The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has announced the renaming of the South Mountain Environmental Education Center to the South Mountain Visitor Center, aiming to better reflect its role for visitors. This decision was approved during a recent Parks and Recreation Board meeting and is part of a broader initiative to improve the visitor experience at South Mountain Park and Preserve. Parks Board Chair Kelly Dalton highlighted the importance of making the center a welcoming space for all who visit the park. In addition to the name change, the center is currently undergoing renovations that will introduce upgraded exhibits designed to tell the story of the unique desert environment of South Mountain. Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar expressed enthusiasm about these changes, stating that they will greatly enhance the visitor experience.

The renovations aim to create an engaging and informative environment for guests to learn about the natural resource. The South Mountain Visitor Center is set to reopen on November 8, 2024, marking a significant milestone with the celebration of 100 years of City stewardship. This initiative underscores the City’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural parks for future generations.