Glassford Dells Regional Park

Glassford Hill sunset

On May 26, 2022, the Town of Prescott Valley signed an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Prescott and Yavapai County for ultimate purchase of approximately 3,500 acres of State Trust Land on and around Glassford Hill. Prescott Valley, Prescott, and Yavapai County have met regularly since with representatives from the Arizona State Land Department and the State of Arizona Parks & Trails Department to coordinate purchase of the property and discuss concepts of recreational use thereon.


Protect Land

In partnership with the City of Prescott and Yavapai County, the Town wishes to protect approximately 3,500 acres of State Trust Land from future housing development.

Enhance Community

Amenities should be developed with extensive public participation (mountain bikers, hikers, residents, businesses, neighboring residents, HOAs, environmental) within the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Town’s 2035 General Plan.

New trail development should be single track to blend into the hillside. Downhill mountain bike trails should be separated from hiking and horseback trails to reduce conflict.

Preserve Nature

Diversify the economy by developing eco-tourism, preserving our natural resources, and encouraging outdoor use of public space.

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The Glassford Dells Steering Committee meets every other Wednesday, 5:30-7PM. 

Meetings are open to the public. Please check calendar for dates & location.

calendar

October 2023

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Learn more about discussion items at each meeting:

past meetings

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.

September 28, 2023 News Release
Glassford Hill Land Auction Date Set for Glassford Dells Regional Park

The Arizona State Land Department has set an auction date of November 21, 2023 for 2,284 acres of property on Glassford Hill, planned for a regional park through an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Prescott Valley, City of Prescott, and Yavapai County.

Since the late 1990s, Prescott Valley has been involved in efforts to protect Glassford Hill from private development.  On November 4th, 1998, after a petition from the Town of Prescott Valley and City of Prescott, the State Land Department designated a portion of the property as suitable for conservation purposes.

On May 26, 2022, the Town of Prescott Valley entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Prescott and Yavapai County for the purchase of the approximately 3,500 acres of Arizona State Trust Land located between Prescott Valley and Prescott.  The parties have been working since that time to bring the first phase forward for purchase.  The Arizona State Land Department and Arizona State Parks and Trails Department have been extremely helpful in pushing this project forward, a process which can sometimes take multiple years.  From the time the Town signed the IGA until the auction date will be 18 months. 

This first phase includes the acquisition of approximately 1,317 acres for Prescott Valley and 967 acres for Prescott.  Purchase of this property will include the benefits of preservation of open space and opportunities for outdoor recreational amenities for the entire region and state.  Proceeds from the auction will also benefit Arizona schools.

The auction for the property has been set for 10 a.m. on November 21 on the Yavapai County Courthouse steps.  This is another large step in a 25-year effort to ensure all residents may enjoy this space in perpetuity.  

Funding for the project comes from the Prescott Valley General Fund and is budgeted in the current FY 2023-24 budget.  Offsetting the Town’s costs is a commitment from Yavapai County to fund 35 percent of the purchase per the IGA.  Additionally, thanks to the efforts of Representative Selina Bliss, Representative Quang Nguyen, Senator Ken Bennett, and Governor Katie Hobbs, the Town of Prescott Valley and City of Prescott each received $1.75million from the State budget to help with acquisition of these parcels.  With these offsetting revenues, the Town’s ultimate purchase price for the 1,317 acres will be approximately $1.33 million.

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