 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 16, 2008
This month,
Northern Arizona University
students finished a project to determine what a future park might look like in
the heart of Cornville on an 80-acre parcel of Coconino National Forest Land. In
cooperation with the Cornville Community Association (CCA), the NAU Recreation
Facilities class studied the site, conducted a public forum, presented a draft
concept design for discussion and comment; and then prepared a final concept
design. The students completed the project during the January to May term, with
presentations at CCA-sponsored community meetings in February, March and April.
Sixty to eighty people attended each meeting.
The concept design was developed, proposed, revised and finalized on the basis
of local public ideas and concerns. The final NAU report was received June 5.
"We are pleased with the results of the study", said Deanna King, Cornville
Community Association President. "The process involved a large number of
interested residents; and the resulting design includes the elements that are
most desired by the community." King added that the report will now be a helpful
tool for continued discussions with Yavapai County and the Forest Service
relating to land acquisition and park planning.
On Feb. 13, NAU students received many ideas from six focus groups. Next, they
compiled and presented the data, along with a proposed concept design, on March
12. The proposal included a trail system, picnic shelters, playground, sports
fields, and a community center near the northwest corner of the National Forest
parcel, north of Cornville Road and west of Aspaas Road. The design aroused
considerable discussion; and the students distributed maps and comment forms,
which they continued to accept during March. Based on the comments received, the
class learned that Cornville residents were less concerned about having sports
fields than they were about protecting open space and riparian values, providing
trails, and having a community center. There was also disagreement about the
specific location of park features, particularly the community center.
(Source, Verde News. (June 16, 2008). Retrieved on
June 18, 2008 from http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=26684)
Copyright
2001 Northern Arizona University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
