Arizona State Parks Board

Eight Arizona State Parks to close due to budget crisis

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[Source: Paul Davenport, Associated Press] — Arizona officials are recommending the immediate closure of eight state parks because of midyear spending cuts imposed under legislation signed by Gov. Jan Brewer to eliminate a revenue shortfall.  Parks Director Ken Travous told The Associated Press on Monday that he will recommend the closures to the Parks Board when it holds a special meeting Tuesday morning regarding the budget cuts.

Travous said he picked the parks recommended for closure because of their higher per-visitor costs among the 27 state parks.  The eight parks recommended for closure all have relatively low visitation rates.  In 2007-2008, for example, 4,945 visitations were reported for McFarland and 9,989 for Oracle.  Those numbers are well below the parks with the highest number of visitors: Slide Rock with 249,759 and Lake Havasu with 248,851.  Parks officials caution that more closures may be needed because of fiscal restraints.

The budget changes approved Friday night and Saturday morning by the Legislature closed a $1.6 billion shortfall in the state’s current $9.9 billion budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30.  Legislative budget analysts have estimated that there could be a $3 billion shortfall in the next budget.

Sen. Debbie McCune Davis, D-Phoenix, said the park closures could economically damage the rural communities where the parks are located.  “When you make cuts there is a ripple effect,” she said.  “The communities are going to have to find another way to draw visitors.”

The parks recommended for closure are: Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, Homolovi Ruins State Park in Winslow, Lyman Lake State Park in Springerville, McFarland State Historic Park in Florence, Oracle State Park in Oracle, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park in Tubac, and Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

All work on Arizona Historic Preservation Grant projects is to stop immediately…

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E-mail memo from Arizona State Parks…

Dear HP Grant Recipients:

Most of you are aware the Arizona State Legislature is in the process of resolving a $1.5 billion dollar budget shortfall for the remainder of fiscal year 2009 and a $3.5 billion dollar shortfall for 2010.  All State Agencies are being hit hard and the affect to State Parks will be crippling.  It appears all of the State Parks administered state funded grant programs will be discontinued until further notice.

All work on Historic Preservation Grant projects is to stop immediately, effective February 1, 2009 (especially if HP Grant funds are critical to the completion of the project).  I need your Grant Reimbursement requests no later than 2/13/09.  Any project expenses incurred after 2/1/09 will not be reimbursed — doing otherwise could jeopardize the entire reimbursement.  Some of you have completed your project, please send the closeout documentation by 2/13/09.

The Governor and the Legislature have already passed a budget.  The State Parks Board is holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday 2/3/09 to determine the fate of the grant programs, existing grants, and State Parks personnel.  Information on the Parks Board Meeting has already been forwarded.

Words cannot express the deep personal sorrow I feel delivering this blow to historic preservation in Arizona.  All of you have demonstrated the passion necessary for preserving Arizona’s history and I know you will find a way to rise above this temporary set back.

The Winner says; “It may be difficult, but is it possible”
The Loser says;  “It may be possible, but is it too difficult”

/signed/

Concerned about Arizona’s state parks? Attend a state parks board meeting.

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The Arizona State Parks Board holds meetings throughout the year, guiding staff in accomplishing the agency’s mission: “Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources, both in our Parks and through our partners for the benefit of the people.”

2009 Meeting Schedule. In most cases, meetings are scheduled on the third Friday of the month and begin at 10 am.  Phoenix meetings take place in the Board Room at 1300 W. Washington Street.  The Board Room is located in the basement of the Arizona State Parks office.  Get step by step Driving Directions.

  • February 3, 2009: Phoenix: Budget
  • February 20, 2009: Boyce Thompson Arboretum
  • April 3, 2009: Yuma
  • May 15, 2009: Verde Valley
  • July 16 and 17, 2009: Tonto Natural Bridge: Budget discussions
  • September 11, 2009: Valley: Grant awards
  • November 13, 2009: Riordan Mansion: Advisory Committee Appointments

State park closures likely from Arizona budget cuts

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[Source: Associated Press] — The head of the state Parks Department says five or more state parks could be closed as a result of spending cuts and fund transfers included in a legislative budget-balancing plan.  Parks Director Ken Travous said Friday he’ll be forced to recommend the closures of five parks to the Parks Board to help implement the funding changes included in the legislative plan.

Travous declined to identify which of the 27 parks would face closure before he makes a recommendation to the board for consideration next week.  But he said several more parks could be closed by summer.  He said the funding cuts would mean layoffs for approximately 100 employees, including 60 seasonal personnel who are already furloughed without pay. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]