Florence’s McFarland State Historic Park closes for “stabilization”

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[Source: Mark Cowling, Florence Reminder] — McFarland State Historic Park at Main and Ruggles streets closed indefinitely Friday afternoon. Although certain state park closures have been discussed in the current round of state budget cutting, this closing was called a “stabilization closure” for repair and reinforcement of the building’s weakening adobe, not a “budget closure.” Whatever the terminology, the news came as a blow to Florence.

The park is a key downtown attraction and its closing is a big loss to its neighbors, Florence Main Street Program Manager Jennifer Evans said. “They [state officials] have no idea of the impact on a community,” she said.  The three park staff members will be reassigned to other parks, although one will be back once a week to answer mail and pay bills.

In other state parks news, it was announced this week that the annual Civil War reenactment has been canceled next month at Picacho Peak State Park. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

99 groups sign up to protect Arizona’s Heritage Fund! Who will be 100?

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One group shy of 100 has signed on to help protect the Arizona Heritage Fund.  Who will be number 100?

If you or your organization would like to sign our letter (and be that #100), send us an e-mail and include your name, mailing address, e-mail, and state legislative district.  To locate your district, click here.  Thank you for your interest and support in preserving and protecting Arizona’s cultural, natural, and historic resources.

Fate of Arizona state parks to be debated by parks board, Feb. 20 in Peoria

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The February 20, 2009 meeting of the Arizona State Parks Board will take place at 10 a.m. at the Peoria City Council Chambers, Municipal Complex, 8401 W. Monroe Street in Peoria.  The Council Chambers are located near the center of the north half of the complex.  Click here for map of the Municipal Complex.  The public is invited to attend.

Parking is available in open lots accessed from Monroe Street or from Cinnabar Avenue, or in parking garages located at the southwest and southeast corners of the complex.  Limited covered Library parking is available in the southwest parking garage.  Public parking is on the upper deck of both parking garages.

How to get to the Municipal Complex:

  • If you are traveling on Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway): exit at Peoria Avenue eastbound. Take Peoria Avenue to 85th Avenue.  Go south on 85th Avenue to Monroe Street.
  • If you are traveling on I-17 (Black Canyon Freeway): exit at Peoria Avenue westbound.  Take Peoria Avenue to 83rd Avenue.  Go south on 83rd Avenue, across Grand Avenue to Monroe Street.
  • If you are traveling on I-10 (Papago Freeway): exit at 83rd Avenue northbound.  Continue northward to Monroe Street, or exit onto Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) and follow the directions above.