The Parks and Recreation Department's Pecos Community Center in the Ahwatukee Foothills recently became the city's newest municipal hotspot by offering public wireless Internet in its facility. Center visitors can now use a laptop, personal digital assistant (PDA) or other wireless-ready device to access filtered WiFi anywhere within the 38,600-square-foot, state-of-the-art building.

The community center, located at 17010 S. 48th St. in Pecos Park, opened in December 2006. The center includes a police substation; fitness facilities; recreation programs; a senior center; and a customer service center where residents can pay their water services bill and conduct other city business.

"Pecos Community Center is a tremendous asset to Ahwatukee Foothills," said Councilman Greg Stanton, in whose district the center is located. "The addition of wireless Internet is yet another way that this facility will serve as a center of activity for our community," he added.

User guides are available at the center's customer service counters for visitors wishing to access the city's wireless Internet, which include login instructions as well as troubleshooting tips to address any connectivity-related computer issues. The user guide also is available online at phoenix.gov/itd/wifi.html.

Pecos Community Center staff worked closely with the Information Technology Department (ITD) throughout the WiFi installation and testing process. A feasibility study is underway to provide the amenity in other areas of Pecos Park.

The expansion of the public wireless Internet to the center is part of the city's enterprise-wide strategy for providing the amenity throughout all city facilities. ITD's most recent WiFi launch prior to the Pecos Community Center was the Jury Assembly Room in Phoenix Municipal Court for citizens awaiting their turn in the jury selection process.

Wireless public Internet also is available at Phoenix City Hall, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Phoenix Convention Center's new West Building, Burton Barr Central Library, the Jury Assembly Room at Phoenix Municipal Court and the Phoenix City Council Chambers. Future plans for the city WiFi amenity include continued expansion to other community centers this year.