Social Distancing Reminds us Prescott Valley has Wonderful Outdoor Opportunities

by Kell Palguta, Mayor, Town of Prescott Valley
Greetings everyone. I hope this edition of Prescott Living finds you healthy and in good spirits. It is no secret the last few months not only have been stressful, but they have had a direct impact on how we live our lives. 
Prescott Valley has numerous reasons to visit, ranging from our amazing restaurants to our 5,400-seat Findlay Toyota Event Center. We are looking forward to having all these businesses open and thriving again. However, COVID-19 gave everyone a different perspective on how to enjoy their community out of necessity for social distancing. For those not familiar with Prescott Valley and all the great outdoor activities available, I will share with you a few of my favorites.
If you are interested in hiking a trail that results in one of the best views of Northern Arizona, I suggest you try the Glassford Hill Summit Trail. This trail winds all the way up to the top of Glassford Hill, traversing 940 feet in 2.1 miles from the base. 
As a reward for your efforts you will be treated to endless views to the north and east and on most days can see clear to Flagstaff. Feel free to bring your family as well as your four-legged family members, leashed of course, on this little adventure.
If hiking is not necessarily your forte, I invite you to take a trip to Fain Lake where you can experience the calming sounds and environment a lake brings to one’s life. Fain Lake is stocked with fish on a quarterly basis and is a great place to enjoy some fishing. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake to see authentic mining equipment used back in the days when miners and settlers searching for riches and fortune traveled to the banks of Lynx Creek to mine for gold. 
If fishing and relaxing is what you desire, be sure to take a trip down to the Urban Forest on Lakeshore Drive. This area, part of Mountain Valley Park, will give you the opportunity to choose from two separate 2-acre lakes that are also regularly stocked by Arizona Game and Fish. This unique opportunity gives you a chance to get out and try your hand at fishing while enjoying the fresh air. 
Fain Park, the Urban Forest lakes and Prescott Valley’s many other parks, 28 in total, are great places to watch birds. The Urban Forest area and Fain Lake — with trees, water and other habitats — offer views of migrating and native birds, ducks and other wildlife. With surrounding areas designated Important Birding Areas, Prescott Valley sees many unique and colorful birds and waterfowl as they migrate through in spring and fall. 
Finally, be sure to check the Town of Prescott Valley website (www.pvaz.net) and look for the events calendar, which constantly is updated. Prescott Valley is home to an outdoor stage with amphitheater-style seating outside the Civic Center, which in the past has hosted a variety of musical events as well as Movies Under the Stars, which is always popular for all ages.
Whatever the reason, the Prescott Valley area offers wonderful outdoor opportunities. We hope to see you out in our community sometime soon.