Prescott Council considers charter amendment for Granite Dells open space protection

The Prescott City Council convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding open space protection and the potential inclusion of a charter amendment on the upcoming election ballot. The meeting featured passionate public comments advocating for the preservation of natural spaces, particularly in the Granite Dells and West Granite Creek Park.

The session began with a focus on the importance of establishing a permanent protection system for open spaces in Prescott. A speaker highlighted the progress made over the past two decades, noting the transformation from a council that was initially unsupportive of open space initiatives to one that now recognizes their ecological and community value. The speaker urged the council to take the final step in securing permanent protection for these areas and proposed the formation of an open space commission to ensure ongoing oversight.

Joanne Ollers, representing Save the Dells, emphasized the community's engagement in the process and the necessity of protecting Prescott's natural lands, which she described as integral to the city's identity and prosperity. She called for the council to finalize the charter amendment to safeguard these spaces.

Truly Bracken echoed these sentiments, expressing hope that the council would find a way to include West Granite Creek Park in the charter amendment language. She acknowledged the efforts of local groups working on park restoration and urged the council to act promptly to ensure the park's protection.

Jim Knapp, a local businessman, supported the charter amendment, highlighting the recent improvements made to the Granite Creek Corridor and the importance of connecting it with West Granite Creek Park. He advocated for the inclusion of this park in the charter amendment to enhance the community's recreational assets.

Dottie Morris, president of the Granite Dells Preservation Foundation, thanked the council for their hard work and stressed the importance of allowing voters to decide on the charter amendment. She urged the council to put the proposal on the ballot, regardless of differing opinions on its content.

Sue Knapp, from the West Granite Creek Park Restoration Coalition, presented concerns about the omission of certain parcels from the proposed charter amendment. She warned that leaving these parcels unprotected could invite development and compromise the park's integrity. Knapp urged the council to amend the language to include these areas, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to act decisively in protecting Prescott's open spaces. Several speakers expressed their commitment to supporting the charter amendment and the restoration efforts for West Granite Creek Park. The council's decision on whether to advance the charter amendment for the August ballot remains a pivotal point for the community's future in preserving its natural heritage.