State Parks

Town of Wickenburg asks state to keep Alamo Lake Park open

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[Source: Wickenburg Sun, Janet DelTufo, 1-20-2010] — Vice Mayor John Cook has asked the Town of Wickenburg to assist him in his efforts in keeping the state from closing Alamo Lake State Park this summer.  With the state budget in peril, the Arizona State Park’s Board last week voted to close 13 of 22 state parks, including Alamo Lake State Park. It is scheduled to close June 3.

Cook and many other community members have expressed outrage over this recent development and would like the state to change its position regarding the closure of this park.  “Bass clubs, both adult and youth, come from all over to fish at Alamo Lake,” Cook said.  “The Town of Wickenburg needs Alamo Lake as it generates revenues, and our kids need it because it gives them something to do.”

Alamo Lake State Park was opened and dedicated in 1969, and annual events include bass fishing tournaments and star gazing gatherings.  Cook, who fishes at Alamo Lake, has asked Town Manager Gary Edwards to try to meet with Gov. Jan Brewer regarding the Alamo Lake situation.  Edwards has contacted the governor’s office.  As of press time, her office was attempting to set up a meeting between the governor and Wickenburg officials.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Yavapai County, Camp Verde officials work to keep state parks open

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[Source: Daily Courier, Joanna Doddler Nellans, 1-17-2010] — Some state parks in Yavapai County are set to close after the Arizona State Parks Board took drastic budget cutting measures Friday.  The Parks Board gave at least one state park in Yavapai County, Fort Verde, a temporary reprieve.

The Arizona Legislature has cut 61 percent of the State Parks budget since July in its ongoing effort to balance the state budget.  State Parks officials say their parks pump $266 million into rural Arizona economies by attracting 2.3 million visitors annually and producing 3,000 leisure jobs.  That includes $36.6 million for Yavapai County’s economy and 494 jobs here, according to a State Parks study.

Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis hopes to prevent the closure of at least one state park in this county, and even reopen another park that has been closed for months.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Arizona decides to close most state parks

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[Source: Los Angeles Times, Nicole Santa Cruz, 1-16-2010] — Wrestling with a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, Arizona decided Friday to close nearly all of its state parks, including the famed Tombstone Courthouse and Yuma Territorial Prison.  The State Parks Board unanimously voted to close 13 parks by June 3.  Eight others had already been closed, and the decision would leave nine open — but only if the board can raise $3 million this year.  The action represents the largest closure of state parks in the nation, although several other states are considering similar moves.

“It’s a dark day for the Arizona state parks system,” said Renee Bahl, the system’s executive director.  “We have 65,000 acres around the state and the majority of them are closing.”  The Arizona parks receive about 2.3 million visitors per year who bring about $266 million into the state, Bahl said.  “It’s unfortunate that a short-term recession is having an impact on our future,” Bahl said.

Arizona isn’t the only state struggling to support its parks.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Citizens speak out on behalf of Arizona State Parks, Jan. 15, at packed Phoenix Zoo meeting

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Clip #1: Ken Travous, former Director, Arizona State Parks; Cindy Sherman, Volunteer at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park; and Susan Culp.

Clip #2: Cristie Statler, Arizona State Parks Foundation Director; Claudine Mahoney, Benefactors of Red Rock State Park; and Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter Executive Director.

Clip #3: Bill Roe, former Arizona State Parks Board Member; Charles Adams, University of Arizona; and Charles Eatherly, former Arizona State Parks Deputy Director.

Clip #4: Joni Bosh, former Arizona State Parks Board Member; Cindy Krupika, Friends of Oracle State Park President; Bob Burnside, Camp Verde Mayor; and Chris Strohm, Volunteer Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.