ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

Arizona State Parks Restores Funding to Heritage Fund Grant Projects

(Phoenix, AZ - September 30, 2009) - On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) gave a favorable review to the Agency's request to backfill cuts made to its operating budget. With the Committee's favorable review, the Parks Board unsuspended Heritage Fund grants that had been frozen in February 2009.

"We are extremely happy to release funding for these very worthy trails, historic preservation, and park projects," said Renée Bahl, Executive Director.

In order deal with a 26% reduction in the in the department's ongoing operating budget compared to July 2008, Arizona State Parks will be reducing parks operations and hours.

The changes in parks operations are:

  • Tonto Natural Bridge State Park will be open on weekends until the lodge is completed and then will be open on five-day week schedules.
  • Homolovi Ruins State Park will be open for day-use Thursdays to Mondays only and the campground will be closed beginning October 1, 2009.
  • Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will be open Thursdays to Mondays only from October 6, 2009 through March 31, 2010.
  • Red Rock State Park will be open Thursdays to Mondays only from November 3, 2009 through January 27, 2010.
  • Slide Rock State Park will be open Thursdays to Mondays only from November 3, 2009 through January 27, 2010.
  • Oracle State Park will be open only by reservation for school programs and for special events.
  • Sonoita Creek State Natural Area Visitor Center will be open on weekends and holidays only.
  • Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park will resume 7-day operations from November 3, 2009 to May 4, 2010.

The following parks are remaining on five-day schedules (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays): Fort Verde State Historic Park, Tombstone State Historic Park, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

The following parks are remaining closed for renovations: Jerome State Historic Park and McFarland State Historic Park.

There are no significant changes in operations for the following Parks:

  • Alamo Lake State Park
  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
  • Buckskin Mountain State Park
  • Catalina State Park
  • Cattail Cove State Park
  • Dead Horse Ranch State Park
  • Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
  • Kartchner Caverns State Park
  • Lake Havasu State Park
  • Lost Dutchman State Park
  • Lyman Lake State Park
  • Patagonia State Park
  • Picacho Peak State Park
  • Roper Lake State Park
  • Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
  • Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park

For more information about the 30 State Parks, statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow us on twitter.com/AZStateParks.

-end-

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