The city of Sedona has released the results of the second online survey on the future development of the Western Gateway, known to residents as the Sedona Cultural Park, which asked about which features should be included in the park’s redevelopment — other than housing, which had been previously identified in the first survey as a top goal.

The survey received 939 responses, or almost double the number of replies to the city’s recent National Community Survey.

Eighty-two percent of respondents said they wanted to see a city park on the site, with 44% percent voting for a “community park,” 43% voting for a “civic center park” and 13% voting for a “neighborhood park.”

Fifty-four percent of respondents said there was a need for a recreation center in Sedona, but 57% were opposed to expenditure on a recreation center if such expenditure would result in increased taxes; 71% supported the implementation of user fees to support a recreation center. By a narrow margin, 54% preferred the site for a recreation center over elsewhere in Sedona. Fitness equipment, group fitness classes and an indoor swimming pool were the most desired amenities. The city’s recent community survey indicated 83% of Sedonans had not used the existing Sedona Community Pool.

Fifty-four percent of respondents answered the question “Do you think there is a need for a larger amphitheater in Sedona?” in the negative. However, when asked about the best location for an amphitheater, 64% responded it would be the former Sedona Cultural Park rather than the Dells property, which is currently outside city limits but under consideration for annexation.

Sixty-four percent of respondents also stated that they would oppose expenditures for an amphitheater that could raise taxes. The Sedona Cultural Park 2.0 nonprofit has proposed reopening the park under a public-private partnership with the city that would not involve any city funding contribution.

Sixty-five percent of those surveyed also responded in the negative to “Do you support reserving most of the land at the Western Gateway for an amphitheater?” The existing amphitheater occupies three of the park’s 41 acres. Fifty-three percent said they would oppose frequent events, while 47% were supportive of events.

By a 71% margin, residents supported working with the U.S. Forest Service to build an expanded trailhead, and 59% supported a transit parking lot, but 55% opposed the suggestion to consolidate transit parking at the site.

Of respondents, 80% reported living in Sedona city limits.

Public Comments

• “Sedona is uniquely surrounded by open space and functions as a park in its own right.”
• “Please, no tolerance for homeless.”
• “Plan for the future, not just for the residents who are leaving earth within 20 years … They got their $1.3 million pickleball courts as fast as possible, and it would be nice to see the inclusion of elements designed for 20- to 50-year-olds incorporated with similar vigor and speed.”
• “Arena UFC, Hollywood gladiator energy.”
• “The amphitheater already exists and it makes sense to incorporate it into any plan. Millions of dollars were previously spent on the amphitheater and it could be renovated for much less money than it would cost to build something new. A park and amphitheater can exist together. This survey misleadingly makes it appear that it is an either-or choice.”
• “Posse Grounds Park has all the major amenities our community needs. No need to duplicate.”
• “Geared for adults, spirituality, meditation. No kids please.”
• “We don’t need any more parks. Our entire surroundings are a park.”
• “Build a bowling alley.”
• “How about selling that property and use the proceeds to build a bridge to improve traffic between [State Route] 179 and West Sedona?”
• “I’d love to see a bigger Fourth of July celebration, with food vendors, live music, fireworks, family-friendly activities, etc. It could also be a new home for a large farmers’ market; live music in the spring/ summer; family-friendly activities like stargazing nights with an astronomer; food truck festival would fit better there than at Posse Grounds; outdoor theatre performances; even summer movie nights with a screen and projector.”
• “I would like to see this significant investment utilized as an amphitheater or terraced gardens, [edible and/or ornamental] or some other creative use.”
• “Shakespeare in Sedona.”
• “Would not want additional traffic or vagabonds.”
• “Keep and reopen amphitheater. Build a rec center. Build housing around both and a public park. I’d move there in a heartbeat.”
• “Why not open some stores such as Chick-fil-A, Habit Hamburger, etc.?”
• “The Western Gateway should host events such as the wine festival, marathon, Mountain Bike Festival and similar events that leverage Sedona’s scenic and artistic resources, but have grown so large as to disrupt the areas around Posse Grounds. We need these sorts of events, but they need an appropriate venue.”
• “It’s unfortunate that very few of the current city council and staff never had the opportunity to experience the fantastic world-class venue it was and should be again.”
• “Be a good land steward and keep it pristine for future generations to enjoy. If the city insists on a city park, community center, recreation center and community park, then they can co-exist with the amphitheater.”
• “Model after Balboa Park in San Diego.”

For more information, view the full survey results and comments.

The next public meeting for residents to comment on the future of the Cultural Park is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19.