Schultz Creek Open Space Access and Trailhead Planning

Staff Recommendation: (Discussion Item) This is an informational update and discussion item on the Schultz Creek Access and Trailhead.

The city owns a 20-acre parcel at 3620 W Schultz Pass Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001, APN: 30047004. This parcel is currently zoned as Public Open Space. As a result of burn scars from the 2022 Pipeline fire and resulting flooding, the city modified the property to create three retention basins to slow the floodwaters into the Rio de Flag and capture debris coming down the mountain. When those detention basins were completed, a trail connection was redeveloped in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to provide access to the Schultz Creek trail system. The detention basin staging area now acts as trailhead parking for residents and visitors. This is the main parking and access point for Schultz Creek Trail. During the summer, parking is typically at capacity on weekends. Despite the new parking area on city property, users continue to park on the neighboring privately held parcel, APN: 30047005C, the "Y". City staff has been working with the property owner to determine a solution that would permit continued use of the “Y” while alleviating parking on private property. This effort has included discussion of a property trade that would enable the city to obtain a portion of the privately held property in return for a portion of the City-owned property.
https://www.coconino.az.gov/219/Geographic-Information-Systems-GIS