Arizona State Parks struggling with budget cuts
Monday, June 1st, 2009“In this economy…” is a phrase we’re all tired of hearing, but there’s no denying that this has been a tough year for everyone, and the state parks are feeling the pain as well. The Arizona State Parks system lost 34.6 million in funds from the state this year and had to reduce their ranger staff by 26%. Reports from Arizona’s budget discussions in early 2009 threatened the complete and indefinite closing of a number of Arizona parks.
The initial political wrangling has died down, and it looks like the parks system is taking whatever steps it can to make the situation a little less drastic (at least for now). Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Jerome State Historic Park, and McFarland State Historic Park needed some structural maintenance repairs so these parks were chosen to be closed while construction was taking place. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has since re-opened for the weekends during June.
Several other parks including Fort Verde State Historic Park, Oracle State Park, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, and Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Park, have been reduced to a 5-day schedule and are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The majority of the state parks remain open and can be visited 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including the four state parks we have highlighted in The Best in Tent Camping: Arizona: Picacho Peak State Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, and Lyman Lake State Park.
The economic crisis isn’t going to be over any time soon, and the parks system will probably take another hit this coming year. If you value the role the state parks play in providing recreational opportunities, protecting natural landmarks, and preserving Arizona’s heritage, consider dropping a line to your state representatives to tell them so. Volunteering is a terrific way to show your support, and you can also vote with your dollars by purchasing an annual pass or gifts from the online gift shop. Most importantly, get out there and enjoy your state parks!