The Camp Verde Town Council authorized the acquisition of parcels at the Verde Lakes Community Park donated by the Verde Lakes Recreation Corporation to the town at their regular meeting on Dec. 17.
The park is a tribute to Elmer V. Moody, who shaped the Verde Lakes area with his advocacy for recreation and community engagement. It consists of two contiguous parcels totaling 6.79 acres located at 3012 S. Aspen Way in the Verde Lakes neighborhood.
Camp Verde Town Manager Miranda Fisher said the town had been discussing ownership or a long-term lease agreement for the park to ensure long-term stewardship and preservation. The biggest impetus for the town to acquire the property was the ability to get grant funding or alternative funding. In order for the town to seek grants, Fisher said it was essential to own an asset in that process.
After the town approved its strategic development plan for the park in November 2024, staff started working with the Verde Lakes Recreation Corporation on a long-term lease, leaders of which soon said they were ready to transfer the property to the town.
The park has historically served as a recreational area and community space. There is a deed restriction on the land which requires the land to remain an open space.
“It’s to remain what it is, and we would never want anything other than that,” Fisher said. “This allows our team who has been maintaining it and handling this asset to officially have that ownership.”
She clarified that ownership doesn’t translate into immediate improvement, because similar to every other park amenity, there are limited financial resources. Bringing the park under town ownership will allow the town to oversee future improvements, maintenance and capital planning and to implement the Verde Lakes Strategic Development Plan.
Councilwoman Jessie Murdock thanked the Moody sisters for their advocacy for the park, and Vice Mayor Wendy Escoffier suggested having a celebration at the park to thank the Moody sisters for their donation.
The Parks and Recreation Commission had unanimously recommended its approval for this resolution to be brought to council.
The council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the town to acquire the parcels.
