PHOENIX – Oracle State Park has launched a new program for hikers. New rescue locator signage, funded by the community, is designed to improve response times in emergencies and improve hiker safety.

Many hikers share a concern for personal safety and knowing what to do in an emergency. The Friends of Oracle State Park partnered with Oracle State Park and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team to install dozens of strategically placed signs. The signs give simple instructions to either contact the park for help if lost or call 911 if seeking emergency assistance. Each sign also has a number that identifies its location using GPS coordinates. Calling 911 and using the location number will inform the dispatcher of the exact location - resulting in the quickest rescue possible.

“This program is a powerful example of how donor support leads to real, on-the-ground improvements that directly benefit Oracle State Park, its visitors, emergency responders, and the broader community,” said Sinda Sutton, manager at Oracle State Park.

By the end of November 2025, the final set of signs will be installed. Information describing the Rescue Locator Program is currently posted at trailhead kiosks, permitting hikers to view or download trail maps updated with sign locations. According to Pinal County Search and Rescue, the program will significantly assist operations within the park and provide quicker response, along with preventing unnecessary calls for service.

“The Friends of Oracle State Park used community donations of $1,500 for this system;  a relatively small investment given the potential life-saving benefits," said Tom Buckley, vice president of Friends of Oracle State Park. "This is part of our commitment to create a worry-free experience for visitors as they explore the beauty of the park.”  

The Friends of Oracle State Park is a non-profit organization established in 1997 to assist Oracle State Park with the preservation of its historical structures and conservation of the surrounding parklands and trails. To learn more about the organization and opportunities to participate, visit www.friendsoraclestatepark.org, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACTS: Michelle Thompson, (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov