State Parks

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

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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

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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.

Downtown Phoenix rally urges lawmakers to keep state parks open

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[Source: ABC.news.com, Tara Twietmeyer, 2-2-2010] — The lawn at the State Capitol was packed with demonstrators Monday holding signs that read, “Closed parks? Shame on you!”  In the midst of major budget cuts nearly 200 people gathered to try and persuade the states lawmakers to find money to keep state parks open.  “We understand the Legislature has a tough budget to deal with, but there’s no reason for them to do what they did to parks,” Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club Arizona Chapter said.

Last month, after new budget cuts from the Legislature, the Arizona State Board voted to close 13 state parks by the end of June.  Eight others are either already closed, were transferred to outside control or are being kept open through an outside funding source.

Monday, demonstrators said closing even more parks would bring more money problems to rural areas which rely on tourism. They are proposing a bill that would charge Arizonans an annual fee when they register their vehicle, which would allow them into parks for free [Note: To read the full article, click here.] Photos (c) Tye R. Farrell