Residents Face Crucial Vote on the Future of Sedona Cultural Park

Residents of Sedona may soon have their say regarding the future of the Sedona Cultural Park, two years after the city acquired the site. The Sedona City Council has yet to vote on a new master plan for the park, but community members may soon push for a ballot initiative.

Bill Noonan, who founded the Save the Cultural Park Committee, announced plans for a new political action committee called Save Sedona during a May 20 work session. This initiative follows previous efforts to counter city proposals for a car camp for homeless workers in the park.

The Western Gateway is the city’s designation for the 41-acre property, purchased for more than $23 million on November 22, 2022. Noonan emphasized a disconnect between city leadership and local residents. Most commissioners, excluding Vice Chairwoman Charlotte Hosseini, supported plans for the park to include up to 500 units of high-density market-rate housing, which Noonan criticized. “We should let the residents vote,” he stated, asserting that under Arizona law, they can initiate a ballot petition.

Initiative Text

The proposed “Sedona Cultural Park Preservation Act” intends to amend City Code by designating the park as a public recreational space. It would mandate the city to maintain it for various community activities and prohibit any residential development or overnight camping. The act would also allow for the establishment of cultural venues within the park, with the requirement that the city defend the act if challenged legally.

The initiative asserts that the Sedona Cultural Park is a vital open space with cultural and historical significance, and any high-density residential development would exacerbate traffic issues in the area.

City Attorney Kurt Christianson commented on the initiative, noting that changing zoning through initiatives may not be permissible under Arizona law. Noonan defended the proposal, claiming it does not alter zoning but amends parks and recreation code.

Possible July 2026 Vote

The Save Sedona Committee officially filed the initiative with the city clerk’s office on May 22. Proponents plan to collect signatures until November or December, aiming to place the measure on the July 2026 primary ballot.

P&Z Public Comment

Residents lamented the potential loss of cultural space, with one participant comparing the planned residential units to developments in other cities, arguing they do not align with Sedona’s unique character. Feedback emphasized the need for the city to listen to community concerns.

In conclusion, no speakers at the meeting expressed support for the proposed new master plan.