City lakes, trails seeing Fourth of July-level visitation during pandemic

Prescott plans to reopen park restrooms May 12

As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued, record numbers of people have been taking refuge at the City of Prescott’s lakes and trails.

In fact, Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes said visitation at Prescott’s three lakes has been reaching, and possibly exceeding, levels usually seen during popular summer weekends such as the Fourth of July.

Car counters at Goldwater, Watson and Willow lakes indicate that last week’s visitation reached the 11,600 level. That is 60% to 70% higher than a typical late April/early May week, Baynes said.

In the midst of the skyrocketing numbers, the city will be re-opening its park restrooms and playgrounds, effective Tuesday, May 12 — with continued encouragement to maintain social distancing.

The rise in park visitation began soon after the city’s announcement in March that it planned to keep its parks, trails and lakes open during the pandemic, and that parking fees would be waived.

The lakes’ visitation numbers have grown consistently since then — from the high-5,000s range in late March to the high 7,000’s by mid-April.

During the week of April 20, the lake visitation number had grown to 10,431 cars, Baynes said, and this past week, the number stood at 11,620.

Baynes said the current numbers are comparable to July 4 visitation — “maybe even higher.”

TRAILS USE UP 100%

Along with the rising numbers at the lakes, city trails have also been flooded with users. City Trails and Natural Parklands Coordinator Chris Hosking reported that use on the Watson Lake-area Peavine Trail is up by nearly 100% — from about 5,500 per month in a typical April to 10,400 in April 2020.

Willow Lake Trails are seeing an even greater increase — from 6,600 in a typical April to 15,100 in April 2020. The Watson Lake Loop Trails and the Constellation Trails are also showing significant increases.

Mayor Greg Mengarelli said he sees the outdoor activity as a positive thing, although the large numbers can be difficult for the city to handle.

“It’s good that people are getting outside,” Mengarelli said, adding that situation may continue for a time, but likely would be alleviated with the eventual re-opening of other activities such as gyms and theaters.

“Right now, there’s not a lot to do in town,” he said.

RESTROOMS RE-OPENING

Although lakes, parks, and trails remained open throughout the COVID pandemic, the city closed down its park restrooms and playgrounds to guard against the spread of the virus.

Next week, in the wake of Gov. Doug Ducey’s updated executive orders, the city will re-open a number of facilities, including its playgrounds and public restrooms. In addition, drinking fountains will be turned on, according to a Thursday, May 7 news release from the city.

Parking fees will also be reinstated on May 12. The daily fee is $3 per vehicle, and Wednesdays remain free. Annual passes are available for $100, and are available by calling 928-777-1121.

“The general public is encouraged to practice social distancing and good hygiene,” states the new release, adding that gatherings of 10 people or more are strongly discouraged.

Camp sites and ramadas will remain closed, and special events on public property will remain canceled until Ducey’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected order is lifted.

Follow Cindy Barks on Twitter @Cindy_Barks. Reach her at 928-445-3333, ext. 2034, or cbarks@prescottaz.com.