March 19, 2024 1:29 AM
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Positive Changes in Granite Creek Corridor

One of the true jewels of the Prescott area has always been the Granite Creek Corridor. It is a uniquely rural amenity in the heart of our urban downtown and provides an opportunity to connect areas of the community that haven’t been connected before. This area has sadly been forgotten and neglected for some time, but in recent years city staff have been working diligently to revitalize and enhance the corridor for the benefit of our citizens and visitors.

A master plan for the area has been approved and will include improvements to the trail along the creek, addition of lighting and other safety features, improved and additional access points, signage, and improved stormwater entry into the corridor. All of these improvements will allow for ease of access and improved aesthetics in the area. Recently Council approved staff’s submission of a $1 million grant application for the project to the Arizona Land & Water Conservation Fund, as well as the allocation of $520,000 from CARES Act funds toward completion of the project which is anticipated for the Spring of 2022. To get the project underway, Council will be reviewing qualifications for engineering and design services for implementation of the master plan with hopes of having the design completed by the time grant funding is awarded in July of this year.

To bookend this highly anticipated project the recent completion and soft opening of the Hilton Garden Inn marks the start of the renovation of another precious local treasure, the Sam Hill Warehouse. This renovation project has been in the works for quite some time and is currently underway, at its completion the venue will have approximately 5,000 square feet of indoor event space as well as a new patio for outdoor events. These renovations are also tying in the historic train trestle, which will bring these beloved corners of our historic community into the modern age while still preserving the celebrated significance of our past. Prescott was once the territorial capital of our beautiful state and I for one am thrilled to see the attention to detail and care being paid to these beautiful updates. Adjacent to the restored warehouse and new hotel, work also continues on the new splashpad and play area enhancing the south end of Granite Creek Park. In addition to the splashpad and play area, this portion of the Park will welcome back the Prescott Farmers Market upon completion in early summer.

The dedication of staff, joint work of local partners and community input over the last several years have made what will be a monumental project possible. The preservation of our past and enhancement of our future are coming together in a wonderful way in these areas and we look forward to what these projects will do for our community and downtown economic development. In conjunction with the Granite Creek Corridor, City Council and staff continue to work toward a master plan for the north Prescott area as well. All of these projects and plans will continue to aid our community with responsible, sustainable growth and tie together each of the diverse corners of Prescott.

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