Statistically valid survey backs Glassford Dells conceptual plan; council weighs preservation and funding

Consultants from The Planning Center presented a conceptual master plan for Glassford Dells Regional Park at the Prescott Valley study session on Nov. 6, describing a three‑gate concept (East Gateway active hub near Jasper Parkway, South Gateway trailhead/parking, and a summit passive viewing area) and a range of illustrative amenities including a ropes course, pump track, splash pad, playground, dog park and a potential 18‑hole disc golf course.

Daniel Bradshaw, principal landscape architect, framed the materials as visioning illustrations, not engineered designs, and emphasized connectivity to existing and proposed regional trails. Brian Underwood, principal planner, summarized outreach: an April study session, an open house of roughly 100 attendees, and a statistically valid survey conducted June–July that received nearly 1,900 responses.

Underwood said the survey suggested a large shift in potential usage: about half of respondents reported never visiting Glassford Hill; under the proposed concepts, that proportion would fall to roughly 15% of respondents. He reported area‑level approval rates of about 62% for the summit viewing area and about 79% for the East Gateway, and he said households with children showed strong support for active amenities (playground, splash pad, pump track).

Council discussion focused on funding and preservation. Councilmembers asked whether amenities would require town budget allocations or fees and whether elements like a ropes course would require a staffed operator. Staff (Bobby and consultants) said project funding would go through the annual budget process, that engineering and design costs would be targeted with grant pursuits, and that operations could be town‑run or provided via public‑private partnership with fees determined at a later phase. Bobby emphasized the plan remains conceptual: "This is our consultant giving us a high level vision of what this area could be," and he said any construction would be phased and subject to future council decisions.

Councilmembers also voiced concern for preserving Glassford Hill’s open‑space character; staff replied there has been no discussion of relocating amenities to Fain Park and reiterated that the plan aims to limit footprint and preserve scenic open space. Council suggested partnering with organizations such as the U of A Cooperative Extension and the Prescott Farmers Market for programming and grant opportunities; staff confirmed contact with Cooperative Extension.

No formal action or vote occurred. Staff outlined next steps: use the conceptual plan to pursue grant funding, include potential projects in future budgets, prepare engineering and design concept reports, and advance through phased design and construction over multiple years.