By Allison Hurtado | Ahwatukee Foothills News
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is no longer considering putting parking meters at hiking trails, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of residents.
“Parks and Recreation Department staff has heard from hundreds of residents over the past several weeks, including more than 60 that spoke at the Aug. 28 Parks and Recreation Board meeting, on ways to manage crowding at heavily used hiking areas, especially the Echo Canyon area of Camelback Mountain,” said a statement from the department. “Because of public feedback opposing the addition of parking meters, the department will continue to work with its contracted consultant and the Parks and Recreation Board over the coming months to identify other management tools to address crowding and trail and resource impacts and improve the visitor experience at Echo Canyon, Phoenix Mountains Park (Piestewa Peak Summit Trail access) and the Pima Canyon area of South Mountain.”
