IS IT TIME TO SERIOUSLY DEVELOP THE VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS? OR CONTINUE THE DECADES-LONG PRACTICE OF FOCUSING ONLY ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENT ON THE PRESCOTT SIDE OF MINGUS MOUNTAIN?

How about a simple, inexpensive multi-purpose field with dozens of uses to serve the communities and 30,000 residents immediately adjacent the Campus as a starting point?

OPINION: Yavapai Community College, nestled off Black Hills Drive in Clarkdale, Arizona, remains largely unknown to many Verde Valley residents due to inadequate signage and poor marketing along with minimal serious development.

Despite decades of requests, the Prescott-based Community College administrators have consistently ignored the need for proper Verde Valley Campus signage, a significant problem that persists to this day. Notably, the Governing Board allocated half a million dollars for a sign to CTEC near the Prescott airport in the last budget year, highlighting the disparity in attention and resources between the east and west sides of Mingus mountain.

This neglect is emblematic of a broader issue. For the past 50 years, the Prescott-based administrators have maintained iron-fisted control over College development, viewing Sedona and the Verde Valley primarily as a tax haven to support major multi-million dollar capital and renovation projects on the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain.

Rather than allowing the Verde Valley campus to wither due to this neglect, there is a glimmer of hope for revitalization. One potential, simple solution is to create a three-acre multi-purpose parcel of land on the remaining untouched 80 acres of the site. This inexpensive and responsible addition could, among other things, attract the so-called “hanging fruit” consisting of about  30,000 residents living in the three communities immediately adjacent the campus to various events. The obvious purpose is to make the residents aware of the College and indirectly market the availability of its  services to them. And carry out the College’s mission, neglected on the east side of Mingus Mountain, of providing cultural opportunities to these communities.

Unlike the massive financial investments made by the College on the Prescott side of Mingus over the past decades—such as the professional tennis complex, the heated Olympic-sized wading and swimming pool, student residence renovation, the practice soccer field, the recent multi-million dollar purchase of a 42-acre camp with over 60 buildings, and the multimillion-dollar auditorium—this proposal would not require significant financial resources. However, it would mark a meaningful beginning in revitalizing the campus and strengthening ties with the surrounding communities and their residents.

This proposal exemplifies the kind of subtle marketing effort that truly smart colleges excel at. By investing in the Verde Valley campus, Yavapai Community College can foster a sense of belonging and engagement among local communities, ensuring the campus thrives rather than fades into obscurity. Or, it can continue to selfishly stuff its pockets with Sedona/Verde Valley property tax revenue and limit its use primarily to promoting further, major development only on the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain.

Here are just a few of the ideas for using the parcel that could attract potential students, residents and others to the Verde Valley Campus:

1. Car Shows: Host classic car shows, exotic car exhibitions, and student car modification showcases. Partner with local car clubs and automotive companies.
2. Outdoor Art Shows: Organize art fairs, sculpture gardens, and live painting sessions featuring local and student artists. Include interactive art installations and workshops.
3. Farmers Markets: Set up weekly farmers markets with local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. Include live music and food trucks for a festive atmosphere.
4. Outdoor Concerts and Festivals: Host music festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals. Provide stages for live performances, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
5. Food Truck Rodeos: Organize regular food truck gatherings with a variety of cuisines. Include picnic areas and live entertainment to create a vibrant dining experience.
6. Outdoor Movie Nights: Set up a large screen for movie nights under the stars. Show classic films, recent releases, or student films. Provide blankets, seating, and concessions.
7. Health and Wellness Events: Host yoga sessions, fitness boot camps, and wellness fairs. Invite local fitness instructors and wellness professionals to lead activities and workshops.
8. Community Gardens: Create community garden plots where students and community members can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Include educational workshops on sustainable gardening.
9. Educational Fairs: Organize science fairs, technology expos, and career fairs. Feature exhibits and demonstrations from students, local businesses, and organizations.
10. Craft Fairs: Hold craft fairs showcasing handmade goods from local artisans and students. Include DIY workshops and craft activities for attendees.
11. Seasonal Festivals: Celebrate seasonal events with themed festivals such as spring blooms, fall harvests, or winter wonderlands. Include relevant activities, decorations, and food.
12. Pet Adoption Events: Partner with local animal shelters to host pet adoption events. Include pet-friendly activities and booths with pet supplies and services.
13. Fitness Challenges: Organize obstacle courses, fun runs, and fitness challenges for all fitness levels. Partner with local gyms and sports clubs.
14. Cultural Events: Host cultural festivals celebrating different communities and traditions. Include music, dance, food, and cultural displays from various cultures.
15. Night Markets: Create night markets with food stalls, craft vendors, and live entertainment. Offer a unique evening experience for the community.
16. Tech and Innovation Expos: Showcase technological innovations, startup ideas, and student projects. Include interactive demos and presentations from tech companies.
17. Outdoor Theater: Set up a stage for outdoor theater performances, including plays, improv shows, and student productions. Provide seating and concessions.

These events and activities can create a lively, engaging space that attracts diverse members of the community and fosters a sense of togetherness and enjoyment.