PHOENIX – Two grant-funded outdoor recreation projects in Arizona will be highlighted at the Coalition for Recreational Trails 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards in Washington, D.C. on June 25. Two of the 10 award winners are from the Grand Canyon State, both being recognized for outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds administered by Arizona State Parks and Trails.

Arizona State Parks and Trails manages six grant programs that provide funding for statewide outdoor recreation and historic preservation projects. To date, nearly 4,000 projects throughout the state have been made possible by grants from Arizona State Parks and Trails. The agency works with federal, state, county and municipal governments, as well as tribes, clubs and non-profits. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) can be used for design, construction, and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails throughout Arizona, as well as trail safety and environmental education programs.

The Oak Creek School Cross Country Trail System in Cornville, Ariz. received a $75,858 award through RTP with an additional $15,105 of matching funds. The project created multi-use trail access in close proximity to Cornville residents with significant benefit to Oak Creek Elementary School students. The school has a robust outdoor recreation program, including mountain biking through Wheel Fun’s program, with a bike skills park already on school property. The National Forest trail expanded bike-centric opportunities onto National Forest System lands and is also open to hikers and equestrians. The Coalition for Recreational Trails has awarded this project in the Public Private Partnership category.

“What started with seven bikes and a handful of kids grew into an eight-year push to create a space where Oak Creek School's 25 riders today can safely ride within sight of their school,” said Kevin Adams, Wheel Fun co-founder and project sponsor. “What’s even better is that it’s now a resource for the whole Cornville community. Arizona State Parks and Trails was a key partner in making that happen.” 

In the Construction and Design category, Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails in Prescott was awarded the second honor from the Coalition. The project received $150,000 in RTP funding for a 17-mile flow trail network, a first-of-its-kind project in Arizona. Project partners included the U.S. Forest Service, the city of Prescott and Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance (PMBA), the local mountain biking club. The new trail system is strengthening Prescott's position as a vibrant and thriving community. 

"We are thrilled and deeply grateful to Arizona State Parks and Trails for the RTP grant that made the construction of the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails in Prescott, Arizona possible. This project delivered exciting new mountain biking opportunities, significantly enhanced recreational access, and attracted thousands of new visitors to the area,” said Ximena Florez, board president for Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance. “Our collaboration with Arizona State Parks and Trails, the city of Prescott, the U.S. Forest Service, and IMBA has been exceptional. The Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance (PMBA) is honored to receive this year’s CRT Award in the Construction and Design category for the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trails project."

To learn more about grant funding available from Arizona State Parks and Trails, visit azstateparks.com/grants. Other successful projects are highlighted on the Awarded Grant Projects page.

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

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (602) 542-7151 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov