FLORENCE, AZ - The future Peralta Regional Park in Pinal County could be open to the public in 2021 after the Arizona State Parks Board yesterday approved the County's application for a Land and Water Conservation grant.

The project, set in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains and described as a spectacular natural jewel on the outer edge of the Phoenix area, will now move to the final design phase, with construction targeted to get underway later this year.

The grant, which amounts to $2,051,203.50, will be matched equally by the County and means the project is now fully funded.

“Securing this LWCF grant is a critical component to beginning the final design and development of this fantastic recreational resource,” commented Kent Taylor, Pinal County’s Open Space and Trails Director. “We greatly appreciate the assistance of both Arizona State Parks and Trails staff and the Arizona State Parks Board for sharing our vision for the park. While we can’t wait to finalize the design and begin construction, we are more excited about finally being able to see residents and visitors enjoying this park in the not too distant future.”

Plans for the 480-acre park, off of Peralta Road, include around 8 miles of multi-use trails, as well as areas for picnicking, camping and rock climbing. Despite being so close to civilization, its deliberately limited infrastructure and primitive setting will also allow it to feature a dark-sky designation for night sky viewing.

Plans for the park have been developed in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (FS), Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AG&FD) and the City of Apache Junction.   back...