Municipalities join forces to conserve more than 2000 acres of diverse Arizona landscape

Prescott Valley, Arizona collaborated with neighboring municipalities to purchase and preserve 2,284 acres of natural land, creating Glassford Dells Regional Park, as reported by Smart Cities Dive through insights from assistant town manager Skyler Barton.

This $6.25 million collaborative effort between Prescott Valley, Prescott city, Yavapai County, and Arizona state demonstrates how municipalities can work together to preserve natural spaces for future generations. The project protects wildlife habitat, including areas for beloved pronghorn antelope, while creating recreational opportunities just 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix temperatures.

• Multi-jurisdictional partnership secured $3.5 million in state funding through strategic intergovernmental agreements
• The preserved land will integrate with existing Granite Dells Park to create 4,100 acres of hiking and biking trails
• Community engagement processes are developing plans for botanical gardens, farmers markets, and dog parks
• The conservation effort earned a 2024 American City & County Crown Communities Award for municipal collaboration