Make It Mesa » Outdoor Recreation

We love Pinterest!

VisitMesa — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:08:55 +0000

Have you heard of the new craze, Pinterest? It is very addicting for those “pinning” craft ideas, home décor, planning weddings, and book marking places they would like to visit, and things they want to see. It is like scrapbooking, only virtual. So Visit Mesa thought that we would create our own Pinterest account and be part of the action. After all, a picture says a thousand words and we have plenty of them and plenty to say about Mesa! We want to help people decide where to visit, use our tourism bureau as a fun resource while planning their trip, and connect with us after they have left. We also want to create a relationship with the local residents and show them how to experience their own city. Since starting Pinterest, we have found many connections with companies far and wide that have Pinterest accounts. All these efforts to show off Mesa’s many charms are what helps spread the word about our city’s friendly character and uniqueness as a tourism destination. Lucky for us, we can now share these images of Mesa’s great places and spaces with our followers through yet another outlet!

So, take a look at our Pinterest page and you will find boards such as: Places To Stay, Things To Do, Weddings and Events, The Outdoors, Art, Dining, Shopping, and Sports. And let us know if there is a board we haven’t yet created but should! We are always adding more and more pins and boards every day (word of caution: pinning is addicting!).

Pinterest requires an invitation so let us know if you would like an invite. We look forward to seeing you on the site. As Pinterest would say, “Happy Pinning”!

Mesa, a great city for active people!

VisitMesa — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:39:50 +0000

Hi my name is James Tevault and I’m known as the office athletic guy that enjoys training and racing in the East Valley. This past November I finally completed one of my major accomplishments, Ironman Arizona. As exciting as an experience as that was I’m just excited about several upcoming events including the Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon which is every January. This event is timed perfect after the holiday feasts and with temperatures typically 60 degrees. I ran RNRAZ Marathon again a few weeks ago with big expectations of qualifying for Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, I didn’t reach my goal, but I still finished with a respectable time of 3:29. Overall it was still a great experience because it was a gorgeous day for a long run. The race organizers did a good job with the logistics of the race and everything was smooth from the Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center all the way to the finish line at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

I’m fortunate to live in east Mesa because there are so many great places to train whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, etc… I have spent many hours and logged even more miles over the past 4+ years running the streets of Mesa and the Valley of the Sun. In addition to running in town on the streets or canals there are plenty of trails just minutes away.

This past Saturday I hopped on my bike and rode on the historic Apache Trail towards Tortilla Flats. This road along the Superstition Mountain allows anyone to experience the true beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The next day I laced up my running shoes to run hill repeats near Usery Recreation Center. This is another great place to run, enjoy the trails, or the new smooth pavement on a road bike. One time while riding on Usery I noticed a coyote and slowed until he ran off the road, but as I began pedaling I heard paws hitting the ground behind me as another coyote began chasing me! That may make you think twice before training out here, but I love experiencing nature and have seen everything from a pack of javelins to the wild horses when riding Usery loop.

As I continue to train for upcoming races I would encourage you to consider running the Phoenix Marathon this March 3rd with me. The inaugural event features half marathon distance then both half and full marathon courses in 2013 . This is going to be a great event starting at the top of Usery and running downhill to the finish line near one of Mesa’s finest golf courses Longbow Golf Club. Register now for the Phoenix Marathon and you can run with John Rhode’s the winner of Biggest Loser Season 12 and Mesa resident. More information

Good luck with all your training and upcoming races. -James

Join Game and Fish for bighorn sheep workshop and Canyon Lake boat tour

GoGo Ginger — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:16:16 +0000

Arizona Game & Fish Department

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is partnering with the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake to host a public workshop to see and learn about the state’s desert bighorn
sheep.

This fun and informational wildlife workshop starts with a classroom presentation from 7-9p.m. on Friday, June 24 at the Game and Fish Mesa regional office at 7200 E. University Drive, where participants will learn about bighorn sheep, their natural history, management and historical significance from a wildlife biologist.

The following morning, Saturday, June 25, from 9-11:30 a.m., participants will join
biologists aboard the boat and tour Canyon Lake, located northeast of Apache Junction, to learn more about bighorn sheep natural history and view the animals in their natural environment.

The lake tour costs $25 per person. Advance registration is required. To register, call the
Dolly Steamboat at (480) 827-9144. All attendees must be at Canyon Lake at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. departure.

The Friday classroom session is free, but pre-registration is requested due to space limitations. Those planning on doing the lake tour are strongly encouraged to attend to maximize their knowledge and viewing experience. To register for the Friday evening classroom session, call the Game and Fish Mesa office at (480) 324-3546 or e-mail rbabb@azgfd.gov.

“June is the time of year when the bighorns stay pretty close to water. It will be hot on the lake, but that’s when bighorns come down to the water’s edge for a drink,” said Randy Babb, information and education program manager for the Game and Fish Mesa region. Babb added that the bottom level of the Dolly Steamboat is air conditioned.

Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars.
Only water will be allowed to be brought on board, but snacks can be purchased from the cantina. Space is limited, so those who have not registered prior to the event will be accommodated only as space allows.

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about bighorn sheep and conservation efforts by the Game and Fish Department and its partners for bighorn sheep,” says Babb.

Anyone with questions about the workshop may contact Randy Babb at (480) 324-3546 or by e-mail at rbabb@azgfd.gov.

Desert Belle’s 2011 Memorial Day Weekend Special!

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:47:20 +0000

** SPECIAL PRICE TO ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL – 50% off **

All United States Active and Retired Military Personnel may enjoy any public cruise this weekend at a 50% discount! ($10 adults, $9 seniors 60+)
The Desert Belle Captains and Crew want to THANK YOU for your service to our country.
Please present your Military ID to receive this special discount.

Cruise times:
Saturday 5/28 12:30, 6:00PM
Sunday 5/29 12:30, 3:00PM
Monday 5/30 12:30, 3:00PM
Regular Price: $20/adults $18/seniors 60+ $10/kids from 5 to 12 kids under 5 free

Military Price: $10/adults $9/seniors 60+ (no additional discounts)

** SATURDAY NIGHT HAPPY HOUR ENTERTAINMENT CRUISE **
Saturday 5/28 6:00PM – Jazz Group Luckey & Wilson
Join us Saturday night for Jazz Entertainment with Donna Wilson & Todd Luckey
Drink Specials: Beer and Wine for only $2.00

Book Online www.desertbelle.com or call 480-984-2425 or 1-877-749-2848 extension 701 to book by phone.

The Desert Belle is located at the Saguaro Lake Marina, 14011 N Bush Highway Mesa, AZ 85215

Stargazing – 2 Fabulous, FREE, Family-friendly events

GoGo Ginger — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:32:19 +0000

Stargazing for Everyone @ Usery Park Usery Mountain Regional Park
Date: 4/30/2011 Time: 7:30 PM Registration Required: No Fee: $6.00 per car
Come watch the sky with us under the expert guidance of Tony and Carole La Conte! Come look through telescopes and enjoy a slide presentation under the stars. Learn the names of stars, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky. When visible, view the craters of the moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn. We will have information about the Challenger Learning Center of Arizona. This is truly a fun night out! Come alone or bring your entire family. No pets, please. We encourage you to bring your own binoculars or the family telescope but it is not necessary. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for your comfort. The program lasts about 2 hours and meets at Group Picnic D.

Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N. Usery Pass Road
Mesa, AZ 85207
Ph: 480-984-0032 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 480-984-0032 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

The MCC Astronomy Nights
Monthly Planetarium Show
Friday, May 6th

Planetarium shows begin at 6:00pm and repeat every 30 minutes approximately.
The last show begins at 9:30pm and ends at 10:00pm.
FREE show tickets are handed out at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times are usually no more than 30 minutes. If a staff member does not approach you about tickets during the event, please ask for them.
No reservations are required. However, if you plan to bring a group of 20 or more, please contact Dr. Kevin Healy with the showing you plan to attend so we can hold tickets for your group.
During Astronomy Nights, we also offer telescope viewing of the Moon, planets, and other celestial sights. Unlike the planetarium shows, telescope viewing will only occur if the skies are clear.
Astronomy Nights are the first Friday of the Month.

Mesa Community College Campus
@ Southern Avenue &Dobson Road
PhysicalScienceBuilding/ PS15
http://www.mesacc.edu/planetarium

Wingstock Festival: Where Chicken and Music Meat

GoGo Ginger — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:00:52 +0000

WingStock 2011

Where can you find great music and hot, sticky and sweet barbeque chicken wings? Only at the first ever Wingstock 2011: Where Chicken and Music Meat. There will be a people’s choice wing judging contest and live bands rocking it out on Saturday, April 9 at the Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Restaurants from across the valley will be showing off their best chicken wing recipes and competing for the title “Wingstock King of Wings!”

Participating restaurants include Hooters, Wingstop, Diamonds Sports Grille, Fat Willy’s, Cactus Moon, NY Boyz Subz and Wingz, Midwestern Meats and more. Three rock bands will be playing throughout the day: Pete and the Shortcummings from KSLX, Sludge’s Build A Band from KDKB and Johnny Anonymous.

Purchase your tickets online at: http://www.WingstockAZ.comor at the Mesa Amphitheatre Box Office located at 263 N. Center St. Advance tickets are $8 for admission with four wing coupons or $20 for admission with 20 wing coupons. Each coupon entitles a person to sample one chicken wing at each vendor. Children 10 and under are free with a paid adult. Donate a non-perishable food item for one wing coupon (only one ticket per person maximum).

For more information about Wingstock 2011 visit: http://www.WingstockAZ.com or follow them on Facebook at Wingstock or Twitter @WingstockMesa.

City of Mesa: Community Day of Play – 3/19/11

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:55:42 +0000

Don’t forget to download your $1 off coupon for the next Community Day of Play event at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., on Saturday, March 19 from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission to the Community Day of Play is $6 per child for unlimited access to rides, carnival games, obstacle courses and a petting zoo.

Adults are free. Check your Mesa Utility bill for a $1 off coupon or visit this link to download one: http://www.mesaaz.gov/parksrec/PDFs/DayofPlayflyerMar19.pdf

All games are geared towards children from preschool to 8th grade. Other fun activities include three performances by Arizona Disc Dogs, All YoYo, arts and crafts presented by Michael’s, music provided by X103.9 and Police and Fire vehicles will be on display. Food and vendors will also be available.

Mesa’s official “Day of Play” was proclaimed by Mayor Scott Smith on February 26, 2011. This is the second year in a row that the City of Mesa was awarded “Playful City USA” by KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play for America’s children by creating playspaces in the community.

“Bringing play back to our local parks is what it’s all about,” Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities Director, Marc Heirshberg said. “I encourage our residents to come out and play and enjoy what our department has to offer to you.”

All proceeds from Community Day of Play events go towards awarding scholarships to children who cannot afford summer recreation programs.

City of Mesa: Day of Play - 3/19/11

Chance to win Cubs Spring Training Tickets at Mesa’s Community Day of Play

GoGo Ginger — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:33:19 +0000

Community Day of Play 3-5-11

There will be two chances to win a pair of Cubs Spring Training tickets at the next Community Day of Play on Saturday, March 5 at Skyline Park, 655 S. Crismon Road from noon to 4 p.m. A raffle drawing for the tickets will be held at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission has also been reduced to $6 per child for unlimited access to rides, games and the petting zoo. Parents are free. Save even more money by downloading the $1 off coupon at: http://www.mesaaz.gov/parksrec/PDFs/DOPMAR11.pdf

All games are geared towards children from preschool to 8th grade. Other fun activities include three performances by Arizona Disc Dogs, All YoYo, arts and crafts presented by Michael’s and Police and Fire vehicles will be on display. Food and vendors will also be available.

All proceeds from Community Day of Play events go towards awarding scholarships to children who cannot afford summer recreation programs.

…GoGo Ginger…

❤Sweethearts on Main❤ – Downtown Mesa’s 2nd Friday Night Out❣

GoGo Ginger — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 01:00:28 +0000

2nd Friday Night Out - February 2011

…GoGo Ginger….

Wait for it…wait for it…

VisitMesa — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:41:03 +0000

Ok – I know that patience is a virtue but all the winter rains we had in Mesa this year have made me as anxious as a school girl to go hiking and frolic among the wildflowers (truly!). This entire week we’ve had temps in the high-70s and I return home every night to a house with an internal temp of 80 so that must mean that spring is coming…quickly!

So, I checked the Arizona State Parks Ranger Cam and the official word on the street is “No Flowers Yet”. But trust me…they are coming! So, I wanted to share this website with anyone waiting (like me) so they, too, can check online and get updates on what flowers are blooming and where. It’s a great resource (one that I hope doesn’t go away like park access is going to…!) and they cover parks all across the state of Arizona. You can see images directly from the trails and plan accordingly. So, if you are like me and love fields of yellow, red, blue and purple – start your daily checks now because it is going to be one wild wildflower season. Check out this image of Awesome Blossoms by Melissa Sarver at Lost Dutchman State Park.
2010 Az State Park Ranger Cam Website: http://www.pr.state.az.us/rangercam/index.html