Out & About

Out & About Exciting events and striking scenery in the Greater Prescott area!

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Bob Shanks

Daryl Weisser

CSchosser Daryl Weisser

Andrea Hunting

Dale Maas

Karen Shaw

Karen Shaw

Fernando Mendigutia Daryl Weisser

CSchosser

Bob Shanks Rod Hendrick Fernando Mendigutia

How Acker Park Trail System Got its Name

written and photographed by Kelly Tolbert, Recreation Coordinator, City of Prescott

As indicated by the annual infrared trail counter data, Acker Park is well known as both a regional and neighborhood park. It averages approximately 60,000 yearly visits.

Anyone accessing the 80-acre park’s trails from one of five entrances from South Virginia Street likely has noticed the information posted on the signs and bulletin board referencing the trails as Barrie Mayes Memorial Trail System.

Barrie Mayes moved his family to Prescott from Southern California in 1968. He immediately joined Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) as a pharmacist, working there the rest of his career.

An outdoor enthusiast, he was a founding member of the local Sierra Club that began in the early 1970s.

Barrie was said to be a “tireless trails advocate,” as well as a pioneer for the Prescott Circle Trail concept.

A member of the Prescott Outings Club (founded in 1975) and Yavapai Trails Association (coalition of nonmotorized trail users) he built many of the local trails. Barrie passed away while leading the Prescott Outings Club on a hike to the top of Wheeler Peak in Nevada, doing what he loved.

Charlene Craig, a former Prescott resident and Friends of Acker Park founding member, says members of the Yavapai Trails Association nominated the naming of the Acker Park Trails in Barrie’s memory; it was dedicated Sept. 15, 2001.

Visitors to the trail system can find features such as the wood bench with a viga pole shade roof on the hilltop that was made “lovingly,” Craig says, by Yavapai Trails association supporter Jerry Munderloh.

She says the park has protected map slots and two different plant brochures available to visitors.

“The Acker Park Loop trail guide and map boxes are at the main trail head area,” she says. “The Mural Trail Guide is in a trail side entrance box on the west side of the road to the south of the parking lot and contains information on the plants marked along the trail that passes behind the playground and restroom and ends up by the entrance to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows cemetery where Acker is buried.”

She points out that Cliffroses are found in abundance on the former water tank top site at the north end of the park and have “a very fragrant aroma and are especially wonderfully to enjoy after a summer rain storm.”

There are about 20 commonly found plants varieties in this transitional elevation zone, Craig says, “So seeing high altitude Ponderosa pines and spiny desert Prickly pear growing side by side is not uncommon but seemingly incongruous. Birding is another popular hobby to enjoy at the park.”

In 2016 the Friends of Acker Park set up an endowment fund to support the park’s amenities. To find out more visit www.azfoundation.org/ Give-Where-You-Live/YavapaiCounty. For more park/trail information go to: www.prescott-az. gov/recreation-area/acker-park.

A tribute to Barrie Mayes near the trail entrance states: “Whether it was service to the public lands, environmental groups, his church, or the Prescott Community as a whole, Barrie was always there to help. He continued his public service activities after he partially retired from YRMC in 1989, remaining active in the First United Methodist Church of Prescott, where he served on various church committees and advised the church on its trees and landscaping. For a number of years, Barrie also grew trees for others in the community, planting and nurturing a tree farm at his home and inviting anyone who wanted a tree to come by to buy one at cost or to take one home for free.”

El Charro Norte Photo courtesy Town of Chino Valley

Eat. Drink. Adventure. Chino Valley

by Maggie Tidaback, Economic Development Project Manager, Town of Chino Valley

Some find it hard to believe, but Chino Valley has amazing restaurants and places to get adult beverages while enjoying the peaceful and friendly environment of Chino Valley. Try these spots.

EAT Essence — Chino Valley’s first upscale establishment. Modern American cuisine; fine wine list. Winner of the Daily Courier’s “Best of” Chino Valley restaurant. 1021 N. State Route 89 (Safeway shopping center)

El Charro — Great Mexican cuisine, amazing homemade margaritas and views of the central Arizona highlands. El Charro has a taxi bus to come to your home and provide a free round trip. Live entertainment on weekends; daily drink specials. 2879 Arizona Trail

Big Daddy E’s — Arguably the best smoke house barbecue in Yavapai County, this small restaurant packs a big bite. Homemade barbecue sauce, jalapeno coleslaw, brisket and sliders. 380 W. Butterfield Road

Heidi Lane Café — This lovely café is rightfully named after the street the owner has a farm on. Ingredients are local; the bread made fresh daily. Try the Italian or Hot Cuban sandwich and any of the homemade soups. 838 S. State Route 89

El Paraiso — Mexican and Italian make this local gem the best of two culinary worlds; family owned, operated. From calamari to chili rellenos the spectrum is yummy. 1150 N. State Route 89 Aroma Pizza — Monster Pie — a local favorite. Diners say this is the best pizza and wings in the Quad Cities. 854 S. State Route 89

Thai Spot — This authentic gem is a must try. Locals recommend the Pad Thai or red curry. 316 W. Perkinsville Road, Unit 2

DRINK Insurgent Brewing Company — craft beer with unique flavors and a bar food menu. A friendly staff and newly renovated space makes this brewery a must to do a flight. Try the new Peavine Ale; a portion goes to improving the Peavine Trail system. 990 N. State Route 89, Unit D

Granite Creek Vineyards — Under new ownership, this vineyard offers weekend music. Sip some lovely wine and listen to music under a canopy of trees. Locals recommend the Granite Creek chardonnay. 2515 N. Road, 1 E

Lucy’s Bar and Grill — The local dive bar with great burgers and cheese curds. If you want to play some pull and listen to good music this is the place on a Friday night. 3020 N. State Route 89