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Commissioners hear updates on trails, grants, interns and upcoming joint budget vote
Summary
Staff outlined maintenance and project work for 2026 including McMillan Mesa trail rehab (first BBB-funded CIP), signage and weed-management grants, Don Beaver Trail historic-review steps, staffing via NAU/AmeriCorps interns, and upcoming joint Parks & Recreation meeting to approve the BBB recreation plan including open space's $400,000 annual allocation.
Staff provided a series of updates on open-space projects, grant efforts, staffing support and upcoming events.
Staff said the city will begin its first BBB-funded CIP project for open space this fiscal year: McMillan Mesa Trail Rehabilitation. The department is pursuing grant matches so BBB funds can stretch further and is also researching ADA upgrades similar to prior Buffalo Park work.
Signage work is underway: staff ordered "no camping" signs for McMillan Mesa and is pursuing state grant funding for kiosk and interpretive signage across natural areas. They also identified an Arizona State Parks motorized grant the city could pursue to fund restoration work, fencing and signage to address unauthorized vehicle travel.
On cultural and regulatory steps, the Don Beaver Trail submittal is being prepared for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO); after SHPO review and two Arizona State Parks board reviews the alignment will return to the commission.
Staff discussed education and staffing: Ashley Plinney leads curriculum work funded through a grant that runs through July/August 2026; staff is exploring retention options for the position and has prepared several lesson plans and educational trunk materials funded by an Arizona Game and Fish grant. NAU interns and AmeriCorps members (including George Wilson and Ariel) will assist with a trail assessment to prioritize repairs.
Event and outreach items announced include a full-moon hike at Buffalo Park, programming for Arizona Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Month on March 28 at Picture Canyon, Trail Day events in late April, and planned weed-pulls in May.
Finally, staff said the semiannual joint meeting with Parks & Recreation will focus on approving the proposed BBB recreation five-year plan; open space's portion includes an annual allocation of $400,000 that the commission must approve before the package goes to City Council in April.
The commission did not take formal policy action beyond approving meeting minutes and electing officers; staff agreed to circulate links to example master plans and compile a list of starter questions for commissioners to review before the consultant-led process begins.
