Hope fading for state parks

The reprehensible behavior of the Arizona legislature regarding the state parks is laid bare in the REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SUSTAINABLE PARKS TASK FORCE that was released Friday.

The report states that, "These splendid assets, acquired by Arizona citizens over the past 50 years, should be a source of intense pride, a legacy to be passed on to future generations – our children and grandchildren.

"Instead, the condition of the State Parks system inspires a deep sense of shame in those who look below the surface. Arizona Parks are crumbling before our eyes and the entire system is on the verge of collapse."

The Parks have had no operating fund increases since 2002, repairs remain undone, historic buildings are collapsing, docks in lakes and rivers are splintering. Why did this happen?

Prior to 2003 the parks had a base operating fund of $8 million, and user fees went to support operations. But when the state had budget deficits, as in 2003 and 2009, the money accumulated for park improvements was instead taken away from the parks to help balance the state budget.

The report states, and this is a direct quote, "To be blunt: a decision to allow the Parks system to wither and die would be economically reckless and irresponsible. State Parks generates far more economic benefit for the state and its subdivisions than it costs to run and maintain the system.
"According to a 2007 study by Northern Arizona University, the 2.3 million visitors to State Parks produced a combined economic impact of $266 million in Arizona counties and cities where the Parks are located. That is nearly 10 times what it costs to operate the Parks system annually.

"Moreover, tourist expenditures attributed to Parks visitations generated more than $22.7 million in state and local taxes. That is nearly three times the General Fund appropriation the Legislature granted to State Parks in 2008."

And yet the legislature failed to act in a more responsible way. The result is that more than half of all Arizona's state parks will close. You can, however, make your voice heard. Log in to the Arizona State Parks Foundation and follow their Urgent Call to Action. It's your voice--as a voter and as a visitor to Arizona--that may get their attention.