Water created and christened Rockin’ River Ranch State Park.

Following a brief lull in constant rain on Thursday, Feb. 8, fittingly the rain started once more as the opening ceremony for Arizona’s 33rd state park started at 1 p.m. The approximate 150 attendees huddled to take shelter from the rain and wind on a cold February afternoon under two tents prior to its first official day of Friday, Feb. 9.

The force of water was on full display with snow on the mountain to the backs of the attendees and mud on everyone’s shoes and tires but an eye towards the future visitors of the park was a common theme of the speakers.

“This is wonderful that we have now another State Park, Rockin’ [River] Ranch, as we can see the landscape here is beautiful,” Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Council Chairwoman Tanya Lewis said in her opening remarks. “We are wonderfully blessed with the weather, although it’s a little chilly and windy. But to me, we see it as native people, it’s cleansing the Earth. We’re starting something new and a new step forward, and this is good for all of us. Congratulations to Camp Verde to Yavapai County to the great state of Arizona that we call home.”

Situated at the confluence of the Verde River and West Clear Creek, the property was first purchased by state parks in 2008 with assistance from The Nature Conservancy.

The park, formerly run as a guest ranch with boarding and horseback riding, now includes nearly four miles of six multi-use trails that allow visitors to explore the mesquite bosque and the riparian zone along the Verde River by hiking, on horseback or with non-motorized bicycles.

“Wildlife sightings will happen here, picnics will be eaten [and here] youngsters will catch their first fish,” Northern Regional Manager for Arizona State Parks and Trails Hank Vincent said. “The Arizona sycamore behind me which we’ve dubbed the ‘Wedding Tree’ is a springtime rookery for the great blue heron. There is a red tailed hawk that spends its days in the pasture behind you participating in what I choose to believe is simply a beautiful dance with the crow. … As for fish, multiple species of bass, catfish and rainbow trout are in the river. Also the native and endangered roundtail chub, which if caught, must be released immediately.”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs used the opportunity to tout the economic benefits of Arizona State Parks and future plans. However, the potential economic effect of Rockin’ River Ranch State Park hasn’t been quantified according to Arizona State Parks public information officer Michelle Thompson.

“In 2020 the statewide economic contribution of visitor spending in and around Arizona State Parks, including multiplier effects, was $449 million in sales. Arizona State Parks contributed an estimated $272 million to Arizona’s gross state product.

“In fiscal year 2023 more than $20 million was awarded to 94 recipients around the state including our rural and tribal communities. Here, in Camp Verde, the Sports Complex improvements were funded through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and the Copper Chief Trail was funded through the Recreational Trails Fund and the Heritage Fund.

“It’s because of this impact that my administration has set a goal of building 200 miles of non-motorized trails by 2030.”

Additionally Hobbs dedicated the 0.3-mile Miano Trail that allows for mountain views and bird watching to its namesake, Janice Miano, and presented her with a plaque.

“Today is special because not only are we opening this beautiful park, we’re also dedicating one of the trails to a special individual who has done so much to support our natural spaces,” Hobbs said. “Janice Miano has been an environmental activist and volunteer for more than 35 years.”

The economic and public health benefits of public lands were also touted by Arizona State Parks and Trails Board Chairman Dale Larsen.

“Studies have shown that spending time outdoors helps people relax, reduce tension and stress plus, enjoying trails and outdoor activities can be part of a healthy physical fitness lifestyle even on the day like today,” Larsen said. “By creating wonderful public open spaces like this, we are preserving our lands for future generations. Like all of you who are lucky enough to reside near this park. We are the stewards of Arizona’s natural cultural and recreational resources. We take our stewardship roles very seriously in the state of Arizona. Additionally, Arizona State Parks and Trails is a tremendous economic driver for the state and opening this new park will benefit Yavapai County and Camp Verde. Already Fort Verde State Historic Park alone generates an annual impact of $1 million.”

Rockin’ River Ranch State Park entry cost is $7 per vehicle and will be open for day use Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. More information about the park is available online at AZStateParks.com/Rockin-River.