Prescott council leans toward keeping West Granite Creek Park natural, seeks limited drop-off and off-site parking options

Prescott City Council members on Feb. 11 discussed competing proposals for parking and restoration at West Granite Creek Park and signaled a preference for preserving the site’s riparian, “natural open space” character while identifying limited, near-term parking accommodations.

The council convened a study session and site visit after a staff presentation by Deputy City Manager Michael Morris. Morris summarized the site history — including prior manufactured gas plant contamination, remediation funded in part by APS, a 2000s master plan, and a 2021 development agreement that placed a splash pad on the site — and presented five potential paths forward ranging from making no changes to building a formal 41‑space paved lot. Morris told the council there is currently no funding allocated for park improvements and that a proposed parking project had been discussed for the FY2026 CIP but had no committed budget.

Why it matters: public commenters and several councilmembers said the park is a rare riparian greenway in Arizona and urged the city to avoid permanent paving or large tree removal. At the same time, families and older residents told the council they need safer, closer access to the splash pad, and staff noted existing informal parking has created safety and access concerns.

Council and staff described three recurring concerns among users: the environmental impacts of a paved lot; parents and seniors needing close, accessible parking for the splash pad; and safety/quality‑of‑life issues tied to informal overnight camping…