The Town of Prescott Valley is developing a conceptual design for a 24-mile multiuse trail to loop around the city to give residents and visitors more chances to live an active lifestyle and travel throughout the community, a potential to spur economic development and reduce pollution.
Paved shared-use paths, bike surface lanes, soft-surface trails, horseback trails and river and creek bank trails would be shaped into a bike, pedestrian and equestrian corridor connecting parks, neighborhoods and commercial areas, connecting the edge of Mortimer Farms to the base of Glassford Hill, according to the Town’s website.
Prescott Valley’s landmarks, history and culture would be highlighted through signs, public art displays and other enhancements.
The “lasso” concept was presented to the Town Council at a March meeting where Town Manager Gilbert Davidson said, “This is obviously a major investment and wouldn’t be done overnight, but this is a way toward beginning to think about what we could do to transform this community,” particularly with bridges or tunnels for pedestrian connections across state Route 69.
Town planners said they’d been studying similar trails from Tucson to Kentucky that have become assets to their areas. Safe pedestrian routes are increasingly in demand from residents and homebuyers around the country and could be a tool for attracting employers and raising property values.
Other potential amenities along the route include a dog park, horse corrals, ramadas and picnic areas, bike repair stations, connections to existing trails and larger gathering spots including event venues, amphitheaters or a “summer slide” attraction on Glassford Hill.
Public outreach while it’s designed will influence the end result.
The concept is in its early stages and challenges exist, officials said, including property acquisition, maintenance and pursuing grant funding across a number of years, but the benefits could be significant. No cost estimates were provided.
“I love this, it’s such a great idea, so fantastic,” said Councilwoman April Hepperle. “I know it’s very much at the vision stage right now.”
