Coconino County Supervisors discuss Fort Tuthill Park and economic development strategies

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors held a special session on May 13, 2025, focusing on the fiscal year 2026 budget and various community initiatives. The meeting commenced with discussions on the importance of parks and public lands in the county, which is the second largest in the United States, covering 18,688 square miles.

Supervisor Horstman praised the efforts of the Friends of Coconino County Parks, highlighting their role in fundraising and community engagement. She suggested that the county could benefit from selling merchandise featuring "Coco the cow," a popular attraction at local parks, to generate additional revenue. Horstman emphasized the need for small parks across diverse areas of the county to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, particularly at Fort Tuthill County Park, which she described as a "gem."

Supervisor Fowler echoed Horstman's sentiments, expressing excitement about the potential return of a hospital near Fort Tuthill and the need to protect the park's integrity amidst development. He noted ongoing upgrades funded through partnerships and suggested reinvesting revenue from park activities back into Fort Tuthill to further enhance its offerings.

The discussion also touched on the significance of protecting natural areas like Rogers Lake and the importance of local observatories, which contribute to both regional and global scientific efforts. Fowler called for collaboration with partners to identify and address potential threats to these natural resources.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts to improve community resources and looked forward to updates on various projects, including the Frontiera property and Rogers Lake area. The session was adjourned with plans to reconvene shortly for further discussions with representatives from the city of Flagstaff.