Think of crystal-clear lakes—fed by our high-quality reclaimed water—surrounded by lush grassland, newly planted groves of trees, and winding pathways for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Only five minutes from Sedona’s core, this exceptional landscape could become one of the region’s most beloved recreational retreats.
And because the park would be built on flat, non-rocky land, it opens the door to the kinds of community and regional events Sedona has never been able to host before.
Imagine seasonal festivals, artisan markets, wellness gatherings, outdoor film nights, food-truck rallies, small amphitheater performances, and regional concerts—all supported by level terrain that allows for easy staging, seating, and setup easy. Picture youth sports tournaments, community picnics, cultural celebrations, weekend concerts in the park, charity runs, and holiday events drawing people from across Northern Arizona.
Even Google Ai agrees it's a good idea… "A well-planned park with lawns, fields, ponds, and basic infrastructure can support an exceptionally wide range of community activities—from athletic events and dog shows to art festivals, car shows, family gatherings, and small concerts. These types of multi-use parks maximize public investment by serving residents of all ages and interests while generating year-round activity without the operating risks or financial burden of a large commercial entertainment venue."
In referencing the historical process of parks evolving in America since the 1800s it concluded: "The pattern repeats: bold park projects often begin as controversial investments in “empty” land, facing resistance from taxpayers, nearby landowners, or those who see them as luxuries. But over decades, these same parks become the irreplaceable green “living rooms” of their cities—places where culture is made, memories are formed, and communities see themselves reflected in a shared landscape."
Sedona Dells Park is the flexible, welcoming public space Sedona has long needed. In this place, everyday recreation and large-scale events can finally coexist in a setting that’s beautiful, accessible, and built to serve the entire community for generations.
The debate over how to use the 40 acres the City of Sedona purchased in 2022 for $22 million needs to be resolved. The land was acquired primarily to address Sedona’s critical housing needs—both rental and ownership. It’s time to stop debating and trying to justify resurrecting a defunct, bankrupt amphitheater at the Western Gateway (formerly the Cultural Park).
Imagine instead the amphitheater built on land that is much easier to develop, close by, and truly suited for a community gathering place, event venue, and entertainment facility.
Imagine the practicality of parking hundreds of cars on flat, accessible ground rather than dispersing them across scattered lots carved into the hills and woods of the old Cultural Park.
With bold, action-oriented thinking, creating this new park as a Phase One project could be a reality by 2030.
Beyond that expansive public haven, more than 175 remaining acres await thoughtful planning. In time, this larger parcel could integrate an engaging mix of housing options, public gardens, recreational features, or other community-driven concepts that reflect Sedona’s evolving identity.
In the end, if more housing is not built, Sedona's future is in peril. Land availability inside the original city boundaries is minimal – but the Dells offers another path to build more housing, primarily rental housing, over the next 10 years or so.
Here is the full story in 2025.
Sedona’s rental housing crisis has become an immediate threat to the city’s future, pushing out teachers, nurses, service workers, artists, and young families who can no longer afford to live here. Businesses struggle to stay open, community life thins out, and the people who give Sedona its heart and character are being displaced.
This didn’t happen suddenly—short-term rentals, limited land, and years of avoiding tough decisions created a shortage that will not fix itself. Sedona’s government must now act with courage, even when facing NIMBY resistance, because addressing rental housing isn’t about changing Sedona—it’s about preserving it. Without decisive action, Sedona risks becoming a postcard instead of a real community; with it, we protect the city’s viability, soul, and future.
Devoting up to 200 acres of the Dells for residential/mixed use would create a community for hundreds of families by 2035 and beyond.
Think of iconic green spaces like Central Park in New York or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco—these places are the product of daring imaginations and unwavering community support. Such big bold ideas created a legacy for the visionaries of over 100 years ago. Sedona can do the same. It can think big when it comes to creating public space everyone can enjoy.
A Gift for the Future
Securing and shaping the Dells is about tomorrow just as much as it is about today. As the Verde Valley continues to grow, preserving open spaces and creating inspired places to live, relax, and play will be a priceless asset. We have a prime opportunity—and a responsibility—to preserve natural beauty, encourage responsible development, and cultivate opportunities that benefit generations to come.
Let's not let doubt stand in the way of this once-in-a-lifetime legacy. Sedona’s thriving tourism economy holds the potential to power transformative, long-term investments. Let's dedicate some of this income from our tourism economy to building The Sedona Dells Park.
Together, let’s shape the Dells into a monument of creativity, inclusivity, and enduring value for everyone.
SEPTEMBER 2015
The city made a deliberate investment in a visionary planning process in 2015, bringing together a diverse group of citizens and experts to think about the Dells and what it could become in the future.
Their plan is identified as Community Focus Area 13. Property that is now in the city limits. Read their report to show how much time and energy have been invested in "thinking."
Here is the report to the Sedona City Manager containing concepts regarding the use of a portion of the land where the Wastewater Treatment Plant is located, designated Area 4, being a portion of the 2014 Sedona Community Plan.