Granite Creek Corridor Project Expected to Be Completed By Summer

As the city’s Granite Creek Corridor improvements are moving toward a conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our citizens about this project and provide current information and an account of the history.

The Granite Creek Corridor project is almost four years in the making. Back in 2019, city staff identified an opportunity to enhance one of Prescott’s great natural assets, Granite Creek and the associated trail running alongside. Over the years, the creek had fallen into disarray, with encroachment from urban development, non-native species growing on the banks, and general deterioration of the banks and the water flow. In addition, the trail gained a reputation as being unsafe and unclean. Most citizens said they generally avoided the trail.

Knowing all of this, Prescott City Council formed a committee consisting of citizens and staff. Their first task was to ask citizens what they would like to see when we improve this amenity. A planning firm was hired to garner feedback from citizens, business leaders and others. Public open houses were also held and surveys conducted to garner citizen feedback. From that feedback, a master plan was created to guide the project.

The master plan document states the long-term goals of the project are as follows:

• Clean up and restore the beauty and native landscape of the corridor, allowing the riparian habitat to thrive and water quality to improve.
• Improve the usability of the trail in the downtown corridor, allowing greater access and enhanced safety.
• Improve opportunities for interpretation of Prescott history and resources.
• Reduce the risk of flood conditions for the properties along the creek.

Along with stream bank restoration activities, amenities such as lights, benches and an ADA accessible entrance were planned to make this a safe and accessible trail.

The improvements begin at Aubrey to the south, going north to end in Granite Creek Park. The trail goes through the heart of Prescott’s historic downtown and provides unique perspectives on businesses along the creek.

The total budget for the project was set at just over $3 million. The city received funding from the Arizona State Parks and Trails in the amount of $1 million. There was an unrestricted private donation of $656,000. The streets fund paid $640,000. An additional $220,000 was provided by the Bed Tax, from tourism dollars. The total outlay from the General Fund was under $500,000.

After some delays related to the grant funding and other factors, work began along the creek in the third quarter of 2022. Expected completion date has been delayed most recently by the extremely wet winter season; however, work continues and is expected to be completed by summer. In my opinion, once completed, this one-mile stretch along Granite Creek will provide a scenic, safe and accessible trail for citizens and visitors. Prescott is known for its trails, lakes and other natural assets. With a modest investment, the city has created a trail and public space for our citizens and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

All of the information about the plan, including Master Plan and other documents, are available here https://www.prescott-az.gov/city-management/programs/granite-creek-corridor-master-plan/. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.