Geographic Information System

The Geographic Information System (GIS) of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and The Maricopa Council on Youth Sports and Physical Activity (MCYSPA) was designed by Arizona State University Institute for Social Science Research

Data collected on all youth and amateur sport facilities throughout Maricopa County was mapped and presented with demographic, census, and school information. Built to serve as an integral evaluating tool for the Sports and Tourism Authority’s Youth and Amateur Sports Biennial Grant Program, the project also serves as a comprehensive resource for fellow grant makers, grant writers, and policy makers. This objective documentation of the environment (as it relates to physical activity outlets) reveals both assets and gaps in the community.

The advent of new mapping technology enabled MCYSPA to create a Youth and Family version of this site which entailed harvesting information from this GIS and presenting it through a Google Map interface. This free, interactive map and directory now includes an abundance of facilities including splash pads, dog parks, rodeo grounds, and many more sites to engage in outdoor play and recreation. We welcome you to this new resource, SpacesToPlay.org.