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Home FUN

ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE WITH MAN’S BEST FRIEND

October 10, 2018
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by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Services Coordinator, Prescott Parks and Recreation

A quick walk around Prescott’s Downtown Courthouse Plaza and it is evident that the city is definitely a pet-friendly community.

This is not unique to Prescott, as there are reportedly 78.2 million dogs in 46.3 million households in the United States.

Given how dogs are often considered members of the family, a need to allow them off-leash in safe, designated areas, has resulted in substantial growth among dog parks. Designated dog parks allow socialization between dogs and humans, as well as developing agility while providing exercise for dogs.

Looking at the concept of dog parks, they are the result of the animal-rights movement of the 1980’s, when the first leash laws were enacted.

While there are no federal leash laws, local governments enact leash laws in various forms. In response to such leash laws, animal rights activists based their efforts on the need for designated open space in which their dogs could reduce possible destructive behaviors and boredom, and release energy, all while in a safe environment. 

Research supports that dog parks lead to decreased crime in neighborhoods. Additionally, they include socialization and exercise for the animals and growth in the sense of community. Drawbacks include a higher rate of potential aggression by the animals if not properly supervised, disease contraction and noise.

Prescott’s own Willow Creek Dog Park officially opened in January 2001. Expanding over approximately 3.4 acres, the original facility was leased by the City from Arizona Public Service. Many of the amenities available in the original park were from citizen-fundraising efforts to meet the growing demands of off-leash dog areas.

Recognizing a need for improvements to the bustling dog park, resident Linda Nichols and her furry companion Callie entered the park in the fourth annual Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest. Chosen as a finalist from over 1,000 entries, her design featuring a firefighter theme, which paid tribute to Prescott’s fallen 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots, was chosen as one of the 14 finalists. Beneful Dream Team judged the finalist’s video entries (70 percent of the total score) and the public was allowed to cast votes online (30 percent of the total score). In December 2013, Beneful announced Prescott as the recipient of a $500,000 renovation package.

Since the land the existing dog park occupied did not belong to the City of Prescott, alternate locations were discussed and ultimately APS generously donated a 2-acre parcel where the current park sits off Willow Creek Road.

Celebrity contractor Jason Cameron (DIY Network) and Arden Moore (pet expert) were in charge of renovations, including incorporating important perspectives from a dog’s point of view.

The team used many of Linda Nichol’s original design features still found in the park.

These include the red and yellow color scheme, fire hydrant features, an antique fire truck, agility tractor tires, and the front entrance inspired by the history of the Prescott Fire Department.

The park also has 20,000 feet of canine-friendly artificial turf called K-9 Grass, two shade structures and plenty of room for running.

With all of these fantastic improvements, national exposure from winning the contest, and general excitement amid dog owners the daily park visitation increased monumentally. While the park renovations came at minimal cost to the City, the number of staff dedicated to maintaining parks stayed the same. The Recreation Services Department quickly recognized the need for a volunteer group and began organizing interested park users into the Willow Creek Dog Park Volunteers that continue to carry the brunt of the workload necessary in keeping the park a pleasant destination for visitors.

Every Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. (except holidays), the park is closed for general use but open to volunteers who perform tasks such as restocking supplies, hosing off cement areas, pulling weeds, raking rock areas, applying enzyme spray essential in neutralizing odors,  as well as other various tasks.

The first Monday each month Parks Maintenance staff assists volunteers with larger projects, sometimes providing larger equipment, and the park is closed to dogs during this time.

Otherwise, volunteers can bring their dogs during maintenance periods. Randomly, additional maintenance tasks will arise and the dedicated volunteers have stepped up to ensure these are completed in the interest of all park users.

As with any special-use park, there are rules and etiquette that should be followed at all times.

The Willow Creek Dog Park is open to dogs over 4 months old, which are properly licensed, and have the required vaccinations. 

Park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day and 7 a.m. to sunset the remainder of the year.

The City of Prescott code Chapter 15 does include a leash requirement for domestic pets to be no longer than six feet. There is also a requirement for picking up after your pet. 

Urban areas that experience high volumes of dog walking within parks and on trails include: Acker Park, Granite Creek Park, Constellation Trail, the Peavine National Recreation Trail and others.

For more information about the Willow Creek Dog Park, volunteering and full list of rules visit prescott-az.gov/recreation-area/willow-creek-park-dog-park/

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One Stage Family Theatre has two performances of "Seussical Jr. - The Musical" on Saturday, August 13 at the Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center. Come out and support local live theatre!Tickets: ci.ovationtix.com/36609/production/1131456Follow Prescott NOW! for more local events.This moment. Witnessing moments like these backstage will never get old. The family within our cast we have created is so beautiful. Helping out a friend backstage holding her tail for her so it’s not stepped on is so awesome. (They did this by themselves) you have two more chances tomorrow to bare witness to the amazing cast of SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL JR. August 13th @ 1pm and 7pm ticket link is in bio/below: ci.ovationtix.com/36609/production/1131456#onestagefamilytheatre #localtheatre #arts #supportthearts #musicaltheatre #onestage #familytheatre #Seussicalthemusical #seussicaljr #childrenstheatre #youngperformers ... See MoreSee Less

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The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center is opening the 2022-23 cabaret series with a concert by Raul Midón on August 26 & 27. Here is today's announcement from YC.- - -Raul Midón Launches YCPAC Cabaret SeriesGrammy-nominated guitarist is the first of four intimate shows, August 26-27Prescott, Arizona (8/12/2022) – While many theaters open with splash and fury, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center’s star-studded ’22-23 season commences with an intimate encounter, an unforgettable artist, and a format that has become a local favorite. Be there when YCPAC brings its audience in close and cranks up the star power August 26 & 27, when Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Raul Midón launches the eighth season of its critically acclaimed Cabaret Series. “I began the Cabaret Series seven years ago and it has been my most favorite concert experience on our stage.” Dr. Craig Ralston, YC Performing Arts Director of Programming & Development, said. “We bring our audiences close to the artists in an intimate atmosphere that allows for a truly unique experience.”While some performers raise the roof, others – like Raul Midón – are best appreciated from a closer distance. A two-time Grammy nominee for Best Jazz Vocal Album (Bad Ass & Blind and If You Really Want), Midón was praised by the New York Times as “a one-man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus.” His flowing style and way with a lyric shine best in an intimate setting – and the Cabaret Series provides just that.By turning its 1,100-seat auditorium into a 120-seat Bistro, YCPAC invites Cabaret audiences to join the artist up onstage. Watching comfortably from tables with coffee, drinks or hors d’oeuvres, audiences can catch every chord and nuance of a truly remarkable performer. “Raul is a favorite of mine – an exceptional musician with an amazing life story.” Ralston said. “We oversold his show five years ago when he was last here. So, this year we are offering two performances.”Raul Midón is only one of four acts to enjoy the intimate setting and stellar acoustics of YCPAC’s Cabaret Series this season. On October 21, Cabaret audiences will gather again onstage to enjoy The Brian Chartrand Quartet. Favorites of the Phoenix club scene and the PAC’s own Concerts on the Green series, Brian Chartrand deftly blends soulful original songs with an extensive rock/folk set list that has captivated crowds everywhere from the Crescent Ballroom to Carnegie Hall.The Cabaret Series returns in 2023 with straight-ahead jazz saxophone from one of Harlem’s absolute best. Bill Saxton & the Harlem All-Stars unites the renowned sideman and Nick’s Jazz Club veteran with a select team of club circuit virtuosos on February 24, for an evening full of crackle and bounce that its audience won’t soon forget.YCPAC closes its Cabaret season May 5, with a heartfelt journey through Latin music with a soprano voice we’ve come to love. Sofrito & the Blues brings cherished Messiah soloist Carmen Cancél back to Prescott … this time as part of a Latin Quartet. Cancél joins guitarist Juancho Herrera, César Orozco on piano, and drummer Jainardo Batista – for a captivating odyssey through of Latin, jazz, and blues standards and beyond.Tickets for Raul Midón are $55 general admission, which includes seating at a table onstage, appetizers, desserts, coffee or tea and a cash bar. YCPAC’s Cabaret Season special – a 15% savings for patrons who purchase the entire four-show season – continues through August 27.The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center is located at 1100 E. Sheldon Street, in Prescott. The YCPAC Ticket Office is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For reservations or more information, please call: (928) 776.2000 or visit us online at: www.ycpac.com. ... See MoreSee Less

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