Glassford Dells Regional Park

What is PV known for? How is it viewed through the lens of a new resident or a first-time visitor? Long- time resident? 

Long Time: 

• Small town feel 
• Rural 
• Mild climate 
• Confusion with Prescott/Connected with Prescott 
• Affordable housing 
• Vibrant growing community 
• As we’re not know for jobs, we have hidden factories, Ace, Print Pack, M&I, that locals know. 

First time visitors: 

• Get out of the heat 
• Youth sports 
• Retirement 
• Pronghorn 
• Conservative community 
• Safe community 
• Destination factor-Mortimer Farms 

Now that you are familiar with the Town’s P&R MP, strategic plan, and finances, what possibilities exist for the Town? 

• A visitor’s center to learn about outdoors of local area, observatory 
• Destination place, e.g., Lasso Loop, multi-use park, showcases flora and fauna, local art 
• Walkability, connectivity, get to places safely e.g., Prescott Courthouse area 
• Wildlife preserve/riparian sanctuary 
• Portal to Glassford Hill, draw people in 
• Regional Athletic complex as a draw in another area 

What features/amenities could be part of this regional park? 

• *Full service trailhead, with large parking, not necessarily paved, need trailhead to support large events, full service bathrooms, water bottle filler, easy access, vendors-bike rentals, food and water. Reduce traffic through neighborhoods. Charge for parking, convenient and easy. Gives us control of where people are parking. 
• Sustainable paving 
• One way trail for bikers that blend in and are safe-directional trails. 
• Consensus to not build a road, however a compromise for a smaller trail up the hill for downhill. 
• *Group wants to protect the nature/beauty of the hill. 
• A pump track-skills track for kids by the parking lot 
• Ropes course? 
• *Areas for rest, views with shade, solar on top of shade structure 
• Body of water, small lake coupled with a nature center-fit the landscape, also modern 

What steps can be taken to ensure that the vision for GDRP aligns with the cultural heritage and historical significance of the area? 

• Ranching 
• Mining 
• The views 
• Information and interpretative signage of what you are looking at. Historical signage aimed at past historical places and events, or wildlife. 
• Name of the town in the background, e.g., Cabo, Mexico, -photo tourism, blend in, not gaudy. 

How can a design and layout of future features/amenities optimize views of nearby landmarks or scenic vistas? Including such elements as lookout points or observation decks. 

• (Already addressed this above.) 
• Observation deck near cave-incorporate connectivity, safe but keeping in step with good stewardship of the land. 

How can the park's design and layout minimize visual impacts from nearby residential areas and traffic corridors? Answer this question by trying to create values/goals that guide future decision making. 

• Minimize visual impacts-blend into landscape. Hire professionals with experience in building trail and park systems-what is the value-guiding principle-Do it right, but with minimal impact. Incorporating expertise at the highest level to make improvements. Expert working with consultant to preserve the natural habitat. Complete vision and plan-no steps should be taken until plan is in place. Include stages. 
• Value partners and work together with Prescott, Yavapai-stakeholders. 

How can the park's design and layout accommodate different types of recreational experiences, outside of hiking and mountain biking? (Birdwatching, stargazing, wildlife areas, archeology, outdoor adventure, etc.)

• Archery 
• Disc golf-general consensus, however there was concern from one member. 
• What can we do for seniors and accessibility? Discussed 
• *Stewards/security to deter bad behavior 
• *Denotes consensus or strong statements from the group.

What is the role of this committee regarding soliciting community feedback?   

• Give suggestions and let the town handle it
• Awareness campaign needs to be developed. 
• Town Hall gathering
• Town newsletter
• Neighborhood meetings 
• Surveys
• Outreach in the community
  
  

What methods can be employed to gather feedback and suggestions from residents, businesses, and visitors regarding their experiences and preferences at Glassford Dells Regional Park? 

• Tale of two cities- e.g., Mayor does a show on the radio or Mondays with the Mayor approach
• Town newsletter
• Lay out a framework of what needs to be done-specific direction, due process, cart before the horse
• *Awareness Campaign-this is the starting point-radio, TV, social media, surveys, 
• Regular updates- try to feed this out on a regular basis
• Outreach and engage the public
• Page on the Town’s website about GDRP -link with survey and general information
• Control the narrative and point everyone to one area. Message has to be consistent. 
• Primary core message is that we are collecting feedback. It needs to advance what the town is doing, what the role of the committee is and updates. 
• It should be celebrated! This is a park, what amenities should be in the park. 
• Ask about marketing research of similar types of project
   

How do you manage dissenting opinions on how the park should be developed? 

• What is allowable in the park?
• Quell misinformation-be transparent
• Put the IGA out-put it in layman's terms that is clear
• Communication positive
• Need a spokesperson-one official channel-liaison
• Evaluation of pros and cons -this is the role the committee provides
  
   

What metrics would be used to define community desires for the park?  Majority rule, loudest voice, social media interaction, statistically valid surveys, other? 

• Authority of PV-Council will need to make decision-may not be popular opinion
• Totality of outreach, online surveys, looking at all data and feedback 
• Universal metric? -Need all of them. 
• Balance feasibility
• Establish hierarchical list by town resolution-have a vote and this is how we move forward.
• Survey in one place-Survey Monkey metric-limited to town residents-professional group that collects data.

A long-term vision and goals have been established by this committee.  How can we effectively communicate this long-term vision and goals for Glassford Dells Regional Park to foster a sense of ownership and community pride among the residents? 

• We need to refine this,
• Memorialize it in writing-websites, outreach, etc. 
• Computer generated model of park -be visual in the plan. A visual plan of the park
• Do visual stages of the projects.-Keep it easy to consume-People don’t know what is on the back side of the mountain, very accessible.
• Link to Prescott’s project side of the purchase

How do we incorporate the voice of youth in the project? 

• Bradshaw Mountain High School students involved
• Create contest to get HS involved-name a trail
• Getting each school to adopt a trail, name it and keeping it clean-volunteer on the trail
• Prescott Valley schools have a mascot, name it after all the schools mascots
• Should have a youth representative on this committee-define it-junior high and high school-have the Committee bring their children

What strategies can the Town of Prescott Valley implement to promote education and awareness about the historical and cultural significance of Glassford Dells Regional Park, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area's heritage? 

• We have already talked about this, it  is redundant.
• Have an education center 
• Have Sharlot Hall point people to us.
• Knowledge expert about Glassford Hill
• Scavenger Hunt to get to know the area-cultural points of Glassford Hill/Prescott Valley
• Have an app/QR code that shows historic points in Prescott Valley-gives people a tour 

How can we effectively communicate the upcoming amenities and activities at Glassford Dells Regional Park to the local residents? 

• By not communicating the amenities until they are set in stone. This is for the future. Effectively manage the information. 
• We will communicate, nothing should be done until solidly formed. 
• Publish the questions and minutes on the agenda that we post. 
• What could we specifically do to chip away at the tree of transparency? 
• Once we have questions, post those. Not openly ask for feedback. No names listed.

What steps can be taken to ensure effective communication and collaboration between park management and the local community, including regular updates and transparent decision-making processes? 

• Regular updates, consistent information-one point of contact.-Town Newsletter
• Outside sources should come through us. PV is the voice. 
• There should be communication between park management and City of Prescott.    

How might the development of Glassford Dells Regional Park positively impact local businesses and entrepreneurs in Prescott Valley, and what types of businesses do we envision thriving in this new recreational environment?  Specifically, in what ways can the park's design and amenities be tailored to attract tourists and visitors from neighboring regions, contributing to increased tourism revenue for Prescott Valley?

• Name recognition from businesses
• Tour services, e.g. Pink Jeep tours but have pink bikes, and or trail tours for novices
• Race promoters, runners, bikers,
• Outdoor recreation store 
• Bring in more mom and pop stores/small business
• Mobile rentals
• Has to be a place where you can spend all day-need to make sure there is enough for people to do and make it worthwhile. 
• Make the stay more affordable. Make it attractive to young riders. 
• Incorporate Strava app to record time.
• How we build trails is important-beginning, intermediate, advance, have something for everyone. If it’s too easy, no one will come. 

How can the park's development serve as a catalyst for additional infrastructure and community enhancements in Prescott Valley, potentially attracting more investment and strategic development in the area? 

• Staging area at the base of the mountain for businesses
• Make it connected so it is easy to get around
• Designs areas with icons on where to get around to businesses and town.
• Food trucks 
• How do we drive to it? Does the town have a plan to address it? 
• We need a plan for parking and traffic-It has to have a BIG trail head. We need to
• Focus on parking- otherwise they will park in the neighborhoods.
• Use the Yavaline from Entertainment district to mountain.
• Connectivity to the park, i.e. MUP around town to this location
• We can leave space to walk in order to preserve area. There has to a centralized place to park. 
• What about wildlife, pronghorn and javelina. 
  
  

How might the park's existence and amenities influence real estate values and property development in the surrounding areas, and what measures can be taken to ensure equitable growth and access to affordable housing for residents? (Please be specific and cite examples of how other communities have done something similar, i.e. Sedona, AZ; Moab, UT)

• Main access to park cannot be in a developed neighborhood. 
• Home depot, Kia and apartments are main access
• Very strict building code that protects natural feel of area
• Town has to continue efforts for affordable housing.
• Greatest influence is where we put access road. 
• Committee is cognizant of issues, but that is an issue the Town needs to address. 

As the park attracts more visitors, how can we strike a balance between tourism-driven economic growth and preserving the natural and cultural heritage, including our overall quality of life in the area, ensuring its uniqueness remains intact? 

• Must fit the landscape, include strict zoning requirements.
• Not make it too big-keeping it as natural as possible-bathrooms, kiosk, ramada
• Prescott example-visitor’s center-see what they are doing first.
• Adventure park with ropes course, zip lines, etc. We need more for our kids to do.
• This is a need in the community-for our youth, school field trips. 
• Visitors center doesn’t have to be in the park, it can be along the way. Highland center example to help with regrowth of the area, with local plants. 

How can this regional park be leveraged to create new revenue streams in order to diversify the Town’s economic base and reduce dependence on housing development. 

•  Food trucks on the weekends, not everyday
•   Have companies run racers, MBA, distance long distance running. 
•  Use the mountain for competition
•  Build a vibe-have a place that is cool and beautiful.
•  PV needs to have places that people want to go and have restaurants that are easily accessible.
•  Amphitheater-we need to bring culture to the area-a natural place.
•  Set up an area with artisan tents like downtown Prescott.

What strategies can be implemented to promote small business growth, restaurants, hospitality, and entrepreneurship around the Glassford Dells Recreation Park? (Taking into account the recreational opportunities discussed previously by the Steering Committee) 

• Zoning restrictions and encourage small businesses-consensus is to retain small town vibe, natural. 
• Need better connectivity.
• Special incentives and programs to attract businesses.
• Creating art, arches and sculptures along a trail system that is special and keeps people going through it. 
• Hashtags for social media
• Summit magnet to help the hype 
• Trails map 

As we plan for the future of Glassford Dells Regional Park, what strategies can we implement to ensure the park's sustainability, both environmentally and economically, for the long term?  How can the Town of Prescott Valley incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly design elements into the vision for Glassford Dells Regional Park?

• Use of drought tolerant plants-xeriscape and native plants
• Buy local-sustain businesses and use sustainable materials
• Sustainable fencing, e.g., steel fence 
• Water collection-design includes capturing water
• Drainage needs to be addressed

What measures can be taken to ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and scenic views, while still allowing recreational opportunities within Glassford Dells Regional Park?

• Slope protection
• Maintenance of road- paint it brown so it blends into the mountain
• Heavy restrictions on motorized vehicles
• *ADA access brought up again, not exclude anyone access up the hill
• Single story needs to stay-possible on the side of the hill up to 3 story building, small education center, example-the library-culture meeting place. Build it into the hillside, an observation deck. Nothing obnoxious. Incorporating natural architecture. 
• Hire an expert for the trails 
• Power lines should go underground. 
• If there is a lift must have least amount of impact on the view

What are the key considerations in terms of landscaping and vegetation management to maintain the visual harmony and ecological balance within Glassford Dells Regional Park?

• Natural plants
• Low water plants and low maintenance
• Planters to slow water down and make it pleasant
• Keep lava rock as retaining walls-reuse resources, dirt, and rock as planters and walls
• Geological study-professional assessment of safety of mountain. 

How can the Town of Prescott Valley integrate sustainable lighting solutions into the design of Glassford Dells Recreation Park to enhance safety and aesthetics during nighttime visits?

• Solar solar solar!
• It would be ok for regular lighting until 9 pm-parking lot, then low lever lighting-safety feature, should be low impact, downward facing lighting. Use NPS.gov night skies guidelines
• Campground with only a tent, overnight, view night sky-needs to be managed and permitted. What do we want to do-address this later.

What measures are in place at Glassford Dells Regional Park to conserve water and promote water sustainability?

• Low flow fixtures
• Toilets can’t be low flow and no sensors. Manual flush. Low flow for sinks
• Would be on town sewer or septic-follow up.
• Water filling stations-bottle fillers for safety
• Signage for picking up trash and animal matter.

How could Glassford Dells Regional Park collaborate with local organizations, community colleges or universities to conduct research on environmental conservation and sustainability? Provide specific examples.

• Prescott College
• Yavapai College
• Embry Riddle
• YEI
• Highland Center
• Prescott National Forest-fire control and water conservation, light pollution
• Partnering with local organizations-Prescott Mountain biking association
• Over the Hill Gang, AAEC-dovetail in the youth

General Comments

• Request for Town Staff: committee members would like to receive questions at minimum week prior
• Request for Town Staff: committee members would like better questions with more focus on development, since they are not experts in impact studies, etc.
  • Committee members concerned they cannot address deeper questions without knowing what features & amenities will be in the park
• Request for Town Staff: committee members would like an outline of future questions & topics to be able to see the bigger picture
• Request for Town Staff: committee members would like to know how many people have viewed the Glassford Dells website
• Request for Chris Hoskings, City of Prescott - Trails, to attend future meeting- 30 minute presentation to present his ideas of what to do with developing the hill created on CAD. 
  • This presentation will highlight the connectivity between Prescott & Prescott Valley
  • A committee member said Chris would like to wait until the purchase has been made
• Request for Town Staff: Committee members would like to get immediate community feedback (see Question 1 responses)
• Request for Town Staff: Committee members would like to know if the Town will be developing the regional park or a developer 
• Request for Town Staff: Committee members would like to know where funding is coming from, how much funding & when it will be available
  
  

Neighbors and Property Values

How can the Town of Prescott Valley involve the community in shaping the visual identity and development plans for Glassford Dells Regional Park? 

• Committee members feel there needs to be better communication about the GDRP and for the Town to showcase potential ideas to the community. 
• Request for Town Staff: Advertise website through Monday’s with the Mayor, the Town Water Bill, Social Media, Flyers to HOAs adjacent to the property, and possibly radio – completed by next meeting
• Request for Town Staff: Add a survey to the GDRP website & promote through above mentioned advertisements – completed by next meeting
  • Questions should be framed in a way that elicits open responses & open information so all parties can respond. Ensure there is an open comment section. 
  • Ensure there is a link to the GDRP website stating, “For more information regarding the GDRP, please visit…”
• Request for Town Staff: Create a contest or essay for the Middle School & High School level asking the youth what they would like to see in the park – completed by next meeting
• A suggestion was made to reach out to volunteer trail builders

 
What are the potential impacts of the Glassford Dells Regional Park on the surrounding community, including businesses and residents? 

• Request for Town Staff: Create a separate business survey – developed & sent out within 30 days
  • Questions to include:
    • As a business, what would you like to see developed.
    • What role would your business have?
    • What concerns or suggestions do you have?
  • Include sponsorship and volunteer information
  • Ensure there is a link to the GDRP website stating, “For more information regarding the GDRP, please visit…”
  • Work with Chamber of Commerce to distribute to businesses  
    
    

Infrastructure

How can the Town of Prescott Valley leverage technology and innovation to enhance the visitor experience and promote the visual aspects of Glassford Dells Regional Park, including safety components. (E.g., QR codes map systems, wi-fi, blue light phones, solar benches-charging stations). 

• The committee does not think there needs to be technology at GDRP
• There should be solar safety lights and perhaps lighted benches, but no charging stations
  1. Why would you want wifi in a natural environment?
  2. Committee suggested a kiosk with map information & rules and regulations at the trailhead, including a QR code. There should also be blazes on the trail & a signage at each intersection, with a map. Trails must be user friendly.
  3. Parking lot - Put in electric charging stations only if there is federal grant funding
  4. Consider APS for solar shade for parking lot & see if they will fund the lot - make sure to include high profile parking for higher level vehicles, with low reflection panel 

 
What kinds of recreational facilities are most needed in the park? (Playgrounds, sports fields, etc.) How can these facilities be designed to cater to different age groups and interests?

• Committee suggested getting an expert at future meetings to see what the park could look like, with photos, to eventually share with the public on the website 
• Committee recommended: Passive, self-directed ROPES course, Nature center facility, with outdoor classroom similar to Highlands Center , Wildlife, bird-watching

Committee discussed an outdoor multi-use large scale sports complex at the base of GDRP to bring in more sports, tournaments, etc. There was a concern with lighting. Committee members decided that this is active recreation- not passive & thus not a part of the IGA.


Is there any other infrastructure you believe should be included in the park? 

• See August 16^th meeting notes regarding same question
  
  

Inclusivity

What programs and activities can the Town of Prescott Valley implement to encourage active and healthy lifestyles among residents by utilizing Glassford Dells Regional Park as a hub for recreational activities? 

• Photography classes, excursions
• Mountain biking contests - brings in tons of revenue  like Pioneer
• Picnic 
• Bird-watching
• Wildlife watching
• Hiking
• Reading/Audio books
• Biking
• Jogging
• Climbing
• Horseback
• Star gazing
• Kids camp - would this violate the IGA
• Scavenger Hunt, or Geocaching
• Exercise programs - fitness trail 
• ADA Trail* 
• Outdoor Yoga, Tai Chi
• Make sure there is a full discussion of ADA

What strategies can be implemented to improve accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with any disabilities or impairments at Glassford Dells Regional Park? Including a wide range of adaptive recreation and mobility elements. 

• Committee recommended there be an ADA loop lower on GDRP
  • Request for Town staff: Determine what other parks have done at other facilities for ADA path material type - pavers, asphalt, concrete 
  • Request for Town staff: Schedule an ADA expert to deliver a10-minute presentation at a future meeting
• Committee stated that the Lasso loop sounds more geared for ADA compliance as opposed to the entirety of the GDRP

Glassford Dells Regional Park - Meeting Agenda 9.27.23

1. Introductions
2. Glassford Dells Regional Park Planning Presentation, by the Planning Center
3. Steering Committee Discussion
4. Next Steps

Click here for printable document

PARK VALUES: How can Glassford Dells Regional Park benefit Prescott Valley?

• Social/ Recreational Values
  Example: Provide opportunities for a competitive adult soccer league
• Environmental Values
  Example: Harvest rainwater for native plants and establish wildlife habitat
• Functional Values
  Example: Provide accessible play areas for children with special needs.
• Educational Values
  Example: Interpret the valley's geology.
• Economic Values
  Example: Provide opportunities for local food trucks and event vendors.
• Safety/ Security Values
  Example: Provide a clear, well-marked pedestrian loop for early morning walkers.
  
  

GLASSFORD DELLS REGIONAL PARK MISSION STATEMENT

• What does the park do?
  ...attract young families, support traveling competitions, host educational classes...
• How does the park do it?
  ...lift to the top of the hill, new community center/ amphitheater, variety of sport courts...
• Why does the park do it?
  ...serve the needs of the elderly residents, promote regional tourism, conservation education...
  
  

PARK AMENITIES: What is your vision of Glassford Dells Regional Park?

• What are the three most important amenities that you would like to see at the park?
• What amenity is least needed at the park?

Click here for printable presentation

Recap of last meeting with values and inputs to an “Option 4” concept

Discussion ensued about the lift option and how to showcase it to the public-it is a polarizing option but feel it needs to be included. Are we going to be able to keep open a multimillion dollarlift? It’s fair to have all these ideas. Make it clear that these are options, not a package deal. Must be presented in a way that these are options that have been coalesced. It should be discussed with the public. How do we go out to the public and present this? Roll it out as options that came out in discussions. Messaging is critical. 

It was suggested to have a map of different overlays and options. Suggested having lift on Home Depot side of Glassford Hill.

Committee member asked how were some of the parks developed that were included in the Planning Center presentation on Sept 27th? Committees? Planning Center stated that various commissions review plans, do public outreach-the process is the same. 

How do you handle presenting options when there is a difference on a committee? Committee member said all options should be shown. Mentioned that we need to carefully explain the division within the committee with the lift and conflicting issues. 

What other options are there to get up the hill? Utility road on the backside of Home Depot to get up hill? What will the cost be for a lift ride and the ROI? We need to do some more research. Is there a tax benefit? Committee member stated that they do not necessarily agree that everyone needs to get up to the top of the hill. It’s not totally important that everyone gets up the hill. 

Do we know if we can build on this hill? It is a volcano. Foundational questions-it’s not about can we do it, but what is the cost? The limiting factor is does the public want it?  Concerns about cutting into the mountain below. Do we need all that space? Want it to be minimized- tearing into the mountain and scaring it. Parking doesn’t necessarily need to be in the same area. Why not have lift behind Home Depot? What do you look at to consider something developable? Discussion ensued regarding what can be developed and what could not. 

Committee member said Glassford is an ugly mountain. Are we going to do something to make it look better? Really, anything you do will make it look better than it already does. Make sure to plant native trees down below. 

What is the line on the map where the actual base is and get different views. Add a service road as an option to get up the hill. Would bike lift go over summit trail? Potentially it could go. Againthere are other options for lifts. Don’t want to say a chair lift is not an option, when maybe there is other technology or options to get others up the hill.

click to enlarge/ for printable version

Lexy Welcott from Planning Center, presented narrative tri-fold that explains project and asks for input from residents. Map of area-1500 acres passive recreation and two areas for active recreation. (See attached maps for options).

Comments regarding survey

• Having visuals and pictures of what it looks like is important. Will this be in electronic format? Want to keep options open and positive for the community. Random sampling survey is a good idea where the community stands. 
• If the community sees this is there a possibility that it will create different interest groups? We are just trying to gather feedback. Option for no “Active recreation.” Need to define active and passive recreation. Need an opportunity for a comment box. 
• We need to make sure we reach the right people. How do we clarify who lives in the area to take the survey? 
• Suggestion for map-note the land area in Jasper area and other landmarks-name of communities, add Glassford Hill Rd. Suggested that those who live in Jasper and Castle Canyon Mesa have more of a weighted vote. There was some disagreements-Agree that people in this area need to speak up and not have more of a vote than others. 
• Comment about having a photo of bike lifts, people assume it will look like that. Disclaimer-this is not exactly what it will look like. These are just to paint a picture-not to suggest this is what it will look like-potentially. 
• Have an option that says, “I don’t want anything.” 
• Do we need to make clear that we are investing in it-Clarify that the town purchased the land-Explain the civic process of what is going on-Say that we invested money in it along with Prescott and Yavapai County. As a tax payer how is this going to affect me. Include a FAQ’s or direct them to the web site. 
• Concern that the survey is copied and disturbed to others outside the community. We need to find a way to collect data and justify the integrity. Require the address and see who is duplicating. Those who live outside the community, Dewey-Prescott Country Club, Castle Canyon Mesa. 
• People coming in to do public comment/open forum. 

Facilitator Richard Haddad wraps up and states that this group inspired the possibilities of creating this vision.