Explore Phoenix parks with Jim Burke

• Phoenix had three parks in 1900
• Phoenix has 182 parks today
• Other amenities include golf courses, pools, community and rec centers, youth classes and sports programs
• Want to volunteer to help Phoenix's natural beauty? Visit PhoenixMountains.org

When I share with someone that I'm the director of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, a response I often receive is "what does that mean?" I always enjoy that question, and people are impressed when they learn how much ground the department covers and how long it has been around.

The city had three parks in 1900, one more than was set aside in the original town site in 1871. In 1933, the City Charter was amended to form the Parks, Playground and Recreation Board. The department now has more than 1,500 dedicated full- and part-time employees, who work as stewards of 182 spacious city parks; 31 thriving community and recreation centers; youth classes and sports programs where kids learn, stay active and have fun; eight challenging golf courses; and 29 pools where thousands cool off and learn to swim each summer.

Then there's the more than 33,000 acres of desert parks and preserves, which feature 40 trails covering approximately 200 miles. We're in the midst of peak hiking season in the Valley and I thought that would be a good topic for the first edition of this monthly column. Plus, I'm an avid hiker.

My interest in hiking started as a youngster in the 1960s. As part of conditioning for high school sports, we'd trek to the top of what is now Piestewa Peak. I recall being able to make the run in about 19 minutes (at least that's the story I tell in 2015). In the years since, I have explored the city's many trails by foot, bike and horseback. Doing so is one of the primary ways I relieve stress and refocus.

I know many in the community seek the same solace from the preserves as I do, and I'm thankful we've been able to secure these areas that are so uniquely nestled within the footprint of the nation's fifth largest city. Much of our efforts have been fortified with help from longtime residents and activist groups such as the Phoenix Mountain Preservation Council. Founded in August 1970, PMPC provided a unified voice to every major effort attempting to protect the mountains within the city limits.

PMPC provides our department assistance with things such as enlisting volunteers to help with trail maintenance and serve as advocates and park stewards. The organization is always looking to grow its membership, which at present is around 200 people. For more information about the council's efforts and how to get involved, visit PhoenixMountains.org.

I often hear that the preserves are being "loved to death" by overuse and inappropriate behavior. There is some truth to that and the impact of human activity is obvious, but I assure you the effort of our department to manage and control it is constantly escalating. Environmental awareness has never been higher, and surveys and focus groups indicate a heightened desire by the public to have the Sonoran desert integrated into neighborhoods and lifestyles. Data from the 2010 Census shows that 97 percent of Phoenix residents have a trail located no more than three miles from their home. Certainly, it's an exciting and rewarding time to be involved in public recreation and natural resource preservation in our urban setting.

I look forward to sharing insight and highlights about Phoenix's wonderful parks and recreation system in the months to come.

Jim Burke is director of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. Follow the department on Twitter @Phoenixparks.