Water Fun, Parks & More

Photo Blushing Cactus Photography

WATER FUN

If you want water activities, you’ll enjoy the three local lakes — Willow and Watson, both on the northwest edge of the City. The third is Goldwater, maintained by the City of Prescott, the 15acre lake is located in cool pine forests surrounded by rugged mountain areas. The City of Prescott has boat and bicycle rentals at prescottoutdoors.com, 928-925-1410. There are also Lynx Lake and Granite Basin Lake, just outside the City limits. If you like kayaking and canoeing, and fishing, you can visit any of these lakes. All have picnicking and camping sites.

PARKS

Want to spend time in a park? The City boasts a wide variety of parks, all with amenities that guarantee memorable times. Some are purely recreational — walking and exercising and picnicking. Others are specialized. Some are athletic parks — softball, baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, skateboards, rink skating and the like. One in particular — McCasland Willow Creek Park features one of only four in the U.S. custom created Dog Parks. Canines are the most welcome visitors. A complete list with locations is at prescott-az.gov/services/parks.

THERE’S MORE

• Bucky’s and Yavapai Casinos offer your favorite slots and live action Blackjack. Relax and enjoy yourself knowing the Play Safe initiative is keeping you safe and happy.

• Don’t miss the Granite Dells, where unique rock formations thrust out of the ground and tempt hikers.

• If you’re into birding, Prescott’s the place. More than 360 species of birds inhabit the area. The

Prescott Audubon Society www.prescottaudubon.org can provide full details about where to go and when.

• Take a tour: If having someone else do the driving while you do the enjoying appeals to you, go to visit-prescott.com to find a local tour. Tours vary from purely sightseeing adventures to physically demanding activities such as mountain biking.

All have expert guides to assure you’ll have a memorable experience.