Tempe This Week: Dec. 19, 2022

Fun festive events, holiday closures, last-minute gifts and more!

Enhanced park experiences

New rules at parks citywide will ensure that amenities like ramadas and playground equipment can be enjoyed by all and that parks continue to be safe, welcoming spaces.
 
After a pilot program in September, the city updated its parks ordinance to implement the new rules at all 52 parks beginning this month. Designed to enhance the community experience in parks, the rules prohibit:

• Improperly using park amenities, playground equipment or ramadas, including occupying a ramada for more than four hours a day without a reservation
• Blocking access to any park amenity, sidewalk or ramada
• Causing damage to landscaping
• Using or possessing illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia such as hypodermic needles within parks and preserves

Learn more

Honor diversity in Tempe

Tickets are available now for the annual MLK Diversity Awards at tempe.gov/mlk.
 
The annual event will take place at  7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9 at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Lois Brown, Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University. Mayor Corey Woods will provide the welcome address.
 
The MLK Diversity Awards honor people who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and who exemplify the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's program honors people and organizations, including students, who work to make Dr. King's dream a reality.

Event details

Things to do, Places to go

Still need to take your holiday photo?

Steve Gibbons' house is a beautiful winter wonderland complete with a Santa’s sleigh that you can sit in, photos encouraged! Lights dance to holiday tunes, with digital holiday bulbs and trees singing. There are snowmen, snowflakes, a nativity scene and more. Every once in a while, his house gets snow!  
 
It takes Steve about 40 hours to decorate the house and time the electronics to perfection. “I do it because I like sharing the love of the season with the community,” he said.
 
Visit the house at 1242 E. Concorda Drive.

Watch this video

Golf Tempe Loyal-Tee Cards on sale now

Purchase a 2023 Golf Tempe Loyal-Tee Card and enjoy the benefits now through the end of 2023. Only $59 annually, Tempe residents $29. They make great stocking stuffers or a gift for yourself!
 
Loyal-Tee members receive the guaranteed lowest green fees, discounts on the driving range, restaurants and ProShops. To purchase a card, visit Ken McDonald or Rolling Hills golf courses. It's good for the entire calendar year.

Get the details

Click Here to view the City of Tempe Weekly News - December 19, 2022.