Seasonal flowers and incredible views
just 5 blocks from the heart of downtown Prescott!

This page made possible by the Friends of J.S. Acker

WHAT'S NEW AT
"THE PARK DIFFERENT" -

February 2001

Trail Enhancements
On your next visit to Acker Park you'll find many new enhancements to make your visit more enjoyable. Work on a new loop trail on the west side of the road has been started to easily and safely bring people up into the new development site by the cemetery entrance. A bathroom, children's activity area, and presentation lecture seating are to be completed by the end of this year.

Another Eagle Scout project by Chris James was completed with the construction of a marvelous creek crossing bridge on the main trail. Chris, Troop #9, Foxworth Galbraiith and all the many volunteers are to be commended for their contribution to making Acker Park a more enjoyable outdoors experience. We thank everyone whose been involved for adding to the parks beautification.

For questions or details, call 771-1428 or e-mail jccraig@yahoo.com

• 75 acres of natural open space
• Panoramic views-Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain, San Francisco Peaks and more!
• 1 mile loop on main trail
• New west side trail in progress
• 12 plant ID pedestals with accompanying brochure
• Picnic tables and benches
• Summer wildflowers, Fall colors
• Hill top area ideal for Frisbee and kite flying
• Ideal for an easy sunset walk

The Vision for Acker Park

Acker Park is an outdoor area for Prescott that is 'The Park Different', with a difference that can be quantified and qualified. Acker Park has a more varying topography and a more diverse habitat for plant animal life that any public open space near Courthouse Square.

At Acker Park that geography is concentrated on 75 acres; and with minimal development, the visitor can always hope to find the solitude, the rare bird, the drifting cloud, the shimmering constellation, the private companionship that nature offers when quietly encountered.

The visitor to Acker Park will be encouraged to do more with less, and to appreciate a landscape left alone, without manicured sports fields, without playground contraptions, without the raucous acoustics of organized sports. At Acker Park the encounter is with the best in one's self, with the best in one's friends and family, during an outing where nature has discrete reign, and where a mere stroll can mean everything. "It is great art to saunter," said Thoreau.

Richard Sims,
Director, Sharlot Hall Museum
Member, Acker Park Planning Committee

HOW TO GET THERE
Acker Memorial Park is very easy to find. From East Gurley, turn south on South Virginia Street which is one block East of the historic Mt. Vernon Avenue. Drive all the way to the end of the paved road. Bear left where the road divides and you will see a dirt parking lot on the left with fencing and the park sign. Signs will easily direct you to picnic area and trailhead.

Acker Park was established in November, 1995. Capital improvements, including restrooms, are in the planning stage upreceipt of a $150,000 matching grant from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. Park hours: Dawn to 10 p.m.

Click here to learn more about the park's history and the group that has adopted it. Here's information about the City of Prescott's parks and rec activities.