Arizona’s rural areas to suffer from state park closures

Poppies in bloom attracted visitors for years at Picacho Peak Park, with cars lining the highway to get off the exit (Photo: Steven King)

[Source: Lindsey Gemme, Casa Grande Dispatch] — Inciting protests on the Capital Mall of over 100 people earlier this month in response to closing of state parks, it looks like all but one in Pinal County will be a victim of the budget crisis starting June 3 if another solution isn’t found soon.  Should Picacho State Park close, like many parks in similarly rural areas, local businesses would suffer without the thousands of locals and out-of-staters coming through for poppies and events like the Civil War re-enactment.

According to the Arizona State Parks executive director Renee Bahl, state parks will net only $8 million, nowhere near covering the $26 million in operational budget expenses last year. That $26 million budget, which was still $10 million short, according to republican State Senator Frank Pratt, will see a searing cut down to $7.5 million. With that additional deep cut, the State Parks Board voted earlier this month to close 21 of the Arizona’s 30 recreation, state and historic park areas.

Beaudry RV Co. concerned with Arizona’s decision to close state parks

Arizona’s decision to close half their state parks has Beaudry RV Company concerned for RVers as well as the state.  RVers flock to Arizona during the winter months and bring millions of dollars in tourism to the state.  Having parks like Red Rock State Park in Sedona close will be a huge loss as a destination for RVers as well as Arizona.

Last year California’s proposal to close state parks resulted in a strong outcry from park advocates, forcing Governor Schwarzenegger to come up with an alternate solution to fund parks. Other states such as Iowa, Lousiana and Idaho may close all or part of their state parks.

The Arizona State Parks lost over two thirds of its $26 million budget in the last fiscal year. 8 parks have been closed, 13 more by June of this year.  This leaves only 9 parks open with no guarantees.  “Many local towns depend on tourism revenue that the parks create, closures could be disastrous for these communities,” says Thom Sylvester at Beaudry RV Company.  “This raises some red flags.  We strongly encourage those who enjoy our great state to write local representatives in opposition of the closures.  It is a great loss to our state.”

Lottery ad extolls youth programming at Arizona State Parks

Sydney and her family have been to every Arizona state park.  She has the badges to prove it.  She also has the knowledge that comes with all of that exploring.  Now, as a junior ranger, she’s sharing her enthusiasm with other kids, inspiring them to get out there and learn from nature too.  And you are playing a role.  Every time someone plays the Arizona Lottery, they help fund great places like Arizona State Parks, which in turn gives so much back to our kids.