To Pave or Not to Pave?
West Granite Creek Park is under threat by a City plan to install a paved parking lot between the railroad trestle bridge and Miller Creek!
West Granite Creek Park is actually the upstream portion of Granite Creek Park – one of Prescott’s oldest and most beloved parks. Few realize that it only became “West” Granite Creek Park in the late 1980s when Montezuma Street was put through to the north. While Granite Creek Park is the better known and more developed of the two parks (with parking, restrooms, a ramada, lawns, etc.), West Granite Creek Park also plays an important role in the community as the confluence for multiple creeks (Granite, Miller, Butte) and trails. It is the more natural of the two parks.
There is a current plan for the City of Prescott to pave the southern end of the park for a parking lot to support the splash pad and adjacent downtown business.
This parking lot conflicts with existing community–developed plans, and it is divergent from the adjoining neighborhood’s wishes.
Prescott Creeks recently submitted a letter to the Mayor and City Council Members highlighting the history and value of the park, and encouraging the City to scrap the plan to pave the park for a parking lot. Prescott Creeks also advocates for the reallocation funding to a new restoration effort consistent with existing plans for the park.
The Master Plan for West Granite Creek Park (2000) identifies the following goals:
- “To return the confluence of Miller and Granite Creek (West Granite Creek Park) to an ideal riparian setting with limited park improvements.”
- “To establish educational and limited recreational (i.e. trail-related) passive use opportunities, with connections to neighborhoods, businesses, parks, schools, and other Prescott greenways.”
Benefits of West Granite Creek Park as listed in the plan include:
- The area will be ecologically restored
- Reduced resource degradation (cleaner creeks and thriving wildlife and vegetation)
- Opportunity for escape and solitude
- Environmental benefits, visual benefits, and educational and passive recreation benefits are listed
Your voice is also important.
Elected officials need to hear from people who care. Contact the Prescott City Council Members here in support of West Granite Creek Park.
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)Change Over Time
West Granite Creek Park - looking upstream on Miller Creek - April 2001
West Granite Creek Park - looking upstream on Miller Creek - October 2002Two views are shown above for West Granite Creek Park Photo Point #5a. The top photo was taken in April of 2001 immediately after the APS-funded restoration project was completed.
The second photo taken in October of 2002 (just 18-months after the 1st photo) shows how quickly herbaceous vegetation repopulated the creek area.
West Granite Creek Park - looking S/SE toward Granite Creek - April 2001
West Granite Creek Park - looking S/SE toward Granite Creek - October 2024Two views are shown above for West Granite Creek Park Photo Point #5b. The top photo was taken in April of 2001 immediately after the APS-funded restoration project was completed. Note the number of trees (mostly cottonwoods and willows) planted inside the fenced area between the photo point and the railroad trestle over Granite Creek. Look closely and you’ll see tiny leaves emerging. Drip irrigation installed during the project aided those trees in surviving during and well beyond the two year monitoring period. Between the trees native grass seed was planted and resulted in a dense, natural carpet holding moisture and soils.
The second photo taken in October of 2024 and shows the fence has been removed and very few trees remain in the restoration area. Herbaceous vegetation in the foreground and to the right is a mix of annuals and exotics. Bare soil abounds and holds little to no moisture.
Interpretive sign identifying a Velvet Ash tree - one of 39 species planted during the APS-funded restoration project.The post West Granite Creek Park – 2025 appeared first on Prescott Creeks.