TEMPE— The City of Tempe will close all administrative offices on Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday honoring the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities.
The Tempe City Council officially adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a city holiday in 2023, reflecting its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and culturally diverse community, according to the city.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day challenges the narrative of Christopher Columbus and acknowledges the impact of colonization on Indigenous Peoples, who have lived in the Americas for tens of thousands of years before European contact.
While most city offices will be closed, essential services such as police and fire departments will remain operational. Several city facilities and services will have altered schedules:
- Tempe 311 and Customer Services will be closed; online service requests and bill payments are available at tempe.gov/311 and tempe.gov/CustomerServices.
- Tempe Municipal Court will also be closed, though payments can be made by phone or online.
- Public Transportation will operate on regular weekday schedules, but the Tempe Transit Store will be closed.
- Residential trash and recycling services will continue as scheduled, though the Household Products Collection Center will be closed.
- Recreation facilities, including the Kiwanis Recreation Center and several community centers, will either be closed or have limited hours. Splash pads at various parks, however, will remain open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Pools, including the Kiwanis Wave Pool and McClintock Pool, will be closed for the day.
- Tempe Public Library and cultural centers such as the Tempe History Museum and Edna Vihel Arts Center will be closed, but the Tempe Center for the Arts will host a free public event in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day from 3:45 to 7:30 p.m.