This article written and submitted by City of Sedona staff.
Sedona AZ (October 12, 2013) – Fall really is the best time of year. Cool enough to enjoy an evening stroll through a new city park and warm enough to enjoy a pumpkin patch in the water. We recommend you try both.
On September 27, the Sedona Wetlands Preserve enjoyed its grand opening celebration. This unique facility, located just outside of the city at 19655 State Route 89A, is open to the public from dawn until dusk. A new parking lot, restrooms, picnic ramadas, and walking trails await visitors when they arrive. The Preserve occupies approximately 27 acres in Effluent Management Area 2, which is located south of the Sedona Waste Water Reclamation Plant (WWRP). The wetlands consist of six basins, with a total water surface area of approximately 12.2 acres or 9.6 million gallons. The water within these basins is supplied by effluent from the WWRP, which is treated to meet A+ effluent quality standards. These six ponds are surrounded by a mile of walking trails making the new park an excellent location for viewing birds and other wildlife. Take your binoculars and enjoy an evening stroll.
Before your leisurely walk through the park, stop off at the Parks and Recreation Office at Sedona City Hall to purchase tickets for Pumpkin Splash. This outstanding event, voted Best Aquatic Event in 2012 for the state of Arizona by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, is super fun for families! Held on Saturday, October 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool, this pumpkin patch is like no other. Pumpkins, courtesy of New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, are picked directly from the water.
T’is the season for carving pumpkins
Participants will enjoy swimming with pumpkins, playing games on deck, decorating pumpkins and joining in all of the activities. Thanks to sponsor Diamond Resorts International, new activities like the glow in the dark bat cave have been added to the event. There is a $3 entry fee for everyone, which includes a pumpkin to take home. Festive and yummy, a caramel apple buffet is new to the event, where for $2, kids can decorate their own apple to enjoy.
Wildlife viewing and pumpkin bobbing are just two of the great offerings your local Parks and Recreation has to offer this fall. It is always best to check our events calendar at SedonaAZ.gov/Parks to ensure you do not miss astronomy workshops, Breakfast with Santa and Jingle Bell Run, Tinsel Town and ice skating at Posse Grounds Park. So much to do, and all of fall and winter to do it in!
This SedonaEye.com article written by Rachel Murdock, Parks and Recreation Manager, and submitted by the City of Sedona. Follow the Eye Calendar of Events daily!
For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
Ah autumn at red rock crossing. There used to be the most impressive sumac plants that would turn an attractive crimson not far from the crossing itself back in the trees a little. Those together with the Golden Cottonwoods and the stand of big tooth (Canadian?) maples in Casner canyon one turn before topping out at Schnebly hill or even more beautiful in Clay Park canyon about a mile up from its junction with Munds Canyon always symbolize the beauty of autumn for me (and of course those who managed to get into West Fork bear even more spectacular memories of this most beautiful of Mogollon Rim seasons)
National Conflict Resolution Day is next week (Oct. 17th) and OLLI and a bunch of local organizations are co-sponsoring an event. Paul Friedman (facilitator) (OLLI and cosponsored by the Sedona Public Library, Sedona Mediation Services, the Speak Out AZ Sedona Verde Valley Team Collaborative, and Northern Arizona Restorative Justice) will observe a Conflict Resolution Day celebration.
The program will begin at 6:30 pm in the Yavapai College Sedona Center and is free. The public is welcome. Contact Robin Weeks of OLLI at 928-649-4270 for more information. CELEBRATE CONFLICT RESOLUTION DAY!