Arizona State Parks to remain open thanks to local communities and non-profit agencies

With the continuing recession it seemed inevitable that not only would the padlocked Arizona state parks remain closed, but that more would close also. However, many local communities and non-profits haveteamed up to keep 14 of the state's most vulnerable parks open by providing more than $800,000 to eh Arizona State Parks Agency.

For instance, the Friends of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and the towns of Payson and Star Valley are helping with $35,000 in funding to the park that bears their name. Earlier this week, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park returned to a five-day schedule after being open every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Tubac Historical Society is helping keep Tubac Presidio State Historic Park open by providing both funding and operational support, and Red Rock State Park in Sedona is being aided by Yavapai County and the Benefactors of Red Rock State Park.

Local authorities and non-profits say they decided to cast a financial lifeline to the more vulnerable parks because they recognize their value - their rich history, intense beauty and, perhaps most importantly, their economic impact.

Today, less than two years after major closures seemed certain, 26 of Arizona's 27 parks are open (only Oracle SP remains closed), although many have abbreviated schedules. Some, such as Picacho Peak and Lyman Lake state parks, are on seasonal calendars. Others, such as Jerome State Historic Park and Fort Verde State Historic Park, are on five-day schedules. Still others switch between opening for seven days during their peak season and five days during their shoulder seasons.

"When the Legislature swept $8.6 million from Arizona State Parks' budget during a special session in December 2009, it was clear there would be widespread closures," reports the Arizona Republic. "Thirteen parks, including Tubac Presidio, were operating in the red. All were targeted for closure.

"Many parks have a substantial economic impact on their surrounding communities, even if they don't operate at a profit, State Parks officials say. Tubac Presidio (photo) supported four jobs and had a local economic impact of $256,377 in fiscal 2007, according to a study conducted by the Arizona Hospitality Research & Resource Center. Lake Havasu State Park, which consistently operates in the black, supported 484 jobs and had a $34.5 million economic impact.

"Cumulatively, the state parks had an economic impact of $266.4 million from July 2006 through June 2007, the study said. 'State Parks does have parks in its system that are fairly small and don't have the same appeal as some of the recreational parks,' said Thomas Combrink, senior research specialist at the center. 'It's just the nature of what they are.'"

For now the parks will stay open, which is important to both park visitors and the surrounding communities. But, these are short term solutions and are not sustainable. A long term plan is needed to guarantee the parks will be open next year and the next.