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Granite Creek Park Rejuvenation Moving Forward

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Improved public safety and security, better lighting, attractive recreational enhancements, environmental protection, better signage and more and better access points to enter and exit – these are among recommended improvements to the downtown Granite Creek Corridor.

City representatives and members of the Granite Creek Corridor Revitalization Committee shared a draft of the master plan prepared by Natural Channel Design, a Flagstaff-based company that specializes in such projects, at a community meeting last month.

Allen Haden, an aquatic ecologist, emphasized that the improvements will be made in segments, not all at one time. “Changes will be prioritized over time, depending on cost and complexity,” he said.

The plan is the result of more than 18 months of collecting data and public input about rejuvenating the downtown Prescott Granite Creek Corridor.

“I am excited we have moved along this rapidly in planning,” said Prescott Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes. “The contacts and connections we have established with businesses, residents who use the Prescott trail system, and others who enjoy our unique environment have been rewarding. We really appreciate all the effort Allen and his team put into the draft.”

Though no final figure has been set, the City of Prescott has earmarked $1 million in the coming year’s budget to be dedicated to park improvements. That fiscal year’s budget begins July 1, 2020. The Prescott City Council has begun reviewing cost estimates and will be making decisions soon.

Already, a $79,401 grant from the Arizona Water Protection Fund has made it possible to support the creation of a project master plan, said Tyler Goodman, assistant to the Prescott city manager. Additional federal, state and private grants have been filed requesting more funding to support improvements.

Goodman reported that to date, more than 650 comments and responses from the greater public had been submitted regarding recommendations for creek and trail rejuvenation. About half of the city allocation of $1 million is tentatively scheduled to create a splash pad playground and restrooms. Underground water lines have already been installed.

It is estimated that more than 160,000 people use the Greenway Trail between Gurley Street and Granite Creek Park, making it one of the most visited stretches of trail within the city. That number is expected to increase significantly when the Hilton Garden Inn at the intersection of Sheldon and Montezuma Streets is completed this fall.

During the meeting, Goodman, Baynes, Kristy Everson, chair for the Granite Creek Corridor Revitalization Committee, and others responded to questions and provided explanations. They also showed map details and illustrations from the multi-page draft master plan.

The current master plan is focused mainly on the downtown area, but future planning phases are expected to include portions of the creek corridor that run through the Prescott College area near the Miller Valley Road.

Initially, an approximate 1.2 miles of the creek corridor, beginning at the Aubrey Street Bridge south of Goodwin Street and ending in Granite Creek Park along Montezuma Street near the LaGuardia Bridge, will be rejuvenated. The corridor width is approximately 70 feet. The project emphasis is focused on preserving and protecting the urban ecological greenspace. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about the master plan, visit prescott-az.gov/city-management/leadership/programs-2/granite-creek-cooridor-master-plan

 

Winfield at the Ranch Preparing for Residents

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Marketing itself as “Prescott’s premier luxury apartment community,” Winfield at the Ranch is nearing competition.

Pre-leasing is to begin this month, with new residents expected to begin moving in around March 1.

Luxury may be the germane term for the apartments, for they are being built on what was once the site of one of the wealthiest quartz ore gold mines in Central Arizona. Located on the eastern edge of Prescott and nestled on the south side of Bullwhacker Hill, the site was famous for almost 60 years – 1876 to 1936 – as Bullwhacker Mine. Records show that hundreds of tons of gold ore were extracted from the steep hillsides before the mine closed.

Now, those who rent the luxurious apartments will extract spectacular vistas looking south over panoramic rolling hills and natural surroundings toward the Bradshaw Mountains.

The six-building apartment complex at 1470 Lee Circle will house 100 apartment units, all of which have elevated views. Residents here will have almost immediate access to retail shopping and service centers, malls, schools and restaurants.

Dale Phillips, president of Stellar Residential, a Scottsdale-based management firm, and Tanner Bickelhaupt, founder and CEO of Tanbic Company, a Scottsdale-based development company, offered QCBN an exclusive tour.

They pointed out that the seven-acre apartment community will feature 48 one-bedroom, 720 square-foot units, and 48 two-bedroom, 1,070 square-foot units as rental options. In addition, four 1,240 square-foot carriage apartments with direct access garages are also available.

Lease rates vary from $1,200 to $2,730, depending upon views, amenities and first-, second- or third-floor locations. All apartments feature granite countertops, hardwood plank-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, eight-foot exterior window walls and private balconies, Phillips said. Covered parking is immediately accessible.

“What we’re really proud of is that just steps from each apartment are barbecue grills, porch-style swings, fire pits, designated reading and relaxation areas, a heated year-round swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a fully equipped fitness center. What’s more, Winfield is pet-friendly. On the east side of the development is a scenic pet play area,” Phillips said.

Phillips, who has been involved with more than 60 multi-family developments throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Flagstaff and Scottsdale, was emphatic that Winfield apartments were designed for spacious comfort for residents who want to experience a comfortable, low-stress, low-density living environment.

“There’s a pent-up demand from people who view home ownership a little differently,” added Bickelhaupt. “Our demographics are renters by choice, not because they have to rent. It has been our focus from day one to accommodate that lifestyle.”

Both men credit Jim and Linda Lee, longtime Prescott residents and developers, with having the vision to construct luxury apartments on Winfield at the Ranch. “Sixteen months ago, when we had the ground-breaking for Winfield, we heard people from throughout the community praise Jim and Linda for their never-ending commitment to the well-being of Prescott residents,” said Phillips.

He continued, “In that same spirit and love for Prescott, partners of Tanbic Company have committed to give up to $100,000 back to the local community. During the last year, five local non-profits were selected to participate. When each of the 100 units gets its first new resident who signs the lease, $700 per apartment unit will be contributed to one of the five charities the resident selects. The next year, if the same resident decides to donate again to the selected charity, that donation will be matched up to an additional $300.”

Bickelhaupt explained, “You can’t create a community without becoming a part of that community. Whether our residents are local or moving in from another area, we believe this is a great way to engage them in what is important to the community at hand.”

Phillips agreed. “What’s especially gratifying to us is setting new standards, and Winfield is well on the way. Winfield is a winner for the community.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about Winfield at the Ranch, call 928-449-3085 or visit winfieldranch.com.

New SANA Hospital Fills Community Medical Needs

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Saying everyone in the community will benefit from the opening of a state-of-the art hospital, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli welcomed executives, administrators, healthcare professionals, elected officials, staff personnel and residents at the grand opening of SANA Behavioral Hospital during afternoon ceremonies on Dec. 9.

The parking lot was crowded as visitors toured the 15,378-square-foot, one-story, recently constructed medical facility, estimated to cost between $9 million and $10 million.

SANA Hospital Administrator Pamela K. Pierce introduced Kirk Olsen, principal and owner of ERH Healthcare, a Salt Lake City-based hospital development company that manages SANA hospitals.

Olsen said the decision to build SANA in Prescott was based on extensive research about medical needs of the broader community.

Pierce told the crowd that official occupancy will begin when the Arizona Department of Health Services Medical Licensing unit surveys the hospital and licenses it as a “Specialty Hospital in Geriatric Psychiatry.” That was expected to occur at the end of December, she said.

The hospital will focus on providing acute integrated in-patient psychiatric and medical care to adults age 65 and above on Medicare, and 55 and above with additional contractors as they add SANA to the provider networks.

In an exclusive interview with Quad Cities Business News, Pierce, a highly credentialed behavioral health leader with more than 30 years of experience, described the 24-bed hospital with 14 bedrooms as a privately held facility. “Our hospital will provide a healing environment where patients feel safe and well-cared for. We will provide care that equally addresses a person’s emotional and physical well-being. To do this, we have a team of dedicated and experienced health care professionals who have a commitment to quality care in serving the local community,” she said.

Pierce explained that primary emphasis will be on adults with Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans. She noted that SANA also will pursue contracts such as Tricare to provide services for veterans.

Particular focus will be directed toward care for patients with mental disorders that cause major disabilities in social, interpersonal, occupational and or educational functions that lead to dangerous or life-threatening situations. Such conditions can be addressed only within an acute in-patient setting, she explained.

“We will provide medically appropriate services to our patients who may need 24/7 oxygen, C-Paps or other medical care within our scope of service.” SANA also will have linkages with Yavapai Regional Medical Center to provide specialty services it does not have.

“I want to emphasize we will work with all patients to be certain they get the care they need, either with our hospital or with another hospital that accepts their insurance plan. I see SANA as valued added, not competition, in the medical community,” said Pierce.

The hospital will include a large patient activity area. It also will have several group rooms for educational and behavioral treatment experiences for patients, family members and caregivers, Pierce said.  Meals will be catered.

Professional Staff Will Number More Than 60

Pierce will be the lead SANA administrator. She introduced psychiatrist Dr. Omar Ruiloba and Dr. Elizabeth Caspian as co-medical directors.

Longtime local Prescott physician Dr. Sam Downey has accepted the position of associate medical director. “We have needed a hospital like this for a long, long time,” said Downey. “SANA will fill a major health need in our community. The professionals in this hospital will serve a serious community need.”

Among other professionals introduced were Director of Nursing Kim Kreiner; Director of Social Services Mary Ellen Hays, LCSW; Administrative Chief Sherlyne Hall; Quality Management Director Lynn Levine, Ph.D.; and Registered Pharmacist Paul Smith.

Other employees will include full-time and part-time positions in nursing, health service patient care technicians, pharmacy staff and housekeeping and janitorial personnel.

A History of Hospital Management

While the SANA hospital in Prescott is the first of the chain in Arizona, another is scheduled to open in Gilbert in late 2020. The Prescott hospital is being cited as a model for others. The organization has a history of owning, leasing and managing rural and medium size hospitals in several states.

Ryan Eggleston, another partner in the management company, commented that while the new building was in every sense “medically state-of-the-art,” it is what goes on within the walls of the building that makes the real difference for patients. He added that small and rural hospitals require a complex blend of strategic, operational and financial expectations to be successful. Eggleston has more than a decade of executive hospital leadership with hospitals in the western United States.

SANA Behavioral Hospital is located at 181 Whipple. For more about information, visit sanabehavioralhospital.com. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Final Days of Sears at Prescott Gateway Mall

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The countdown to closing the doors one last time is underway at the Gateway Mall Sears.

Officials from the management company, Transformco, in Chicago, selected the Prescott store as one of 51 Sears stores and 45 Kmart stores to be shut down after the first of the year.

It is anticipated that the retail space occupied by Sears will be shuttered in February. No plans have been announced for future occupancy of that space.

The Sears store in Prescott is the only one listed in Arizona to be closed, leaving only two anchor stores at the Gateway Mall – Dillard’s and JCPenney.

Liquidation sales began after Thanksgiving Day. Since then, the store has displayed banners and posters announcing “Store Closing” sales throughout the mall.

Sears has been at the Gateway Mall in Prescott for almost 18 years, since the mall opened in March 2002.

No specific date has been released as to when the store will close for good.

In the meantime, store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Gateway Property is Last of Sears or Kmart Stores in Quad Cities

During the past few years, the company owning Sears and Kmart closed several properties in the Central Arizona region. Prescott lost its Kmart store in 2008, when it then became a C-A-L Store at 1048 Willow Creek Road. Prescott Valley lost its Kmart Store in 2016. That building was converted to Pruitt’s Fine Furniture at 7550 Highway 69.

It was a bit more than a year ago when Transformco bought the Sears and Kmart conglomerate during a bankruptcy process. In November, Transformco announced it would close 96 more Sears and Kmart stores. Company management indicated it has faced a difficult retail environment.

During the past 15 years, more than 3,500 Sears and Kmart stores have closed, with a loss of more than 250,000 jobs. About 180 stores remain in the United States.

Founded in 1893 in Chicago by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck, the chain, then known as Sears-Roebuck, was at one time the biggest retailer in the United States. Originally founded as a mail-order catalog store, it expanded to cities and hamlets across America. The chain reached is pinnacle in the 1970s, when other retailers such as Home Depot, Best Buy and Walmart challenged that leadership. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Prescott Junction has New Owner

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The historic Prescott Junction Restaurant, one of the first businesses motorists encounter as they approach the downtown area, has a new owner as of mid-November.

Jim Cabral, who owns and operates five other eateries and catering services in the Quad Cities, bought the restaurant from Don and Nancy Burton, who had owned and operated Prescott Junction for more than a quarter of a century. Cabral has been in the Prescott area for 35 years, after having come here from his home state of Rhode Island.

Cabral says nothing significant will change at the popular restaurant located near where highways 69 and 89 merge on the east side of Prescott. The menu will remain essentially the same. Cabral hopes the staff, some of whom have been employed at the restaurant for 20 years, will remain as well.

“We’ll keep the same American-style menu that has been so successful in attracting returning and new customers,” he said.

Considered one of the best locations in town at the gateway to Prescott, the restaurant has abundant free parking and positive reviews. TripAdvisor calls it “one of the top 20 of the more than 150 restaurants and cafes in the greater Prescott area.”

In July, Cabral was named “Business Leader of the Year” by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce during its annual awards event.

Former owners Don and Nancy Burton say they now plan to retire and spend time with family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also plan to travel.

“We’re proud of all we’ve achieved, but it’s time to try something else,” Burton said.  “What we’ll miss is seeing the many regulars. Some have been coming ever since we bought the business.”

Married for 47 years, the Burtons have been involved in the restaurant business for most of their adult lives. Prior to moving to Prescott, Burton had been a vice president with the national JB’s Restaurant chain, which involved his traveling the country to evaluate the company’s four operating regions.

That led him to find the restaurant in Prescott, labeled JB’s. The name changed to Prescott Junction in 2007-2008, when the Burtons decided they wanted to shift the JB’s menu emphasis to something that had more appeal to local tastes.

One thing that did not change was the “Wall of Fame” of autographed photographs of celebrities who had dined at the restaurant.

The Burtons are happy they and the Prescott Junction, located at 1121 E. Sheldon Street, have had a role in the city’s history. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Visitors Charmed by Arizona’s Christmas City

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Winter visitors and skiers will be pleased to hear that more seats are available on flights to Denver this Christmas season. Moreover, a new non-stop flight will be added between Prescott and Denver beginning March 5.

That doubles the number of Denver departures daily from Prescott Regional Airport (PRC).The additional flight will operate through June 2020.

Data released by the City of Prescott and the Arizona Office of Tourism reveal the Quad Cities area is becoming a favored destination among national and international visitors. Moderate climate, an abundance of recreational activities, accommodations and a variety of food and entertainment options have resulted in an increase in visitors.

That’s certainly true during the next few weeks, when “Arizona’s Christmas City” receives statewide and regional attention because of holiday events.

Not long ago, USA Today ranked Prescott as a “must-see” community in Arizona, especially during the Christmas season.

The “Christmas City” designation goes back to 1962, when then Governor Paul Fannin named Prescott as Christmas Town. In 1989, the late Governor Rose Mofford issued an official proclamation, calling it Arizona’s Christmas City.

 

Holiday Events Have Begun

One holiday event that has become famous internationally is the 27th annual Gingerbread Village in the lobby of the Prescott Resort. It opened Nov. 25, and will run through New Year’s Day. It is known as the largest gingerbread village in the world. The carefully crafted, often whimsical displays are created from not just gingerbread but also shredded wheat, crackers, gumdrops, mints, licorice and chocolate chips.

The popular Valley of Lights display in Prescott Valley began during theThanksgiving weekend and continues through Dec. 30.

Prescott Valley has a Festival of Lights and Parade beginning at 5 p.m., Dec. 6, around the Prescott Valley Civic Center.

With the theme “Ugly Sweater Christmas,” the Prescott Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring one of the state’s most popular parades at 1 p.m., Dec. 7. Entries will include bands and marchers from throughout Arizona.

That evening, thousands are expected around the courthouse plaza for the 65th annual Courthouse Lighting at 5 p.m. Earlier in November, the annual fundraiser at the Jersey Lilly Saloon raised more than $18,000 to help cover some of the costs of the estimated $85,000 it takes to string lights around the Courthouse.

That same evening, Sharlot Hall Museum is featuring Frontier Christmas exhibits.

On Dec. 8, those who enjoy traditional holiday and Christmas music can hear the Prescott Pops Symphony in a 3 p.m. concert at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 13, the ever-popular Acker Night Showcase will feature more than 100 musicians performing throughout the greater downtown Prescott area.

At 6 p.m., Dec. 14, Chino Valley will turn on Christmas lights at Memory Park and feature Santa greeting children.

Those who enjoy the traditional “Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky can hear it at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m., Dec. 15.

Kids interested in decorating cookies are invited to the Dec. 18 Cookie Decorating event at 1:30 p.m. at the Prescott Public Library on Goodwin Street.

Those who enjoy dance music can hear a variety of groups at 7 p.m., Dec. 20, when the Yavapai College Jazz Band, the Roughriders and the Trailblazers, perform for a scholarship fundraiser at the concert hall.

For ringing in the New Year, Prescott offers the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop. An illuminated giant cowboy boot will drop at 10 p.m. and again at midnight, with festivities from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

For more information, visit-prescott.com/Christmas. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Granite Dells Estates Grand Opening Attracts Hundreds

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“If we charged for the views, some people couldn’t afford these lots,” one real estate broker said while waving his hand in a sweeping arc toward the horizon. He was talking to several potential homebuyers during the grand opening kickoff event of Phase Two, Granite Dells Estates.

Granite Dells’ owner and founder Mike Fann, president of Fann Contracting, said he was pleased to see Phase Two begin. It was only four years ago that he opened Phase One on the 1,100-acre, multi-million dollar development during the summer of 2015. Since then, it has grown beyond his expectations.

Hundreds of interested buyers drove to the subdivision located just a few hundred yards south of the Granite Dells Parkway off Highway 89A on the northeast edge of Prescott. During the day-long event Sept. 14, they had a chance to tour all three neighborhoods: Sunset Ridge, a private gated community with 12 two-acre or larger lots for custom and semi-custom homes; The Peaks, which features 60 custom home sites of up to 1.4 acres; and The Vistas, that contain 83 custom lots, with views in virtually every direction.

All homes have access to the just-opened Granite Dells Clubhouse, located at 5520 Crown Rock Trail. The 4,500-square-foot contemporary design building features a full fitness center and state-of-the art gym equipped with sophisticated training equipment, said Kerry Hunt, the HOAMCO community association manager.

Hunt explained the clubhouse also has locker rooms with towel service, a heated outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool and spa (which will operate seasonally), two pickleball courts, an event lawn and a fire pit for gatherings.

All homes have underground utility infrastructure. City water, sewer and garbage collection, natural gas, electricity are all available. So is fiber optic service for cable TV and internet, telephone and other electronic communications systems.

A recently constructed nearby 3.25 million-gallon water tank serves not just the Granite Dells area but also adjacent land both north and south of Highway 89A.

Several Builders Represented On Site Interested homebuyers can choose from models available from Dorn Homes and Mandalay Homes. Both builders have model homes open and sales representatives on site in Phase Two.

Dorm Homes has five available floorplans starting in the high $300,000s. Dorn representatives say their homes are “Organic Home Plus” healthy and extremely energy efficient.

Mandalay Homes has four models open and six available floorplans starting in the mid$300,000s. The ION Series energy-efficient homes received a U.S. Department of Energy Housing Innovation Award. Additionally, among custom home builders are Carrington Homes, Stoddard Lifestyle Homes, Bella Construction and BSN Builders. All have representatives available to meet with interested buyers.

Anita Morgan-Reese, an administrative assistant with HOAMCO, has an office in the clubhouse. She and her assistant, Michelle Passmore, are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, to meet those interested.
They also can be reached at 928-350-8146.

Custom home sites also are available from the New Home Marketplace and its representatives at Realty Executives, 113 W. Goodwin Street in downtown Prescott. They can be reached at 928-308-2211.

Prioritizing Natural Environment and Open Space Fann, who has lived in Prescott more than 60 years, reemphasized what he said when he first purchased the land for future home development.

“We are intent on making the Dells a premier residential area that offers owners a healthy and environmentally sustainable lifestyle.” Fann said that housing developments will follow the natural contours of the terrain, and that dedicated open space is a priority. He noted that the platting of the community provided for almost 300 acres of open space.

Hiking trails and wildlife corridors will link to other trails along the historic Peavine Trail, which is near Watson Lake and the long-abandoned railroad bed. Other trails will tie into the popular Iron King Trail that heads east toward Prescott Valley.

Fann emphasized that he wanted Phase Two to fuse ecological and environmental features with attractive, practical and professionally designed and engineered homes that would make homeowners proud.

“The Dells will be a dream community located in a wondrous natural setting for nature lovers and discerning homeowners,” a Fann spokesperson said. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, visit LifeAtTheDells.com.

ADOT Announces Plans to Widen I-17 North of Phoenix

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It will take about two years to start construction on the $320 million project to widen 23 miles of Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and the Sunset Point Rest Area, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. A portion of the project is to include eight miles of flex lanes between Black Canyon City and the Sunset Point, at a cost of $95.5 million.
ADOT says those eight miles will be constructed beside the existing southbound lanes, separated by concrete barriers. They will run, depending on the day, with the major traffic flow — either north or south.
“Safety is our top priority,” said ADOT Spokesperson Doug Nintzel. “There will be a safety gate system at both ends of the direction of travel.”
He said the project team will design and install appropriate signage for all drivers to see as they approach the area where the flex lanes are in operation.
The project is being designed to keep traffic moving along safely on a day-to-day basis, but when there is an incident like a crash, which closes the highway, the flex lanes can be used to divert traffic around it.
“At present, there is no timely, reasonable alternative to I-17,” said Nintzel.
The highway plan is good news for the 40,000 daily commuters and the 55,000 to 65,000 weekend travelers.
“This is exciting news for Arizona and our growing economy,” said Governor Doug Ducey in a news release. “Arizona’s fiscally conservative, balanced budget made a significant investment in our state’s infrastructure. This additional funding will expand Interstate 17 in a critical commerce corridor, helping to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and increase public safety.”
Motorists have long complained about I-17 north of Phoenix because of traffic congestion and the lack of an alternative route.
The project is funded by ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration. Ben Peterson of the governor’s communications office said construction will take place in different stages because of the mountainous stretch of road involved and is expected to be completed in 2023.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, this round of the Infrastructure Rebuilding America discretionary grant program is making available between $855 and $902.5 million for projects that help rebuild the country’s infrastructure. FBN

 

By Patty McCormac, QCBN

Wildlife Park Attracting Record Crowds

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Out of Africa Wildlife Park has become a favorite year-round visitor destination in Arizona’s central highlands.

Ever-increasing visitation at the spacious 200-plus acre attraction will likely reach more than 150,000 guests this year, said Ashton Powell, public relations director for Out of Africa (OOA). Located just west of Camp Verde off I-17, it makes a great day trip for folks from the Quad Cities area – about 45 minutes by road. The same is true for those driving south from Flagstaff, and slightly longer for those coming from the Valley of the Sun.

Powell says guests are not only Arizona residents. “We track carefully where our visitors originate from. While about 65 percent are from the Phoenix area, the rest are coming from across the United States and from Europe, Asia and the other continents,” Powell said. She noted that North-Central Arizona has several attractions that bring visitors to the area and provide great benefits to the economic development of the overall region.

Many visitors pay for lodging and meals in adjacent communities such as Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Sedona.

Steven Tillen and his family, from Brooklyn, New York, said visiting the park equaled anything they had ever seen on the East Coast.

Another couple, Jessica and Zachary Wagner, who recently relocated to Gilbert from Cody, Wyoming, said their visit to OOA was a special occasion, “an extraordinary experience we will not forget.”

 

It’s Not a Zoo

Dean Harrison and his wife, Prayeri, are the founder-owners of OOA. “This is not a zoo. Instead, you’ll see exotic animals from around the world roaming in spacious habitats similar to that which was native to their species. They are not confined in small cages and enclosures. Instead, they are in expansive fenced natural settings that could have come from their homelands. We wanted a non-traditional, genuinely natural kind of environment that would let the animals live naturally.”

Moreover, the animals are not just from Africa. They represent wildlife from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and Central America.

Harrison is animated when he describes the animals at OOA. As he drives visitors around in an open-air safari vehicle, he stops frequently to talk about the wildlife wandering about in natural habitats.

The native Arizonan detailed his philosophy about creating a relationship with wild animals in his book, “Return to Eden.”

OOA has grown considerably since it was relocated in 2005 from its original 104 acres in Fountain Hills to the rough terrain of the Mingus Mountain foothills. Doubling the space allowed the Harrisons to add more animals, totaling more than 300 at the park now.

Popular attractions are lions, tigers, leopards, giraffes, zebras, a camel and rhinoceros. African hoof stock such as eland, nilgai, water buffalo, horned oryx and watusi cattle are up close to tour vehicles as they bump along.

OOA has a permanent staff of about 50 people who handle all aspects of park operations and maintenance.

 

Special Shows Offer Wildlife Variety

In addition to the regular admission, an African Bush Safari and several special shows are offered. These include Creature Feature, Tiger Splash, Giant Snake Show, Predator Feed and Wonders of Wildlife. They also offer add-ons such as the sloth encounter, feed-a-tiger and the Predator Zip Line Tour.

OOA is open daily from 9:30 a.m.to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The wildlife park is handicap accessible, and courtesy park shuttles run continuously from opening until 4 p.m. Parking is free.

The busiest time of year is March and April, although Powell says other months are catching up as word continues to spread. QCBN

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about Out of Africa, visit outofafricapark.com or call 928-567-2840.

Flying High

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Leonardo Da Vinci was quoted as saying, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skywards.” Holding one of the highest pilot certifications, Craig Sanderson spread his wings upward to serve as director of operations for Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines and mayor of the small but bustling town of Tusayan.

Sanderson acquired the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at 28 years old. It is one of the most advanced certifications a pilot can obtain and necessary for any pilot wanting to fly commercial airliners, which was Sanderson’s intention. However, he had a change of plans.

“I learned early on that flying commercial airlines was not my cup of tea,” said Sanderson, who flew commercial airline flights for more than a year. “I’d rather fly over beautiful areas such as Lake Powell, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.” So, that is what he did. “My first job was flying scenic flights for Skywest Airlines based out of Page. The sights are so amazing and I loved sharing that view with people.”

Sanderson spent the first three years of his life in Page, and that is where he met his wife, Sheila, and raised their three children. They currently have five grandchildren. They made their move to Tusayan in 2002 where he began working for Grand Canyon Airlines.

“Craig has a passion for the Grand Canyon and does an outstanding job,” said GCSA President Jake Tomlin. “We’re so pleased to have him on our team, since tourism and hospitality runs in his family.”

Indeed, Sanderson’s love for sharing beautiful sights was inherited from his father, Bill Sanderson, who, along with his brothers, started one of the first river running companies in Page, Sanderson River Expeditions.

“The Bureau of Reclamation was looking to build three dams on the Colorado River and they asked my uncles to take them down the river. After the river trip, the Bureau of Reclamation gave a couple of Army surplus rafts to the family and the river running business started from there.” The company was sold in the 70s and is currently owned by Aramark, running as Wilderness River Expeditions.

“I never wanted to get into politics, never saw myself as a politician, but about six years ago, there was a recall election and the mayor at the time approached me and said, ‘Hey, you need to run for council.’ I said, ‘No way, you’re crazy, that’s not me.’ So, he told me about the town and why we need housing here and how people struggle.”

Sanderson served as council member, vice-mayor and, finally, mayor.

In 2016, Sanderson was Tusayan’s first directly elected mayor. His primary goal is to improve the quality of life for the people who live in Tusayan and to enhance the experience of the more than six million visitors who pass through the community to the Grand Canyon.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mayor Craig Sanderson to advance and improve the Town Court in Tusayan,” said Judge Rob Krombeem, Justice of the Peace, Williams Justice Court. “Mayor Sanderson brings the type of forward-thinking, collaborative leadership that more communities need, particularly in these times of fiscal and other community challenges. He leads by example with a servant’s heart and I appreciate how he puts faith and family at the forefront of his priorities.”

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

“Peacemaker: having the personality to diffuse volatile situations and to help others reach a middle-ground compromise.”

What’s your favorite thing to do when not working?

“Our family loves boating and swimming, especially at Lake Powell. At my job, I can’t call it work when I get to fly and experience the beauty and awesomeness of this amazing place I have the privilege to call home.”

Where do you like to travel?

Lake Powell and Grand Canyon are my top two.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines?

“Over my long career, I’ve contributed to the success of about a thousand pilots who began their careers working with and for me. Most of these pilots are now flying with a major airline.”

What is the prettiest sight you’ve seen from an airplane? 

“Wow! With over 20,000 flight hours, mostly over the national parks, I see beautiful sights every day. The most incredible are the ones that only last a few minutes. Grand Canyon and Lake Powell are beautiful on any day, but the right combination of sunlight, thundershowers and/or clouds can turn incredible into unbelievable. FBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN