GLASSFORD DELLS REGIONAL PARK: timeline
Prescott Valley plans for a "world class, lift served downhill mountain bike park" on Glassford Hill.
2022
Prescott Valley hires The Planning Center to explore bike park amenities for Glassford HIll
May 13 - 25, 2022
In an email thread beginning on May 13, 2022, Deputy Town Manager, Ryan Judy, Town Manager Gilbert Davidson and 3 representatives of The Planning Center discuss coordinating with the operators of Snowbowl in Flagstaff to talk about "routing trails and general space requirements for the bike park amenities at the base of the hill."
May 26, 2022
Prescott, Prescott Valley and Yavapai County sign an Intergovernmental Agreement with this stated purpose:
"Section 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Agreement is to purchase identified Trust Land located on and near Glassford Hill within the boundaries of Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Yavapai County, and to fund, design, construct, and operate thereon various passive recreation facilities (including, but not limited to, public trails). "
FROM THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY:
Definition: "Passive Recreation Facilities"
Passive recreation refers to recreational activities that do not require prepared facilities like sports fields or pavilions. Passive recreational activities place minimal stress on a site's resources; as a result, they can provide ecosystem service benefits and are highly compatible with natural resource protection.
June 25, 2022
Mayor Palguta throws out the idea of a lift-served downhill mountain bike park with this post on social media:
“By utilizing a public, private partnership the Town could create the largest year round ski lift driven mountain bike park in the United States. The park would be similar to Spidermountain.com but instead of a 300 foot incline Glassford Hill would offer 1000 feet of riding.”
October 2022
The Planning Center, consultants hired by the Town of Prescott Valley, present conceptual designs for the development of Glassford Hill which include the lift-served downhill mountain bike facilities, a pavilion, sports fields, playground, campgrounds, archery range, ropes course, and a resort with lodging and restaurants.
November 7, 2022
In the minutes for the annual Municipal Property Corporation Board of Directors, Town Manager Gilbert Davidson is recorded as reporting that Prescott Valley “will put in a mountain biking experience with a lift for bikes and patrons, as well as other trails and active recreation” on its side of Glassford Hill.
January 19,, 2023
First Reading at AZ Capitol of HB 2518 Appropriations for Glassford Dells Regional Park
February 15, 2023
In her remarks at a hearing at the AZ Capitol for HB 2518 Casey Van Haren, Prescott Valley Community Services Director, states that “outdoor recreation is a key to the economic driver in our area and the Glassford Dells Regional Park presents an opportunity to create a World Class Downhill Mountain Bike Park.”
Watch the video: https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?eventID=2023021077&startStreamAt=3400
March 2, 2023
Town Council Study Session. Deputy Town Manager, Ryan Judy announces that the town has been in talks with various agencies to craft a Request for Proposal for a firm to design, build and operate a world class downhill mountain bike park on Glassford Hill.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOznk0jeFmE&t=6252s
March 13, 2023
AZ House passes HB 2518 Appropriations for Glassford Dells Regional Park by a vote of 39 YES, 18 NO and 3 NV
May 2023
A steering committee consisting of resident volunteers is formed to provide input on proposed amenities and uses for Glassford Dells Regional Park
October 2023
The Town of Prescott Valley releases the revised conceptual plans for the Regional Park which include a lift served downhill mountain bike system, ropes courses, zip line, lodging and retail area.
November 15, 2023
Final meeting of the Steering Committee
November 21, 2023
Prescott, Prescott Valley and Yavapai County present the winning bid at auction to purchase over 2200 acres of land on Glassford Hill
April 2024
Citizens invited to complete the Town’s survey to weigh in on amenities for one passive section and 2 sections of the park that promote active recreational activities such as Playgrounds, ropes courses, ziplines, scenic chairlift, disc golf, downhill mountain biking, sports fields.