Clear Creek, a cherished natural sanctuary in Winslow, is currently facing a myriad of challenges that make it difficult for pivotal recreational area. During last week’s city council meeting, numerous concerns were raised by both residents and council officials, highlighting urgent issues that demand immediate and sustained attention. One of the most pressing issues discussed was the unauthorized use of Clear Creek by non-residents, particularly individuals and groups from Flagstaff. Councilmember Darcey McKee voiced frustration over the financial losses incurred due to this unauthorized usage, stating, “We are losing thousands of dollars.” McKee elaborated about how companies from Flagstaff were capitalizing on the park’s amenities without contributing to the local economy. McKee told the council, “They do not buy gas in our town, they’re not shopping and these guys unload ice chests that they didn’t shop for in Winslow. So we’re not making anything off of them, and they’re bombarding our creeks.” This situation not only results in substantial revenue loss for the city but also leads to the overuse and degradation of the park’s natural environment. Parking fee evasion emerged as another significant problem. Non-residents often circumvent the designated parking areas by parking outside the official barriers and walking into the park without paying the required fees. McKee highlighted this loophole, stating, “We have people who are parking outside of the barriers of the creek so that they don’t have to pay that fee.” This practice undermines the park’s financial sustainability and complicates efforts to manage and maintain the area effectively. Maintenance issues within Clear Creek were also discussed, revealing a deteriorating infrastructure that hampers the park’s usability and appeal. Concerns were raised about overflowing trash bins, unclean bathrooms and damaged boat docks. A resident shared his frustration with the state of the boat docks, explaining, “Half of the dock has floated off and is way on the other side, so you don’t even have an option to pull up because it’s too shallow.” Additionally, the park is grappling with overgrown weeds and significant silt accumulation, which severely restricts access for larger boats. Without proper dredging, the creek remains shallow and inaccessible, exacerbating environmental degradation and reducing the park’s recreational value. The city has historically dredged the creek but City Manager David Coolidge said that the cost of doing so means they will likely find third parties to do instead. Safety within the park is another critical concern, particularly regarding the enforcement of life jacket requirements for kayakers and paddle boarders. Despite existing signage, many visitors neglect to wear life jackets, posing serious risks to themselves and others. During the discussion a community member pointed out, “We do have signs that say safe to wear a life jacket. It’s not being followed at all.” To address this the citizen said the city should consider installing life jacket stands within the park and launching awareness campaigns to encourage compliance with safety regulations. In response to these multifaceted challenges, the city council proposed several solutions aimed at improving revenue generation and enforcing park regulations. One key suggestion was to station personnel at the park during peak times to ensure compliance with fee payments. The city council also discussed forming a dedicated committee comprising of experienced community members. This committee would focus on both immediate fixes and long-term strategies to preserve Clear Creek. Clear Creek remains a vital asset for Winslow, but its future depends on the community’s ability to tackle these ongoing issues effectively. With dedicated efforts towards enforcement, maintenance, and sustainable usage, there is hope that Clear Creek can continue to thrive as a beautiful and functional natural haven for all. As the council moves forward the collective aim is to ensure that Clear Creek remains a pristine and accessible environment, fostering both recreational enjoyment and environmental stewardship. For more information or to participate in the committee, residents are encouraged to reach out to their local council members. In other business, the council: * Approved an agreement with the Lady Knockouts Softball Organization for use of city-owned baseball fields at no cost. * Approved amendment to job order with McCauley Construction, LLC to accommodate the company’s name change to McCauley Construction and Trucking, LLC. * Approved a special events liquor license application for Get Your Cornhole Fix on Route 66 on Oct. 19, waived vendors fees and allocated $600 towards the event. * Authorized a grant application to the Arizona State Parks & Trails, Local, Regional, and State Parks Heritage Fund for parks improvement. The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the meeting room located at 523 West Second St.
