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Parks & Recreation

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824 E Gurley St
Prescott, AZ, 86301
Phone 928-777-1121

Prescott Parks and Recreation Quartery Newsletter

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Highlands Center Expanding Walks to City of Prescott

The Highlands Center for Natural History and the City of Prescott - through a Yavapai County Community Foundation grant - will offer guided naturalist walks at both Watson Lake and the Constellation Trail every Wednesday at 10:00 am in October and November.

The walks will alternate between the two locations from week to week, and while they are free, parking fees at Watson Lake Park and the Constellation Trailhead may apply (though the City waives parking fees on Wednesdays).

For more information about these walks, a complete schedule and a list of meeting locations, please call the Highlands Center at 928-776-9550, or go to their website at highlandscenter.org. Participants should arrive prepared with layers (warm and cool), water, comfortable walking shoes and, most importantly, their sense of wonder and fun.

Acker Grant Application

The City of Prescott Acker Trust is now accepting grant applications from eligible non-profit organizations. In accordance with the will of J.S. Acker, non-profit organizations that promote "... music and parks, especially for the children of Prescott ..." are encouraged to apply for funding for Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014). The application deadline is Friday, February 1, 2013.

Applications are available online, or at the Parks, Recreation & Library Programming Office, 824 E. Gurley St., Prescott, AZ 86301. Call Michelle Stacy-Schroeder at (928) 777-1552 for more informationp>

Willow Lake - Prescott's Undiscovered Jewel

Parks and Rec Board Members

The City of Prescott provides numerous recreational opportunities at Willow Lake, one of two lakes in north Prescott acquired in 1998. These opportunities include the Willow Dells Trails, Willow Lake Trail, a large archaeological site with educational exhibits, picnicking, non-motorized boating, fishing, observing the abundant bird life, large pavilions for reservations, unlimited opportunities for exploration, and a nearby zoo.

Mission StatementParks and Rec Board Members

  • To preserve, protect and enhance the parklands, public open spaces, trails and lakes of the City of Prescott for the benefit of its citizens and the ecological health of the region.
  • To maintain leisure services system that is responsive to and directed by the diverse and changing needs of the community we serve.
  • To plan for the future growth and expansion of park facilities, lake properties, open spaces, trails, recreation programs and library services.
  • To construct, operate and maintain parks, recreation facilities, trails and library services in a safe, aesthetically pleasing and efficient manner.

Parks and Recreation Online!

Check out what's going on with Parks and Recreation! You can view our available facilities using ActiveNet. Get up and get active with Parks and Recreation!


Parking Passes

Parking passes are available for sale for vehicle entry into Watson Lake, Goldwater Lake, Willow Lake and the Sundog Ranch Road- Peavine Trailhead. The cost for an annual parking pass is $20 for 20 visits, $40 for 60 visits or unlimited entry for a year (from the date of purchase) for $80. . Daily entrance at these locations is $2 per vehicle (effective 8/1/10 at Sundog Peavine Trailhead). Passes are available for purchase at the following locations:

  • Grace Sparkes Memorial Activity Center (credit/ debit/ cash/ check)
    824 E. Gurley St
    Prescott, AZ 86301

or you can mail the Parking Pass application below with your check to the following address:

City of Prescott
Parks, Recreation and Library Dept.
824 E Gurley St
Prescott, AZ 86301
  • Parking Pass Application (pdf, 49.3 kb)
    Use this form to purchase an annual parking pass, allowing the bearer unlimited entry to Sundog Peavine Trailhead, Willow Lake, Watson Lake and Goldwater Lake Park.

Volunteer Park Ranger Program

Park in PrescottCity of Prescott, Parks and Recreation Department is now recruiting volunteers for Ranger positions. Individuals who enjoy hiking, biking, and value a clean park and trails system can join our team to become the eyes and ears of the city. Volunteers are critical to ensure that facilities and natural resources in parks and trails are maintained at the highest level. Rangers will work with park staff, the police department, and fire department on park safety and first aid training.

Become a Volunteer Park Ranger today by contacting us at (928) 777-1588.



Economic Impact Study

Tournaments and Camps

The City of Prescott Parks and Recreation department hosts sporting events offering a number of benefits to the community including increased community visibility, positive income, and enhanced the community image. Conducting an economic impact study is an important tool in evaluating a community's development, both monetarily, and socially. In this case, it is a method for measuring the value of the contributions that these tournaments, and camps, provide the community.

The analysis of the study depends primarily upon direct expenditures from local participants, out of town participants, and visitors. For the purpose of the study, "out of town," is defined as someone who traveled at least 50 miles from home. It does not reflect the economic impact generated by the income of local people associated with these events such as grounds crew, officials, scorekeepers, additional motel and restaurant workers who serve the participants. These people also spend their income locally, adding additional dollars to the economic impact of the area.

The Mentium Athletics and Events formula was used for this study. The formula for the estimated direct spending uses a multiplier of four, which is the norm for this region.


Contact Us

Department Phone Number
Parks & Recreation Programming 777-1122
Adult & Youth Sports 777-1557
Special Needs 777-1554
Trekabout Walking Club 777-1121
Parks Administration 777-1121
Parks Facilities Rentals 777-1121
Parks Maintenance 777-1121
Trails and Open Space 777-1121
Special Events 777-1552
Library 777-1500
Adult Center of Prescott 778-3000
Golf Course 776-PUTT (7888)