When the city of Sedona purchased land at 250 Brewer Road, the city’s intention was to create a new park. But at the same time, officials made it clear that any work would be years in the future.

That time is now as the city has completed the initial phase of the 3.4-acre Ranger Station Park. It’s home to the historic Forest Service Ranger Station house built in 1917, and barn that was constructed in 1934. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city purchased the land in 2014 and the plan at that time was to secure the land, but officials said they did not know when the funding would become available to build it out.

“When the property became available the city decided it would be better utilized as a public park rather than a private devel­opment,” City Engineer Andy Dickey said this week.

This recent work only included improvement on one side of the Ranger house, with painting and work on siding, windows and eaves.

“This allowed us to overcome contractor fears regarding what may be found and needs to be rebuilt in the historic struc­ture,” Dickey said.

Little else has been done since the purchase but the city, including the Historic Preservation Commission, has continued to look at ways to refurbish the historic buildings, which is the responsibility of the city.

Work at the park in recent years has included:

• 2017: Hazardous material was removed from the site, one building and three sheds were removed, and Phase 1 of the master plan was designed. This phase included utility improvements, a new parking lot, restrooms, a lawn, playground and central seating areas.

• 2018: Underground utilities were installed for the site and rough grading was completed for a large area of the site, including the area of the future lawn.

• 2019: Minor repairs were completed on the Ranger Station residence including repairs to the porch, deck and doors.

• 2020: $250,000 was budgeted for exterior repairs to the Ranger Station residence and barn structures.

To date, the property has been used for additional parking for events within walking distance, reducing interactive trips and traffic volume in the area.

“We also allowed city projects occurring near the property to stage equipment and materials in the area that was rough graded,” Dickey said earlier this year. “This saved the city costs that would have been incurred if the contractors had to stage in an area needing to be leased.”

In addition, the city saved costs by allowing nearby city project fill material to be delivered to the site for free of charge and within a short haul distance.

“Our plan is to complete the exterior work on the structures over the remainder of this fiscal year,” Dickey said. “Then we will begin the interior structure restoration work. When the park is complete it will be a family-friendly facility. There will be many amenities including a walking path, picnic tables, benches, swings, a play feature, art features and a lawn.

“I’m excited to have kicked off this important restoration project. We’re one step closer to creating a space that is true to the property’s cultural history and offers another city park for the public to enjoy.”