Lake Havasu City steps up to plate to keep park open

One of Arizona's most visited state parks, Lake Havasu's Windsor Beach, is on the state's budgetary chopping block. When state officials threatened to close down the park for lack of funding, 'City Fathers' have stepped into the gap.

Charlie Cassens, Lake Havasu City's interim city manager is quoted in the Arizona Republic, "We're ready to do whatever's necessary to keep Lake Havasu State Park open for our residents and our visitors," he said. "That is a vital and integral part of this community's economy." State officials will meet this Thursday to deliberate whether or not to turn control of the popular park over to the city. With nearly 250,000 visitors a year, a closure would certainly mean a hit on tourism revenues.

Other Arizona municipalities have already been helping out the state, some contributing funds to assist with park operating costs, others loaning equipment or working to organize volunteer labor pools for park maintenance.

photo courtesy Arizona State Parks