Flagstaff names Rio de Flag bridge at Picture Canyon for community steward Jack Welch

The Flagstaff City Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution naming the bridge over the Rio de Flag at the Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the “Jack Welch Memorial Bridge,” honoring the late community advocate and longtime steward of Picture Canyon.

The naming request, brought to council through a citizen petition and referred to the Open Space Commission for review, was presented by Open Space staff and the petitioners’ representative, Karen Mellis Clark. Robert Wallace of the Open Space section introduced the item and explained the process staff followed with the Friends of Jack Welch.

The petitioners described Welch’s local history of stewardship — organizing walks, serving on the Open Space Commission and helping to mobilize community support to preserve Picture Canyon. Karen Mellis Clark told council the group had raised funds for a commemorative plaque and that a private group would manage procurement and installation in collaboration with open space staff.

Council members praised Welch’s local contributions and unanimously approved the resolution. “Jack connected so much of us and bridged so much for our community,” a petitioner told the council before the vote.

Practical details: Staff said the plaque procurement will be funded privately and the Friends of the Rio de Flag are holding the donations. The open spaces staff will coordinate installation and memorial signage according to city procedures for naming features on city‑managed preserves.

Next steps: Staff and the petitioners will finalize plaque design, procurement and installation logistics under the city’s naming policy and coordinate a dedication when work is complete.