“The park will help with economic development and bringing more jobs to the Verde Valley,” said Gregory. 
Yavapai County Supervisor James Gregory said he is happy about the new park because it offers all these forms of recreation and will bring more tourism dollars into the community. Gregory was part of a news conference to kick off the opening of the park on Feb 8. The park opened to the public the following day and is now open Fridays through Sundays.
“The park will help with economic development and bringing more jobs to the Verde Valley,” said Gregory. “It’s a very nice location and everybody should come look at it.”
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park is located at the confluence of the Verde River and West Clear Creek, offering a lush riparian area with mesquite, cottonwood and sycamore trees providing shade.
Gregory said he is happy that the park will keep the land near the Verde River from being developed. Rockin’ Ranch State Park is the first state park to open in eight years, but two other parks are planned: One is Glassford Hill State Park in Prescott Valley and the other is the Upper Verde River Headwaters State Park in Chino Valley.
“Anytime we can have additional open space with more recreation and trails, it’s good for the county,” he said.
There are six hiking trails in the park, with the longest at 1.7 miles.
During the news conference, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs praised the opening of Arizona’s 33rd state park. “As a born and raised Arizonan, I share a deep appreciation for the stunning natural beauty of our state that is at the heart of the Rockin’ River Ranch. I know so many Arizonans, including myself, turn to the outdoors for so many reasons – for sport and recreation, to unplug and reset, find peace and tranquility, just to enjoy – and we are so lucky for the abundant outdoor opportunities in our state. And it is so exciting that we are adding one more by finally opening this park to the public.”
Gov. Hobbs credited Arizona State Parks with purchasing the ranch in 2008 with help from The Nature Conservancy.
Arizona State Parks Board Chair Dale Larsen said the state parks contribute to the overall state economy in a significant way. In 2020, the economic contribution of visitor spending in and around Arizona State Parks, including multiplier effects, was $490 million in sales.
Hobbs said Arizona State Parks and Trails funds outdoor recreation and historic preservation projects statewide. They do this through grant programs that bolster opportunities throughout Arizona and improve access to the outdoors. In fiscal year 2023, more than $20 million was awarded to 94 recipients around the state, including rural and tribal communities.
In Camp Verde, the sports complex improvements were funded through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and the Copper Chief Trail was funded through the Recreational Trails Fund and the Heritage Fund. Hobbs said these are prime examples of the community-wide impact Arizona State Parks and Trails has contributed.
“It is because of this impact that my administration has set a goal of building 200 miles of non-motorized trails by 2030, prioritizing positive impacts to rural economies and increasing recreation access for underserved communities. With this park opening, we are getting started on meeting that goal,” Hobbs said.
She added that the rich history of the Yavapai Apache Nation and archaeological sites such as Tuzigoot Pueblo, Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well are great and meaningful ways to explore Arizona’s past.
“This area is also the gateway to the Verde River, one of the rarest and most diverse riparian areas anywhere in the country,” she said.
One of the trails in the park is dedicated to environmental activist Janice Miano. She is past president of the Arizona Audubon Council and volunteer coordinator at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. She joined the board of the Arizona Heritage Alliance in 1999 and served for three years as president of the Alliance, beginning in 2017. Since 2015, she has served as the Alliance Advocacy Committee chair.
“To recognize Janice Miano and her dedication to our natural environment and her steadfast work with the Arizona Heritage Alliance, today we are dedicating the Janice Miano Trail at Rockin’ River Ranch State Park,” Hobbs said. “I was fortunate enough to walk this trail earlier today and it has some incredible views of this area. I’m sure that when spring comes, it will be even more stunning.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
The park is located at 4513 S. Salt Mine Road in Camp Verde.
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