Bird watching at the Sedona Wetlands Preserve will soon become not only easier but less of a hassle.

The new viewing platform, which has been in the works for nearly a year, will be opened to the public on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22. The 20-foot-by-10-foot covered viewing area is adjacent to the large holding pond and includes a 52-foot-long walkway.

The project ended up not only being delayed but costing more than anticipated, Parks and Recreation Manager Rachel Murdoch said. The city had hoped to have the platform ready as early this past fall but there were issues with its footing, weather and design changes including to the roof, she said. The price tag for the platform came in at $42,214 — about $10,000 more than originally anticipated.

As for funding, $21,171 came from a grant from the state of Arizona Game and Fish Department, which was secured by the city of Sedona and the Northern Arizona Audubon Society. Another $12,204 came from donations, including a $4,500 matching grant from an anonymous donor. Another $3,000 came from Yavapai County and the rest from private donations.

“Since its inception I’ve been excited about it because how do you take what some may see as a negative asset and turn it into a positive one?” Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Chip Davis asked when presenting a $3,000 check to the Sedona City Council. “I think that’s what you’ve done with your wastewater plant.”

When all is said and done, the city paid about $8,700 toward the platform.

To read the full story, see the Wednesday, April 1, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.