The Research and Planning Services Division provides data retrieval and analysis for a variety of stakeholders, statistical reporting to a number of County and State entities, and survey design and implementation. Staff is also responsible for strategic planning and Managing for Results reporting and coordination. In the future, this Division will become involved in program evaluation, statistical analysis and research into best practices and trends.

Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department now features one of the nation's largest county park systems, with 10 regional parks totaling more than 120,000 acres. In an effort to manage the future needs of residents and the growth of the county the Department decided to update the previous Master Plan for the Park System which was completed over 40 years ago. The Strategic System Master Plan evaluates all aspects of the Department’s management efforts and seeks strong community input into the elements and expectations they have for the system today and in the future.