downhill mountain bike park proposed for glassford hill

Eco-tourism or an eyesore?  Will a bike lift on Glassford Hill contribute to, or detract from, the peace, natural environment and overall enjoyment of hiking and the aesthetics of this area?   Read the article.

Prescott Valley Citizens Alliance wholeheartedly supports the development of the Glassford Dells Regional Park in accordance with the terms of the intergovernmental agreement (IGA).  We support a development approach that will prioritize park designs that insure the protection of property values, the preservation of open space, the aesthetics of the terrain and the peace and tranquility of the area for residents and visitors.  PVCA is opposed to the development of active recreation facilities including the construction of a lift-served downhill mountain bike track system.  We are concerned about liability issues, costs and the lack of essential services and infrastructure to support the proposed "world-class downhill mountain bike park."  

The open space on Glassford Hill should be preserved - not commercialized and exploited.

FROM THE REGIONAL PARK INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) SIGNED BY PRESCOTT, PRESCOTT VALLEY AND YAVAPAI COUNTY:

"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). "  Read the entire IGA

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.

Source:  https://semspub.epa.gov/work/11/174083.pdf

cONCEPTUAL PLANS for Glassford Hill

The conceptual designs pictured for the development of Glassford Hill were prepared in the Fall of 2022 by The Planning Center, consultants hired by the Town of Prescott Valley.  In addition to the lift-served downhill mountain bike facilities, other proposed amenities include a pavilion, sports fields, playground, campgrounds, archery range, ropes course and a resort with lodging and restaurants.  (Review a timeline)

Based on the EPA's definition of "passive recreation facilities" none of these proposed plans would conform to the terms of the Intergovernmental Agreement.

Additional Resources

• Glassford Hill Preservation Plan | General Plan 2035

• Open Space Guiding Principles | General Plan 2035

• Proposed Agua Fria Regional Park | General Plan 2035

• Timeline: Planning for a lift-served bike track

The goal of this project is to acquire land for public use and open space, preserving one of the area’s most distinctive landmarks - Glassford Hill. 

Do you know the history of Glassford Hill? Can you point out the cinder cone? Do you know how it got its name? 

Watch this video to learn about the historic milestones associated with Glassford Hill. As we design the Regional Park, we are writing the next chapter in the history of Glassford Hill. Will we honor its history and preserve its natural elements for generations to come?