The Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation was founded in 1991 as The Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, and its goal is to provide a method for private funding of Quality of Life programs and facilities for Mesa.

The Foundation has supported such worthwhile projects as: the Art Walk at the Mesa Museum for Youth, refurbishment of the Falcon Field Park, annual Arbor Day tree plantings at parks around Mesa, funding for the original opening of the Park of the Canals Master Plan, youth baseball programs, pool openings, as well as financial support for several arts and cultural events in Mesa.

Statistically, about 49% of the citizens of Mesa use the city’s parks every year. The usage of Mesa’s parks and recreation facilities has increased proportionately with Mesa, and 15 new parks have opened in the city. Likewise, the number of people served by our philanthropy has continually increased, and will continue to do so until projected build-out of the city in approximately 2025.

One thing that has not changed since 1991 is the primary goal of the Foundation which was and still is to be "A Catalyst for Quality! "