Stay Safe by Playing Local

by Marnie Uhl, President/CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
As COVID-19 continues to impact our lives and we are being asked to stay at home, “social distance” and avoid large gatherings, I looked around Prescott Valley to find ways we can enjoy our community while keeping ourselves safe.
First on the list of recommendations is to wear a mask … yes, our new reality. Anytime you are unable to have the 6 feet of separation you should wear a mask, even outdoors. But for now, I want to share the fun things that can be done in Prescott Valley at little or no cost, with a mask or without.
Enjoy the sunshine and visit one of our many parks. Each one has its own personality and amenities, so if you like horseshoes you can go to George Anderson Park, if you are looking at playing pickleball then Santa Fe Station Park is for you. Want to hike trails and visit ruins and mining exhibits? Fain Park is your place.
Over at Mountain Valley Park there are the ballfields, soccer fields, a multiuse walking path, dog park and the Yavapai Lakes. The lakes are a great place to fish, feed the ducks and see many other species of wildlife. And our parks are free. So pack up the family, a picnic lunch, kite or Frisbee and enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors safely.
Friendly competition with the family can be done at In the Game Freedom Station’s mini-golf attraction. Test your skills at putting at this fun 18-hole course in the Entertainment District. Food and refreshments are available, and the cost is very reasonable for a family.
Take a hike. The Iron King Trail is a 14-mile trail of moderate difficulty, which starts at Santa Fe and Glassford Hill and goes through the Granite Dells. It connects with the Peavine Trail and ultimately ends at the Sundog Trail. The Glassford Hill Summit Trail is a bit more challenging at 4.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 944 feet. This trail can be accessed off Antelope Lane. Both trails are good for children and dogs, but we always recommend plenty of water and hiking in cooler weather.
Play ball at one of the many pickleball, tennis, basketball courts, golf courses or soccer and baseball fields. Yes, you can play safely and still get exercise as you unleash your inner athlete. And there is no charge to use the facilities, so you can play all you want.
Live the farm life at Mortimer Farms. Located at the junction of Highways 69 and 169, this is a working farm open to the public. The farm is open daily and has farm rides, special crop-picking areas, hayrides and a new attraction called “Life on the Farm,” an animatronics show featuring Grandma and Luke sharing about farm and ranching life. There is an admission charge, but it’s definitely enjoyable for the whole family.
With this year’s cancellations of activities and events, life has changed for all of us. However, in spite of everything we need to look around us to find the opportunities we have in our backyard to keep us and our families active, engaged and occupied and to keep us from becoming house hermits.
The Prescott Valley Chamber has many resources and information about things to do in and around our community, so visit us at our visitor center at 7120 E. Pav Way, Ste. 102 in Prescott Valley. And by the way, everything we have is free, even the coffee.