For those who have lived here long enough, the Sedona Cultural Park often conjures up fond memories of events or concerts. But the 40-acre private property — which is for sale — has been vacant since 2004. 

Property owner Mike Tennyson, of Custer, S.D., is hoping that will soon change but pointed out that nothing is set in stone. 

“We are currently working with four parties,” he said. 

“Two of the developers have competing interests. The other parties have complementary uses that could be incorporated into a variety of master plans. We have not been actively marketing the property. We have had a few buyers that have been interested. One opened escrow but failed to close.” 

Tennyson last appeared before the city nearly four years ago. At that time, he encouraged officials to expedite the Sedona Western Gateway Community Focus Area, which includes the Cultural Park. 

This would enable him to have a better idea of what the city has planned for the area and what it will allow. That CFA was completed more than two years ago. 

“We support all the uses allowed in the CFA,” he said. 

“I felt it was a thorough process that provided a great deal of public input and solid planning. It took longer than we liked but we are satisfied with the results and feel the effort was worthwhile.” 

In terms of whether or not there is anything in the CFA he’d change to spur interest and development in the park, he said, “At this point, I wouldn’t change anything. Developing a project of this magnitude is quite challenging and we have found that the number of developers that have the experience and the resources to bring the project to fruition are limited.” 

At that meeting, Tennyson talked about a planned community of sorts with a mix of residential and commercial. He said this was not just a pipe dream but rather the site plans that were presented during the CFA process were examples of how the property could be developed. 

They still envision that most, if not all, of the features being incorporated into the final master plan. Tennyson, who lives in South Dakota, said he has several projects in the works closer to home, so for now he has no desire to personally develop the park. 

“When we secured the property in 2003, we applied to develop a hotel and conference center and were denied by the council,” he said. 

“Currently, we are open to partnering with a qualified developer or selling the property outright. 

We have other real estate interests that we are developing and don’t have the time or desire to take the lead role as developer on this project.” 

Until the property is sold or developed, he said they will continue attempting to work with the U.S. Forest Service to develop trailheads and a public parking area starting from the Cultural Park. 

He said he’s disappointed with their efforts over the last three years because he said they have received little interest in return. “We are still committed to working with the city and hopefully the Forest Service to address the public’s need for parking and trailhead access,” he said. 

“Our engineers and attorney have presented concepts to the Forest Service but, to date, there seems to be no interest in addressing these issues. 

“Part of the public benefit outlined in the CFA is the establishment of a parking area and trailhead for the Girtner Trail. It’s important to us that this happens. It’s going to be impossible to do if the Forest Service doesn’t cooperate.”