William Thornton Special to the Arizona Daily Star – March 14, 2024
As a resident of Southern Arizona, I am speaking up to emphasize the importance of supporting Senate Concurrent Resolution 1038**, which aims to place an initiative on the November 2024 ballot to restore
full funding for the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. This initiative would allocate $10 million annually from the Arizona Lottery to support our local, regional, and state parks, historic preservation, non-motorized trails and outdoor education.
Our fondest childhood memories often involve neighborhood parks and exploring Arizona’s natural wonders. These outdoor spaces not only offer recreational opportunities but also serve as economic engines for host communities. Park visitors buy gas and groceries, they dine in local restaurants and stay overnight in local motels/hotels.
A study commissioned by the city of Show Low revealed that each camper at nearby Fool Hollow State Park contributed on average $100 per day to the city’s economy.
More than three decades ago, Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved the creation of the State Parks Heritage Fund, recognizing the need to safeguard our state’s natural and historic heritage. But in recent years funding has been inconsistent. Due to budget shortfalls, Parks Heritage Funds have been “swept” into the general fund, hindering our ability to adequately maintain and enhance our parks and historic sites.
Past legislative efforts have made strides toward restoring funding to the State Parks Heritage Fund, but it is clear that a sustainable long-term solution is needed. By placing SCR 1038 on the ballot voters will have the opportunity to ensure a dedicated funding source for our parks, trails, historic and cultural sites for years to come.
With the 2024 legislative session underway and the Arizona Lottery encumbrances resolved, it is imperative that we take decisive action to reinstate full funding for our state parks through a ballot initiative. The Arizona Heritage Alliance, along with numerous environmental and conservation-oriented organizations as well as concerned citizens are advocating for this comprehensive approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of our parks and cultural resources.
As we confront challenges such as urban sprawl and wildfires that threaten our open spaces and historic sites, investing in our State Parks Heritage Fund is not just a matter of preserving the past but also safeguarding our future. We urge fellow Arizonans to support SCR 1038 and vote in favor of reinstating funding for the State Parks Heritage Fund in the upcoming November 2024 election. Let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving Arizona’s natural beauty and cultural legacy for generations to come.
Parks Heritage Funds are not an expense; they are an investment that provides affordable outdoor recreational opportunities for Arizonans and visitors to our state.
William Thornton is a second-generation Arizona native, lifelong conservationist and outdoor enthusiast.
**Update on SCR1038 – Unfortunately on 3/7/2024 the Senate failed to pass SCR1038 (15-13-2). The Arizona Heritage Alliance is regrouping and will continue to work towards restoring the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund back in the Lottery.