There is a difference between a park and a preserve. Communities strive to meaningfully manage them separately. 

Nature preserves are mostly undeveloped land kept in place for their ecological value. Nature preserves can’t be “made”.  A nature preserve is a natural area that is managed to protect high-quality characteristics, such as its flora, fauna,  or unique geological or historic features, and even aesthetic values deemed of value.  In the General Plan 2035, Glassford Hill is referred to as "the Preserve". 

Parks, on the other hand, can be created and designed to include certain active recreational amenities if you have the right space for them.

The tract of land set aside for the Agua Fria Park has been identified in the General Plan (2025 and 2035) specifically to develop active recreational amenities.  

AGUA FRIA REGIONAL PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN AS STATED IN GENERAL PLAN 2035

Chapter 10 Arts Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element

10.3.1: Proposed Regional Park Development 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pTL9dy5PzFH-ppcqoAciV1QkIvteKVW1/view (digital page 148)

• Agua Fria Regional Park:  The 214- acre Arizona State Land Trust-owned Agua Fria Park site (Large Urban/Sports Complex) is located at the intersection of Glassford Hill Road and Santa Fe Loop. Conceptual plans for Agua Fria illustrate a site inclusive of both passive and active recreational pursuits. Amenities include two softball field hubs, swimming pool, nine tennis/pickleball courts, multiple soccer/football overlay fields, and a 40-acre detention lake. 

GOAL: PR-A4:  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pTL9dy5PzFH-ppcqoAciV1QkIvteKVW1/view  (digital page 164)

Promote economic development through parks by investing in infrastructure and services at the future Agua Fria Regional Park. 

POLICIES: PR-A4.1 through PR-A4.3 

• Develop athletic fields that can support sports tourism through mid-scale baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments as part of the development of Agua Fria Park. 

• Grow outdoor recreation activities through partnerships that facilitate target practice/archery ranges as part of the development of Agua Fria Park. 

• Develop a portion of Agua Fria Park in a way that supports the expansion of special events, cultural activities, and festivals that will appeal to people living within a 2-hour drive time of Prescott Valley.

In April 2025, Interim Parks & Recreation Director Robert Kieren provided this updated status on the Agua Fria Park:

"As currently outlined in the General Plan 2025 and 2035, the Aqua Fria Park project remains a conceptual initiative. The proposed site for the park is presently owned by the State of Arizona, and no formal acquisition has occurred to date. The inclusion of funding allocations in the Capital Improvement Plan reflects strategic foresight for the potential future purchase of the property by another entity.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the timing of the land's transfer to the Town, funding has been deferred to Fiscal Year 2029 as part of the current budget process. Should there be no indication over the next year of interest from other entities in acquiring the site, the Town anticipates further deferring the funding allocation into the latter years of the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan."