Creekwalk Comes Alive Again at Council’s Planning Retreat

In a recent meeting, the Sedona City Council explored the potential for a new creekwalk that could enhance community access to natural areas. Deputy City Manager Andy Dickey initiated the discussion at the council’s December 11 priority retreat, revealing that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has offered to sell the city two parcels of land adjacent to State Route 179 and Sombart Lane.

Dickey reported that he has engaged a local consultant to conduct a Phase I environmental analysis, which returned with satisfactory results. “We’re looking into those at the moment,” he noted, indicating the city’s proactive approach to the project.

Acquiring the parcels would require the city to reimburse ADOT for their original purchase price, along with adhering to a deed restriction mandating that the land be used exclusively for transportation-related purposes. This restriction could potentially include trails and a creek park on the more-than-three-acre site. Dickey emphasized that this area could significantly contribute to the planned creekwalk, particularly connecting to an existing pedestrian underpass.

Councilwoman Kathy Kinsella described the vision for this development as focusing on “passive recreation only,” underscoring the intent to preserve the natural character of the area. Dickey further illustrated that the creekwalk might link to the recently developed Ambiente: Creekside project along Art Barn Road, which is under consideration by its developers in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service.

The city staff is aiming to advance creekwalk planning in the upcoming fiscal year. Councilman Pete Furman expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s really tremendously exciting to see that.” He raised considerations about managing visitor access to the area, hinting at possible transportation solutions.

Councilwoman Melissa Dunn added a broader perspective on the initiative. “This is part of this bigger conversation around how do we get around in our city and how do we protect the pieces of our city,” she remarked, underscoring the sacred balance between accessibility and community integrity.

Preliminary plans indicate that the creekwalk route would stretch south along Oak Creek’s west bank, past several key local landmarks, before crossing to the east bank. Plans include crossing the creek to connect to the new Oak Creek Heritage Lodge and eventually linking back along the west bank to Tlaquepaque.

Historical Background

The idea of establishing walking paths along Oak Creek dates back to the Uptown character area plan initiated in 1993. In 2007, the city negotiated with Arizona State Parks for a project that would fulfill grant obligations while also benefiting the creekwalk concept. Discussions regarding easements for a potential creekwalk also took place in 2008 during renovations at L’Auberge de Sedona.

Most recently, R.D. Olson Development committed to contributing $550,000 towards the creekwalk’s construction on December 10, with this contribution contingent upon the city securing funding for the project’s overall costs, previously estimated at $5.5 million.