coverage December 2016
Navy SEAL. The board on Wednesday, Dec. 7, to a national cemetery in nearby San 2016, asked the county Parks and Recreation Diego. Department to help petition state and federal officials to name the Estrella Mountains peak in honor of Keating. (U.S. Navy Photo via AP, File) Hike: Phoenix PHOENIX (AP) — The Maricopa Sonoran Preserve is County Board of Supervisors wants the tallest peak in a mountain range a quick getaway south of Phoenix named in honor of Mare Czinar, Special for The a fallen Navy SEAL. Republic 9:58 a.m. MST December 7, 2016 The board on Wednesday asked the county Parks and Recreation Try this 5-mile route if you have a couple of hours, or bring a map and stay all day. Department to help petition state and federal officials to name the Estrella Mountains peak in honor of Charles Keating IV.
"This young man was the best of the best. He was dedicated, part of an elite, special-operations force. He set his goals sky high, and then he achieved them," said Supervisor Andy Kunasek. The view from Ridgeback Overlook in Phoenix Keating was killed May 3 in Iraq Sonoran Preserve.(Photo: Mare Czinar) during a battle with Islamic State fighters. There's no better time than around the holidays to take advantage of the The 31-year-old grew up in Phoenix head-clearing benefits of hiking. and was a cross country star at When overwhelmed by travel plans, Arcadia High School. entertaining guests, shopping, decorating and hyper-excited kids, His grandfather, Charles H. Keating sometimes you just need to break Jr., was an Arizona financier who away and breathe on a peaceful served prison time for his role in the mountain top. costliest savings and loan failure of the 1980s. You don't have to drive far, load down with heavy-duty gear or spend The grandson was part of a quick- an entire day in the wilderness to get reaction force that on May 3 went to to such a place. In fact, if all you rescue U.S. military advisers caught have is a few hours to spare, you can in a gunbattle with more than 100 knock off a double-header high- Islamic State militants. point trek in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. Keating was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in Iraq and Beginning at the Apache Wash posthumously promoted to chief Trailhead, follow Sidewinder Trail petty officer. for 0.8 mile to the Apache Vista turnoff. This 0.5-mile spur trail His SEAL Team 1 is based at circles over two minor peaks above Coronado, California, and thousands sprawling arroyos where, on most of people lined the military town's mornings, hot-air balloons float streets on May 13 as Keating's overhead funeral procession passed en route
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Press Coverage December 2016
school seniors. Here are a few to consider.
--The archery javelina, deer and small game camp at Lake Pleasant Regional Park has 15 seats remaining. This event takes place January 13-15. Experts will conduct hands-on basics about wildlife, hunting, and safety -- even fishing
will be covered. The deadline to register is January 11th. Courtesy photo https://register- Members of the Flagstaff High cycling team compete at ed.com/events/view/88695 for the White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell during the Arizona High School Cycling information. Hosted by the Mule League season finale. Deer Foundation and Shoot for Life Archery Club. There is a group of athletes in Flagstaff that is inflating more than --If you have never hunted upland just tires. birds or your confidence level is such that you feel more comfortable Recently finishing up the 2016 hunting with an experienced upland season, members of the Northland hunter you might look into the Prep Academy, Flagstaff High and BACB Upland Bird Hunting for Basis Flagstaff high school cycling Women and Youth. This event is teams have been trail blazers of a held at the YMCA High Desert burgeoning sport. The Arizona High Hunt Club near Mayer, Arizona. School Cycling League, which was This event, on January 15th, has a organized in 2012, continues to limited number of seats so apply grow, and local cyclists are early. Contact Marci Welton at discovering how competitive and [email protected] to request fun the sport can be as they join the Wolf's Den: a registration packet. ride.
Hunting, fishing --Additional outdoor events According to a press release from workshops abound continue well into spring. Junior the league, the number of Camps, Women Camps, Turkey participants keeps rising. This year, in Valley this winter Camps and more can be found by the league had 600 total athletes By David Wolf Special to the Daily going to the Arizona Game and Fish come out to compete. Adding to Sun Website for mentored hunting those numbers were Flagstaff High Dec 6, 2016 camps. The following link will take and Basis Flagstaff, both of which you straight to it, avoiding several just finished their first season in the Fall and winter is a busy time for screen changes on the Game and sport. Northland Prep, on the other outdoor hunting adventure. But Fish website.: https://register- hand, has been with the league since there are opportunities that you ed.com/programs/arizona/170- the inaugural season in 2013. might not be aware of. Everything outdoor-skills-network from scholarships for graduating Flagstaff head coach Dustin Phillips, seniors to opportunities to learn how Have an educational, fun, safe and a former competitor at the national to bow hunt are coming up. successful New Year. level, said the city of Flagstaff and its surroundings offer a fantastic Some of these special events for new High school cycling location for riders. He said it's a hunters, like the Cibola Junior place that has a great mix of altitude, Waterfowl Camp, are already full but in Flagstaff blazing trails and community. there are plenty of other opportunities beginning in January the trails MIKE HARTMAN Arizona Daily “It’s a city with that type of culture, for new hunters, young hunters, and it gives the kids an opportunity women hunters and graduating high Sun Sports Writer Updated Dec 1, 2016 Page 7
Press Coverage December 2016 to explore where they live a little bit her year fourth in the girls JV When the team gets to a race, they more," Phillips said. standings, said she comes from a often use the first day to feel out the family that has a lot of experience course. The teams get help from locals in with having two wheels under them. the bike business. For instance, the Naughton's father, Rob, won gold in “We do one lap with the whole team shop Flag Bike Revolution helps the the ESPN X-Games Downhill slowly, and look at passing lanes. kids during races, lending a hand in Mountain Bike event. Her mother, Then the second lap is optional, and fixing thrashed bikes. The shop also Naughton said, also races motocross that’s our all-out lap. You can get the helps teach the kids how to work on and mountain bikes. feel of how it actually is when you their bikes and get their rides set up are going fast,” Phillips said. for different races. This year, Naughton said she learned a lot about how to pace a course. He said part of the success his team With the league set up with many had this season comes from riders age groups, Phillips will take all the “You don’t want to give it all you like Hendricks and Naughton, who help he can get. The league, which have in the first couple of minutes help the younger and less just added middle school levels of because you have so much farther to experienced riders learn the sport. competition, consists of two go,” said Naughton, who also played divisions. In those divisions, the girls volleyball during the season. Northland Prep has its share of and boys compete separately in experienced riders. either freshman, sophomore, JV or Hendricks said he gets help from varsity categories. All points go supporters while racing. This season, Morgan Grube took toward team standings, so for second place in the JV girls finals coaches, that means a wide range of “When I come around a lap, my standings. In the freshman boys D-I age, goals and experience. parents yell to me the position I am final results, Lucas Benton ended up in, so that helps me a lot and in third. For Phillips, who sees the sport as a motivates me to try to get into a mix of competitiveness and better positions," Hendricks said. Mike Hartman can be reached at "individual expression," he just 556-2255 or at wants to make sure the sport is HIGH AND LOW GEARS [email protected]. welcoming to anyone wanting to put Get breaking news sent instantly to in some time pedaling. your inbox PRESS RELEASES:
“It’s an opportunity for those who I understand and agree that do not fit into the normal definition registration on or use of this site County Proclaims of high school sports," Phillips said. consitutes agreement to its user "Anybody can show up and do it, agreement and privacy policy. December Parks and they are all participating. There and Trails Month are not people sitting on the bench Both riders agreed that riding takes a because they are on the fringe.” lot of mental and physical strength, December 14, 2016 – PHOENIX – needing to know how to plot the The Maricopa County Board of For Flagstaff High riders Paycen course in order to get your best time Supervisors proclaimed December as Hendricks and Bella Naughton, who without wearing yourself down too Maricopa County Parks and Trails helped the team finish in fifth place much. And both said making the Month. This action was in in the final D-II standings, the area final push always makes you feel like recognition of the vision and they live in provides great places to you've left it all on the course. commitment of the Parks and ride due to the variety of the Recreation Commission and District landscapes. That comes in handy, as “Your legs start dying and cramping, 3 Supervisor Andy Kunasek to the races take place on different but you just push yourself as hard as expanding the County’s regional types of trails all across the state. you can," Hendricks said. park system and the Maricopa Trail. They also both enjoy learning more Additionally, the Board honored and more about the sport despite Phillips helps his riders get an idea of Kunasek’s final public meeting as a having backgrounds in different how each should attack a course. member of the Board of types of riding. When he's not planning trips and Supervisors, where he has served practices for the team, he's helping since 1996. Kunasek announced his Hendricks said he rode a lot of BMX them understand how to gain retirement earlier this year. in the past. Naughton, who finished momentum and carry their speed.
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Press Coverage December 2016
“During his 19 years on the Board, Andy has been a strong supporter of responsible government planning for parks and open spaces. Parks are so important to him. In fact, I first met him at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. When I joined the Board, he was like another big brother, guiding me and providing a great leadership model for all of his colleagues. I’ve certainly learned a lot from Andy’s persistence over the years in planning for future needs.” Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4.
“I’ve always appreciated Andy’s steady hand and thoughtful approach. He has vast amounts of knowledge about the County and has been unwavering in his support of our parks. He will be missed.” Supervisor Denny Barney, District 1
“Andy is a gifted leader. He’s practical, he has vision, and he’s been a true advocate for his constituents.” Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2
“He established a collegial environment. With Andy, differences in opinion are acknowledged and respected. He’s very diplomatic and professional and has always had his constituents’ interests at heart.” Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5
The county's regional park system was established in 1954 to meet residents’ recreational needs and conserve the County’s natural heritage for future generations. With more than 120,000 acres of park land and 516 miles of trails, the parks provide visitors and local residents with recreational services, facilities, trails, and programs.
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