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Parks & Recreation outlines priorities: amphitheater investments, Fort Tuthill improvements and county fair costs
Summary
Coconino County Parks & Recreation requested one‑time capital and operational investments to support amphitheater upgrades, Fort Tuthill safety and infrastructure projects, campground improvements and fairground rehabilitation as part of the FY26 budget planning.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation presented highlights of the department’s 2024 accomplishments and a set of FY26 budget priorities on Tuesday, emphasizing maintenance, public events and capital needs at Fort Tuthill County Park.
Department leaders told the Board of Supervisors they recommended a package of manager‑proposed funds including $500,000 in one‑time capital allocated to a five‑year amphitheater investment program and roughly $330,000 for special event capital projects. The department also requested a one‑time allocation of about $600,000 for Fort Tuthill park safety work and follow‑up funds for campground, restroom, and sewer improvements tied to longer‑term utility projects. The county fair fund also includes one‑time rehabilitation dollars for historic buildings and recurring support for security overtime.
Parks staff outlined 2024 accomplishments — reopening the bookmobile service, expanded programming across affiliate branches, a new grand entrance at the county fair, waste diversion at the fair, and a new wildlife drinker and trail planning work at natural areas. Staff described partnerships with the City of Flagstaff, the Forest Service, Arizona Game and Fish, NAU and local nonprofits and volunteers; the Friends of Coconino County Parks won a grant to add picnic areas and interpretive elements at Fort Tuthill.
Supervisors pressed staff on revenue and operations: the parks department emphasized the cost pressures of utilities, the Highlands Fire contract, and CDL training for staff. Leaders discussed revenue opportunities from the Pepsi Amphitheater (more shows, larger audiences require added restrooms and lighting), the possibility of a permanent facility for North Pole Experience, and campground upgrades with a private operator (Explore Us). Staff said most capital for parks has been funded by public‑private partnerships and urged continued partnership development.
Board members asked for periodic updates and emphasized the need to protect Fort Tuthill from surrounding development, preserve open space and consider strategic land acquisitions and buffer zones. No final appropriations were made; supervisors directed staff to include the recommended items in the FY26 budget process and to return with further details on partnerships and capital phasing.
