Minutes

MINUTES
OPEN SPACES COMMISSION IN-PERSON ONLY
MONDAY PICTURE CANYON TRAILHEAD
JUNE 1, 2026 3920 N. EL PASO FLAGSTAFF RD.
FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004
4:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM.
2. Roll Call
NOTE: One or more Commissioners may be in attendance through other technological means.
Chair Jacqueline Thomas, present Commissioner Molly Joyce, absent
Co-Chair Bruce Fox, present Commissioner Lina Wallen, present until 4:40
Commissioner Mary Norton (P&Z Liaison), PM
present Commissioner Nat White, present
Commissioner William Kluwin, present Councilmember Rep: David Spence, present
Staff Present: Rebecca Sayers (PROSE Director), Robert Wallace (Open Space Manager), Sylvia
Struss (Open Space Coordinator), and Lori Reynolds (Administrative Specialist),
3. Land Acknowledgment
The Flagstaff Open Space Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this
area's Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants,
border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and
their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will
forever know this place as home.
Read by Chair Thomas.
4. Approval of April 27, 2026 Minutes
Chair Thomas moved to approve the April 27, 2026 minutes as attached. Commissioner Fox
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5. Open Call to the Public
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject that is not
scheduled before the Commission on this day. The Arizona Open Meeting Law prohibits the
Commission from discussing or taking action on an item which is not listed on the prepared agenda.
Commission members may, however, respond to criticism made by those addressing the
Commission, ask staff to review a matter, or ask that a matter be placed on a future agenda. To
address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for
Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
Read by Chair Thomas. No comments were received.
6. Business Items
A. ​Picture Canyon Project Planning
Robert Wallace provided an overview of surrounding landmarks at the Picture Canyon trailhead
and discussed potential future improvement projects at Picture Canyon. He noted the adjacent
projects could be a good opportunity to partner and could improve visitor access to the Picture

Canyon trailhead. Proposed enhancements include additional parking spaces, ADA-accessible
parking, a more durable parking surface, and a possible new trail connection.
Robert shared feedback received by Open Space Educator Ashlee Fliney during field trips with
participating schools within the Flagstaff Unified School District regarding difficulties school buses
experience when turning around at the trailhead. He stated that staff hope to incorporate a bus
turnaround area into future trailhead parking improvements.
From the trailhead, the Open Space team is also exploring trail improvements to increase
accessibility for inclusive access for visitors of all abilities. These improvements would connect to
the overlook at Deep Water Pond and the overlook area near the Petroglyph Overlook site. Robert
further reported that staff are working with the City to improve connectivity and a future alignment
of the FUTS Trail from the Continental Park to Picture Canyon, including a possible connection
beneath Interstate 40 and the BNSF railroad corridor.
Deep Water Pond Overlook
Robert indicated that one of the proposed new accessible trail alignments would provide a
connection to the pond overlook and bird-viewing area. Robert also discussed the variety of wildlife
observed in the area by PROSE staff and Open Space visitors, noting that the site supports
diverse wildlife despite being in an areas that involves industrial sites. Additionally, he shared that
existing signs throughout Picture Canyon are planned to be replaced with high-pressure laminate
signage, a material that offers greater durability and improved resistance to direct sunlight.
Returning to the topic of parking, Robert noted that the Wildcat Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant is
coordinating with the City’s Fire Department on a proposed training facility. He expressed hope
that the City could collaborate with project partners to develop a shared parking area that would
also serve Picture Canyon trail users.
Tom Moody Loop and Don Weaver Trail Junction
At the junction of the Tom Moody Loop and Don Weaver Trail, Robert informed Commissioners
that the proposed Don Weaver Trail alignment project is currently progressing through the review
process.
Sylvia Struss highlighted an area where a user-created social trail has been undergoing restoration
efforts over the past several years. She pointed out the jute netting used to stabilize mulch and
native grass seed placed throughout the restoration area. Sylvia explained that the netting is
biodegradable and will naturally disappear as the native vegetation becomes established and
grows through it. Chair Thomas asked whether staff have been treating the area for invasive
cheatgrass. Sylvia responded that current restoration efforts have primarily focused on the removal
of Scotch thistle and knapweed through volunteer-based Weed Pull Wednesday events.
Petroglyph Overlook
At the Petroglyph Overlook, Robert identified the site as the second potential destination for a
proposed accessible trail realignment. He explained that creating an accessible route to the
overlook would be challenging due to grade changes, but could be completed.
A Commissioner asked what the timeline was for the completion of the Don Weaver Trail
Realignment project. Robert replied that it still has to go through the Historic Preservation Office
for review and potential approval. He added that while that portion of the project will be completed
this calendar year, they will need to acquire funding for the work if approved.
B. Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division (PROSE) Master Plan Update and Discussion
Robert Wallace informed Commissioners that staff are preparing materials to share with the
PROSE Master Plan consultant, Kimley-Horn, to provide a foundation for the planning process.
The materials are intended to convey the Commission’s priorities and perspectives regarding the
future structure, management, and direction of Open Spaces as part of the Master Plan update.

Commissioner Kluwin expressed interest in seeing the Master Plan establish consistent branding
standards across PROSE properties and land management partners. He suggested the
development of a unified visual identity, including signage standards, symbols, and design
elements that would clearly align with the trail system. Commissioner Kluwin also inquired about
the timeline for completion of the Master Plan. Rebecca Sayers responded that the project
schedule is outlined in the consultant's contract and noted that the project is currently in Phase 1 of
a 15-month planning process. Commissioner Kluwin further emphasized the importance of
strengthening partnerships with existing organizations and stakeholders through the Master Plan
process, and expressed a desire for the plan to identify opportunities to build upon and enhance
those relationships in support of future Open Space initiatives.
7. Reports and Updates
A. Council Representative Report, Council Representative David Spence
Councilmember Spence did not have any new information to share from City Council.
B. Planning and Zoning Commission Representative Report, Representative Mary Norton
Planning and Zoning Commission Liaison Mary Norton provided an update on the Land Availability
and Suitability Study and Code Analysis Project (LASS-CAP). She reported that staff are
developing potential code recommendations associated with the plan, which are expected to be
presented to City Council later in June. Mary encouraged Commissioners to review the
forthcoming recommendations, noting that several elements may be of particular interest to the
Open Spaces Commission.
Robert Wallace added that the June 22 Open Spaces Commission meeting will be dedicated to
reviewing the LASS-CAP.
C. Open Space Management Report, Robert Wallace and Sylvia Struss
Sylvia Struss reported that Open Space staff continue to host Weed Pull Wednesdays each week
from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. She encouraged Commissioners and community members to
participate in the volunteer stewardship events
D. PROSE Monthly Newsletter (April 2026)
8. Informational Items To and From Commissioners and Staff
No additional comments were made.
9. Potential Future Agenda Items
Review and discussion of the LASS-CAP.
Planning for a future Commission field trip to Observatory Mesa to better understand
community concerns and observe improvements that have been completed by the City.
Discussion of the ongoing revision to the City’s Parks Code, which will incorporate Open
Spaces into the updated code framework.
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:54 PM.