Schnebly Hill in Sedona
PHOENIX – Three more state parks are being considered for closure because of state budget cuts, bringing to 11 the number that could be shuttered in coming weeks or months.
Parks Director Ken Travous said Wednesday he is adding the three parks to a list of eight others previously identified as being considered for closure to help close a midyear budget shortfall.
Travous identified the three as Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Jerome State Historic Park in Jerome and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson.
The state Parks Board will meet Friday in Peoria to consider cost-cutting measures that include park closures, seasonal closures and reduced hours of operations. Other options include furloughs and layoffs.
Jerome State Historic Park centers on the Douglas Mansion, a landmark built in the former mining community that overlooks the Verde Valley. Red Rock State Park, originally part of a ranch, is a 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center. Tonto Bridge is a natural geological feature in a valley in pine country below the Mogollon Rim.
Parks previously identified as being considered for closure were: Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, Homolovi Ruins State Park in Winslow, Lyman Lake State Park in Springerville, McFarland State Historic Park in Florence, Oracle State Park in Oracle, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park in Tubac and Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park.
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ON THE WEB
Arizona State Parks: www.pr.state.az.us/