COMMUNITY PROFILES / WEST VALLEY

The sprawling and vast area that is encompassed by the West Valley includes the northwest cities and communities of Glendale and Arrowhead Ranch, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Sun City Grand, and El Mirage. West Valley also refers to the southern “Western Gateway” cities like Avondale, Goodyear, Tolleson, Litchfield Park, and Buckeye. Distinctive in their personalities, West Valley communities offer a virtually unlimited selection of environments and lifestyles, from the upscale retirement amenities and emerald golf courses of the Sun Cities to the Pima cotton fields and rural atmosphere of Buckeye.

Offering open space, room to grow, and more home for the dollar, most of the West Valley cities rank among Arizona’s fastest growing. Northwestern Phoenix blends seamlessly into the cities of Glendale and Peoria, mixing established neighborhoods of well-kept older homes with fine new subdivisions and sprawling master-planned developments. Yesterday’s agricultural fields, along with sleepy small towns like El Mirage, are growing a modern crop of new homes as well as commercial centers, first-rate services, and unique attractions. One development after another, the West Valley communities are transforming into convenient, desirable suburbs.

Services
While the leading cities of Glendale and Peoria were both founded upon a strongly agricultural economy, these communities are quickly diversifying their economic bases to include industry and commerce. Distinguished as the largest of the West Valley communities, these leading cities have accommodated rapid growth in recent decades. Peoria has managed to retain a larger segment of its original agricultural activity, offering the potential for a semi-rural lifestyle.

Throughout the West Valley, progressive local governments encourage and manage quality development. Avondale, Buckeye, and Tolleson are Southwest communities that have sprung up around the farm fields of the past. Although Buckeye still relies heavily upon its agricultural production, the town is home to a cross-section of leading employers. Avondale and Tolleson have increasingly moved from dependency on agriculture to a diversified economic base of light industry and commerce. Today’s suburban communities of Goodyear and Litchfield Park began as residential havens for Goodyear Aircraft employees. Now, the massive operations of Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and Luke Air Force Base add significant employment opportunities to area residents.

Transportation efficiencies in the region include Metro bus service, Dial-A Ride, and easy access to Interstates 10 and 17. These major arteries not only provide rapid and efficient movement from the West Valley area to other connections and destinations throughout the Valley, they link this region to the rest of the state and beyond. The new Loop 101 enhances travel from Interstate 10 through the Northeast communities, circling the Valley to offer exits in northeast Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the East Valley. The Glendale Municipal Airport provides local air service, although Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 10 to 15 miles away from most communities.

Excellent public and private schools, a number of institutions of higher education, extensive healthcare facilities, ample retail resources, and an expanding economic base characterize the communities of the West Valley. The city of Glendale is the undisputed hub of higher education for the West Valley, boasting a well-respected community college with a special high-tech center as well as Arizona State University’s West campus with graduated courses in a variety of career fields. Phoenix University offers degree programs for working adults from an extension in Goodyear. The Arizona Automotive Institute and Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management are both located in Glendale.

Regional medical facilities include several full-service hospitals, highly specialized service centers, and emergency care centers. Support facilities meet specific health needs, including home health care, skilled nursing, occupational therapy, behavioral health, outpatient clinics, family practice clinics, same-day surgery centers, sports medicine, dialysis, and women’s health. Important hospitals that serve West Valley residents are Glendale’s Arrowhead Community Hospital and Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, John C. Lincoln Hospital in northwestern Phoenix, and Walter O. Boswell Memorial Hospital and Del Webb Memorial Hospital in the Sun Cities.

Lifestyle
Abundant and affordable housing continues to influence growth throughout the West Valley, from the Phoenix-oriented cities of Glendale and Peoria to the far Northwest and Southwest communities. Large ranch-like residential developments in this area are reminiscent of those that spurred earlier population booms in the East Valley. Master-planned communities like Estrella Mountain Ranch, Estrella Vista, Hidden Valley, Pebble Creek, and Palm Valley are ideal for tracts of open space surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. Palm Valley alone covers almost 9,000 acres, reaching into the thriving communities of Goodyear, Litchfield Park, and Avondale.

Modern conveniences and attractive new construction blend with historic homes, established neighborhoods, and vintage shopping districts in many of the West Valley communities. The Catlin Court Shops in Glendale’s downtown historic district offer art galleries, antiques, and quaint eateries in a charming atmosphere. The famous Saturday Market in Murphy Park ensures a tranquil setting for local artisans and vendors to tempt visitors with displays of fine arts and crafts. Both the Thunderbird Paseo Park and the idyllic Saguaro Ranch Park speak of the area’s commitment to preserve its natural beauty. Recreational amenities in the West Valley are outstanding, from regional mountain preserves to the Peoria Sports Complex. Residents can choose from a kaleidoscope of leisure activities, including horseback riding, swimming, sports leagues, tennis, cycling, roller skating, bowling, and golfing. The friendly and welcoming Sun Cities retirement communities garner the number one position as a golfer’s dream. Jobing.comArena, acclaimed for its superior acoustics and concert-friendly atmosphere,  complements Cricket Pavilion in southwest Phoenix in presenting the biggest names in entertainment. The latest feather in Glendale’s cap is the spectacular new Cardinal’s Stadium, leading the nation with its innovative design.

The Base Meridian/Amator Wildlife Area, where the Gila and Salt Rivers are shaded by cedars, willows, and cottonwood trees, is popular with anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. Estrella Mountain Regional Park offers an oasis of grass and trees, spring wildflowers, an 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center, riding/hiking trails, picnic areas, camp sites, playgrounds, an amphitheater, sports fields, and a self-guided nature trail. Lake Pleasant Regional Park on the Agua Fria River offers a 10,000-acre lake for boating and water sports. White Tanks Regional Mountain Park sprawls over 26,000 pristine acres to offer opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Waterworld Safari in Glendale encourages families to enjoy cool waterslides and other water attractions on hot summer days, while the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park presents a close encounter with Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals in natural habitats. Colorful festivals and celebrations, arts and craft fairs, galleries, museums, symphonies, outdoor concerts, and local spectator sports can all be found in the West Valley, where “the good life” arrives in a surprisingly affordable package.

Northwest Valley Communities

Arrowhead Ranch
Glendale City Hall
623-930-2000
https://www.glendaleaz.com/

Chamber of Commerce
623-937-4754
https://www.glendaleazchamber.org

Covering thousands of prime acres in North Glendale, the sweeping, upscale master-planned community of Arrowhead Ranch has created an identity and personality of its own. This vast development includes a wide variety of residential neighborhoods and enclaves that offer a medley of home styles and settings. The appeal of affordable new homes has made Arrowhead Ranch one of the Valley’s strongest housing markets. Residential villages of beautiful new homes combine with villas, condominiums, and townhomes to meet a variety of tastes and lifestyle needs. Handsome new commercial and shopping centers are springing up in this area, providing services and eclectic retail shops for the rapidly growing population. Arrowhead Towne Center draws neighbors, friends, and family to a wealth of department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment centers. The Thunderbird Regional Park and Adobe Dam Recreational Area provide spectacular views and miles of trails for walking, jogging, and biking.

Many are drawn to Arrowhead Ranch for the unique blend of upscale housing, real estate value, and efficient transportation links. While the neighborhood atmosphere and construction quality mirrors that of many Scottsdale developments, Arrowhead Ranch offers larger, more luxurious homes in a family-oriented atmosphere for the same housing dollar. The construction of Loop 101 added a convenient link to valley-wide locations, providing West Valley residents with easier commutes in every direction.

El Mirage
City Hall
623-972-8116
https://www.elmirageaz.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-972-8116
https://www.surpriseregionalchamber.com

Although El Mirage remained a sleepy, small community for many decades, the city is welcoming rapid growth in every sector. Characterized today as a residential haven that provides a pleasant small-town atmosphere, El Mirage is maintaining a progressive attitude toward development and expansion. Nestled along the western banks of the usually dry Agua Fria River, the city is attracting many families to new subdivisions filled with affordable homes. White Tanks Mountain Regional Park is nearby for outdoor adventure. Highlights within the park’s expansive 26,000 acres of natural beauty include Native American petroglyphs. Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum to the northeast showcases a replica of an 1880s Arizona village with costumed volunteers and craft demonstrations.

Closer to home, El Mirage celebrates its Founders Day each March with a parade, fiesta, carnival, and live music. The city has just completed a major renovation of its civic center complex, an ideal reflection of new energy and vitality that continues to transform the entire community. Sun City’s Boswell Hospital joins Glendale’s Arrowhead Hospital to provide first-rate healthcare facilities just minutes from El Mirage. The expansion of Loop 101, which provides a high-speed thoroughfare through the West Valley to key destinations around the metropolitan area, has enhanced the desirability of an El Mirage address for commuters to Valley employment centers.

Glendale
City Hall
623-930-2000
https://www.glendaleaz.com/

Chamber of Commerce
623-937-4754
https://www.glendaleazchamber.org/

Affordable housing—whether it is nestled in quiet, established neighborhoods or new construction in outstanding master-planned communities—is only one of the magnets that draw newcomers to Glendale. Ranked among Arizona’s largest cities, the anchor of the West Valley boasts a highly established economic base and an impressive array of amenities that guarantee stable property values. Although this area was first settled as farmland, it has rapidly grown into a center for dynamic, progressive industries. Major employment centers ranging from professional to high-tech industries enjoy a centralized Valley location in Glendale, providing opportunities for residents to work within minutes of home. Manufacturing, services and military installations account for a large portion of local economic activity. Approximately half of the 10,000 employees of Luke Air Force Base, distinguished as the largest jet fighter training base in the entire world, are Glendale residents.

Voted “Arizona’s Antique Capital” by the readers of Valley and statewide newspapers, Glendale invites residents and visitors to take a free ride on the town trolley as they discover the charm of yesterday. The city’s earlier heritage has been preserved in the Catlin Court Historic District, featuring gas-lit street lamps, brick walkways, and rows of quaint antique shops. More than 1,400 acres of well-equipped parks, year-round musical and performing arts events, regional malls, abundant and affordable housing, and a myriad of recreational amenities also attest to the city’s dedication to continual progress. Glendale’s 50 parks include the Historic Saguaro Ranch Park and the sprawling Thunderbird Park, where hiking, horseback riding, and picnics are common pastimes. Aficionados of the arts can spend a relaxing evening at the Glendale Municipal Office Complex Amphitheater, or enjoy performances by Theater Works and the Glendale Little Theater company. Glendale offers an excellent public school system as well as private and parochial alternatives. Institutions of higher education include the ASU West Campus, Glendale Community College, and several private colleges and specialty institutes.

Peoria
City Hall
623-773-7000
https://www.peoriaaz.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-979-3601
https://www.peoriachamber.com/

Rapidly transforming from a small rural community into a thriving suburban city, Peoria still retains agricultural activity as a cornerstone of its diversifying economy. Caught up in the Valley’s record-breaking growth, Peoria has made a concentrated effort to strengthen its economic base by attracting and encouraging a pleasing mix of industrial and commercial activity. Most employers in Peoria are in the commercial and service sectors, although many residents commute to large corporations in nearby employment centers. Quality transportation services, excellent freeway access, and close proximity to institutions for education and healthcare enhance the community as a desirable Valley address.

An abundance of affordable housing in a pleasing variety of styles and price ranges, as well as the semi-rural beauty of fields and wide open spaces, continues to attract many to this corner of the Valley. Nearby recreational attractions add to the allure, including the panoramic Lake Pleasant and White Tank Mountain regional parks. The Lake Pleasant area features a 10,000-acre lake ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing. The extensive range of amenities within the city includes fine golf courses, a community center and swimming pool, baseball fields, lush parks, and tennis courts. Offering year-round activities for local residents, the spectacular $34 million Peoria Sports Complex also serves as the home of the Seattle Mariners, the San Diego Padres, and the Texas Rangers during pro baseball’s spring training season.

Local celebrations in Peoria blend a spirit of fun and excitement with reverence for the past, beginning with Pioneer Days held in April. Events include sports tournaments, live entertainment, parades, cowboy poetry, car shows, and displays of arts and crafts. Each September, Mexican Independence is honored by the Fiestas Patrias celebration, while the new City Hall amphitheater offers performing arts events and entertainment throughout the year. As the new millennium continues to unfold, the community is sure to play a leading role as a vital, modern city within the West Valley.

The Sun Cities
County Offices
602-506-3011
https://suncityaz.org/

Chamber of Commerce
623-583-0692
https://www.surpriseregionalchamber.com/

The original Sun City community and the newer development of Sun City West are world-famous as quintessential active-adult master-planned communities. Literally hundreds of clubs and organizations meet the needs of retirees and mature adults who demonstrate a real zest for life and active recreation. Residents of these well-managed communities are almost exclusively retired, and a comfortable degree of affluence tends to characterize the area. Often referred to as the “golfer’s paradise,” Sun City devotes a full 1,200 lush acres to golf links that wind through the community. As a result, green space is abundantly interspersed between the Sun City shopping centers, restaurants, service centers, and business complexes. In fact, the non-polluting electric golf cart is one of the favorite and most commonly seen forms of transportation in this unique and peaceful adult residential environment.

Residents of the Sun Cities also enjoy a plethora of outstanding community facilities that begin with a collection of community centers for swimming, tennis, and arts and crafts. Bowling centers, country clubs, an art museum, libraries, and even a symphony orchestra are all local attractions. Nearby cities like Glendale and Peoria continue to experience rapid growth and are constantly adding to the list of West Valley cultural and sports venues that are convenient to residents of the Sun Cities. From the all-volunteer Sun Cities Posse to an agile international dance troupe, the opportunities for self-expression and involvement are boundless.

Among the regional recreational facilities, the Black Canyon Shooting Range offers a
1,400-acre park devoted to rifle and pistol ranges and miles of archery trails. Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, a faithful replica of an 1880s Arizona village, boasts a collection of original buildings that were moved from historic towns around the state to this location. The land surrounding the Sun Cities area is known as “gold country,” providing a number of fascinating ghost towns and remote byways just waiting to be explored throughout the Hieroglyphic and Bradshaw Mountains.

Surprise, Sun City Grand
City Hall
623-222-1000
https://www.surpriseaz.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-583-0692
https://www.surpriseregionalchamber.com/

Another fast-growing community in the Northwest Valley is the city of Surprise, located along U.S. 60 or State Highway 93. The town’s unusual moniker was chosen by founder Homer C. Ludden, who named it after his hometown in Nebraska. Ludden originally developed Surprise as a residential haven for agricultural workers. In recent years, the city has led Arizona in welcoming new residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The city’s phenomenal growth is destined to continue, guaranteed by thousands of beautiful new residential units that are in the planning stages over the next decade. Even more fuel was added to this record-breaking expansion with the introduction of Del Webb’s active adult community, Sun City Grand, encompassed with the Surprise city limits. This premier 4,000-acre master-planned enclave offers a world-class setting filled with residential neighborhoods and recreational amenities. Newcomers to Sun City Grand can choose from an attractive selection of home styles in neighborhoods surrounded by beautiful golf courses, a spa and fitness center, and the conveniences of the Sonoran Plaza.

White Tank Regional Park borders Surprise on the western side, offering vast acreage for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and exploration. Home to the West Valley Art Museum, Surprise celebrates the fine arts with an impressive permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits from around the globe. The rustic Western “cowboy town” of Wickenburg is nearby, providing several popular resorts and an opportunity to enjoy Western attractions. Close to home, the recreational area that includes lovely Lake Pleasant is one of the Valley’s most popular destinations for water sports and boating. Surrounding the entire community are desert settings for picnics, horseback riding, and hiking as well as fascinating ghost towns.

Southwest Communities

Avondale
City Hall
623-333-1000
https://www.avondaleaz.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-932-2260
https://www.southwestvalleychamber.org/

The small yet bustling residential haven of Avondale is situated along the Agua Fria River, just north of the junction with the Gila River. Like many of the West Valley outlying communities, Avondale is rapidly transforming from an agricultural center into a mature suburb with a diversity of light industry and commercial development. More than 12,000 residential units are either in construction or in the planning stage, which ensures an abundance of new construction. Although Interstate 10 has been the major thoroughfare for Avondale residents as they travel to essential Valley destinations, the connection of Interstate 10 with Loop 101 offers a quick and easy trip to the employment centers and amenities throughout the Northwest metro region.

On the southern edge of Avondale, the Phoenix International Raceway provides a dynamic regional attraction located at a comfortable distance from residential development. The racetrack hosts a number of entertainment activities throughout the year and important competitive events that include Indy car and NASCAR racing. Each October, Avondale residents celebrate Billy Moore Days, honoring one of the legendary early settlers of the area. Burro races, sports tournaments, a parade, a carnival, and great food draw a regional crowd to the festivities. Estrella Mountain Regional Park forms the city’s southern boundary, providing a wealth of recreational activities and many outdoor adventures. Camping, horseback riding, picnicking, and golfing are all popular park activities. The vast acreage of White Tanks Mountain Regional Park adds historic petroglyphs, hiking trails, and scenic desert vistas for every activity.

Locally, residents enjoy a variety of well-managed facilities and services that include serene parks, community and senior centers, a local library, several premier golf courses, tennis courts, sports courts, and ballparks. Students of all ages can take advantage of the continuing education courses and degree programs available close to home at Estrella Mountain Community College — also one of the area’s leading public employers.

Buckeye
Town Hall
623-349-6000
https://www.buckeyeaz.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-386-2727
https://www.buckeyevalleychamber.org/

Situated at the confluence of the Gila and Hassayampa Rivers, the Town of Buckeye takes great pride in offering a family-oriented atmosphere and quality rural lifestyle in close proximity to world-class metropolitan amenities. Community spirit runs high in this community, where generations of residents have withstood periodic flooding and times of drought to create an oasis of farmland in the middle of an arid desert. Agricultural activity has always dominated the Buckeye economy, and the town is well-known as one of the world’s largest producers of Pima cotton. Domestic and international shipments from Buckeye cotton gins have made Maricopa County the leader in cotton production per acre for the nation. Newcomers will find a progressive civic environment in Buckeye, located in the Maricopa County Westside Enterprise Zone. Income tax credits and other incentives are available for companies that desire to relocate to this area. Buckeye is also designated as an “Arizona Main Street Community” for its willingness to provide assistance to businesses in the enhancement and promotion of the central business district.

Surrounding the community are exceptional parks for outdoor adventure and recreation. Golfing, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and nature study are just a few of the common activities. Buckeye Hills Regional Park features a shooting range, while the Robins Butte Wildlife Sanctuary offers opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing. Residents and visitors alike can take a scenic drive along the Sun Valley Parkway into the panoramic White Tank Mountains. The parkway connects with the Wickenburg Highway at Sun City West, providing a leisurely drive to Northwest Valley attractions. Popular local events include the Hellzapoppin rodeo, street fair, car show, and demolition derby in November. Pioneer Days and the Buckeye Bluegrass Festival are held each spring, while the senior pro rodeo enlivens the month of February. Children of all ages look forward to the fall Halloween Carnival. With its close-knit spirit and commitment to quality of life, Buckeye plays a vital role in Southwest Valley’s growth and success.

Goodyear
City Hall
623-932-3910
https://www.goodyearaz.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-932-2260
https://www.southwestvalleychamber.org/

The suburban community of Goodyear was actually founded by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as long ago as 1916. The company was interested in this area for the production of cotton used in tire cords. The establishment of a U.S. Naval air station in Goodyear spurred the development of Goodyear Aircraft, a manufacturing plant for Navy seaplane flight decks. The former Goodyear Aircraft is today’s Lockheed Martin, still one of the community’s largest employers. With the strength of its leading-edge aerospace activity, food processing plants, and close proximity to important California markets, Goodyear benefits from a vital local economy.

The popularity of the Southwest Valley for new-home construction has expanded the quality residential development. Goodyear civic planners are committed to developing neighborhoods where homes are solidly built and residents have access to cultural and recreational amenities. Other priorities are aesthetic appeal and the preservation of open space. The award-winning, master-planned communities in this area such as Estrella Mountain Ranch are attracting the lion’s share of new homebuyers. Estrella Mountain Ranch hosts the Cool Desert Jazz Festival each fall, while the Phoenix Symphony Pops Concerts entertain large crowds in the springtime. Residents enjoy a farmer’s market, the annual Pumpkin Festival, an Easter egg hunt, and the unique activities at Duncan Family Farms. Many of the Goodyear area’s special events are either sponsored by or supported by the active West Valley Fine Arts Council.

Outdoor attractions include the Estrella Mountain Regional Park for fine golfing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and picnicking. White Tanks Regional Park, Phoenix International Raceway, and a wide variety of exceptional golf courses add to the quality of life for Goodyear residents and draw visitors from across the Valley. Bisected by Interstate 10, the city offers an accessible yet tranquil location just minutes from the cultural venues and professional sports stadiums of downtown Phoenix.

Litchfield Park
City Hall
623-935-5033
www.litchfield-park.org

Chamber of Commerce
623-932-2260
https://www.southwestvalleychamber.org/

Providing a small-town atmosphere and more casual lifestyle, the original planned residential community of Litchfield Park shares an anniversary with the City of Goodyear. It was 1916 when Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company originally purchased farmland to grow cotton for its tire cords. Paul Litchfield developed the project, and the “company town” he essentially founded still bears his name. Litchfield Park began as the headquarters for Goodyear Farms, an enterprise that cultivated thousands of acres of prime land. Commendably far-sighted, Litchfield Park planners designed a number of self-sufficient residential villages that have formed a strong, positive foundation for today’s record growth.

One of the local highlights is the premier Wigwam Resort Hotel, the four-star jewel that was originally built to accommodate visiting Goodyear executives. The historic Wigwam opened to the public in 1929, quickly establishing itself as a fashionable, exclusive resort. The Tierra Verde business district of Litchfield Park provides a number of services and conveniences that enable residents to enjoy an easily accessible and self-contained community atmosphere. Just west of Litchfield Park, the White Tanks Regional Park is named for the natural rock “water tanks” that were once utilized by Native Americans who lived in this area. Unusual petroglyphs can still be found throughout this 26,000-acre high desert park. Estrella Mountain Regional Park lies to the south of Litchfield, punctuating a serene desert environment with first-rate recreational amenities that include an 18-hole golf course, camp sites, horseback riding trails, hiking opportunities, and picnic areas. Nearby is the Wildlife World Zoo, a veritable “Noah’s Ark” of exotic animals and endangered species. Northeast Phoenix offers big-name entertainment at Cricket Pavilion as well as expanded shopping opportunities at Desert Sky Mall.

Tolleson
City Hall
623-936-7111
https://www.tolleson.az.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
623-932-2260
https://www.southwestvalleychamber.org/

The small community of Tolleson enjoys an ideal location west of the downtown Phoenix attractions along the bustling Interstate 10 corridor. Connections to the northbound Loop 101 will further enhance the area’s transportation advantages through the Northwest Valley and to points beyond. The mainline Southern Pacific Railroad and State Highway 85 also serve Tolleson. Once dependent upon agricultural for its mainstay, the city is developing a strong, diversified industrial and commercial base. With a reputation for friendliness and community spirit, Tolleson offers quality facilities like the community center, a local library, lighted ballparks, sports courts, tennis courts, and the open space of local parks. While major hospitals are only minutes from home, two medical clinics are available to meet routine healthcare needs.

Regional recreational attractions include the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, which hosts important racing events from Indy cars to NASCAR. Expanded shopping is available at Desert Sky Mall in northeast Phoenix, which is only minutes from the stellar musical attractions featured at Cricket Pavilion outdoor amphitheater. A quick trip east on Interstate 10 to downtown Phoenix opens a world of entertainment in world-class cultural venues and professional sports stadiums and arenas. The southern edge of Phoenix is home to the world’s largest municipal park, South Mountain Park, as well as unique attractions like the Mystery Castle. Estrella Mountain Regional Park is even closer to Tolleson for golfing, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and picnicking.