By Tammy Gray “Holbrook’s got great people. We just have to provide the opportunities for them to enjoy it,” Kip Woolford said regarding his hopes for the city after being appointed to the Holbrook City Council to fill the vacancy left by Mark Jackson’s resignation. He will be sworn in at the March 11 meeting, and serve until December 2022. A 1981 Holbrook High School (HHS) graduate, Holbrook holds a special place in his heart. Woolford recalls taking laps on the main streets, and enjoying Sonic and Kentucky Fried Chicken when they were located on the west end of town. He hopes to bring renewed interest in the town both for tourists and locals. “Growing up here before the interstate came through, when you came out of Jo City or Sun Valley it looked like you were getting ready to come into a big city because of all the neon signs,” he remarked. “It was a booming town.” Woolford has already started working to bring more visitors and opportunities to town by opening what he believes is the first Airbnb in Holbrook. For Woolford it wasn’t just about renting out a place for people to stay, but also an opportunity to encourage visitors to stay longer and to spend their money at local businesses. He offers discounts for additional nights, arranges and gives tours of the area, and recommends that visitors eat, shop and explore the sights that Holbrook has to offer, such as the historic courthouse and Petroglyph Park. “They love Holbrook. They love the Southwest,” Woolford said about his guests. “The interest is out there, and I think people will get more involved if the opportunities are presented to them.” In addition to running his Airbnb, Woolford, along with Holbrook resident Kathleen Smith, was a driving force behind art exhibitions and lessons at the old train depot during his time as a ranger at the Petrified Forest National Park. He retired from the park service in 2018, after also having served at Grand Tetons and Mesa Verde National Parks. He noted that he was excited to get the opportunity to come back to the area when he learned that there was a position open at the Petrified Forest. Born and raised in Holbrook, Woolford left at age 17 to join the Navy. His mother had to sign a waiver to allow him to enter the service at such a young age. “The day after I graduated, I was on a bus to San Diego for bootcamp,” he said. After serving for 30 years, 22 of which were active duty followed by eight years of fleet reserve, Woolford retired from the Navy. He initially planned to call Maine home, but instead came back to Northern Arizona when his dad became ill. He then attended Northern Arizona University, where he obtained a degree in elementary education with an emphasis on the American Southwest. After receiving his degree, he applied for a position at Mesa Verde National Park. Eventually he was offered a position at the Petrified Forest National Park. Woolford remarked that he was excited to get to come home to Holbrook after spending time traveling the world in the Navy as well as at Grand Tetons and Mesa Verde with the park service. “I got really lucky,” he said in regards to the opportunity to be a park ranger. During his time at the park, Woolford coordinated the artist-in-residence program, which allowed him to also promote Holbrook. He explained that artists from around the world would come to Holbrook and enjoy the Route 66 nostalgia, which he hopes to continue to promote. “I want to figure out ways to stimulate downtown businesses for Holbrook, get jobs for locals, and make it a place people don’t just drive through, but stay,” he said. Although he does have these goals in mind, Woolford pointed out that he wants to be a voice for the citizens of Holbrook. “I realize I’m not elected, it’s just an appointment,” he remarked. “I’m here, I speak for them, and that’s my purpose.” Woolford wants citizens to know that they should feel free to reach out to him to voice their thoughts and concerns. “Please don’t hesitate, reach out to me,” he said.
