Board directs staff to study donated Verde Villages pond as potential county park

The Yavapai County Board on Nov. 19 unanimously authorized staff to investigate accepting a potential donation of a 4.2‑acre pond on Del Rio Drive in Verde Villages for possible conversion to a county park.

Brandon Schultz, Facilities Director, described the property and explained that the Verde Villages Property Owners Association (VVPOA) asked the county to consider taking responsibility for the pond because the association cannot afford the water or long‑term maintenance. "They’re potentially looking at having to purchase water to keep the pond full, which is cost prohibitive for them," Schultz said.

Supervisor Check, who brought the item forward, said she envisions the site becoming “District Three’s first Yavapai County Park,” but emphasized the need for detailed study. Board members asked staff to examine environmental concerns, the pond’s structural integrity, fish and waterfowl relocation, whether the pond should be decommissioned and filled, parking availability and liability. Lynn Whitman, Flood Control director, said she recommended draining and filling the pond because of structural integrity concerns but emphasized doing environmental and downstream‑safety analysis first.

Aslan Maldonado, president of the Verde Villages Property Owners Association, urged the county to accept the land: "A regional park would be an amazing addition to that area," he said, describing limited HOA resources to maintain the pond or a park.

County Manager Phil Burdon and other staff noted the effort would require preliminary site plans, environmental assessments (brownfield assessment already applied for), cost estimates and potential mitigation work. The Board’s direction authorizes staff to spend the necessary time to evaluate environmental remediation, ownership transfers, cost implications and public‑use options and to return with recommendations and estimates.

The Board approved action item #2 unanimously.