Courtesy of the City of Prescott
by Ray Newton
Long-awaited improvements along what is commonly known as the Granite Creek Corridor, which runs through the heart of Prescott, have received “go-aheads” from various planning committees and the Prescott City Council.
Some of these improvements will begin this fall — October or November, Community Outreach Manager John Heiney said.
Heiney said the City grant proposal for outside funds was not filed by the 2021 deadline, but has been accepted for fiscal year 2022-2023.
In addition, because of $5.9 million received by the City from federal COVID recovery funds, the City now can support additional recreation expansion projects.
Among those projects is construction of a $1-million pavilion and community meeting area west of Granite Creek, across from the splash pad that opened last year near the Hilton Garden Inn. That same project would include a grassy area where small mid-week farmers markets and other activities can be staged.
Plans also include an estimated 100 more parking spaces in cooperation with the Hilton Garden Inn, said City Recreation Service Director Joe Baynes.
In March, the City Council approved a separate proposal for the Granite Creek Greenways Trail, which will include signage, improved lighting and public accessibility.
Consultant Leslie Dorn from PLAN-et Communities, a Phoenix-based consulting firm, told the council it was wise in leveraging the substantial investment being made in the Granite Creek corridor.
