In late 2009 the Friends of JS Acker and the City of Prescott partnered with the Prescott Downtown Mural Project for a community project. A proposal to beautify the plain brown restroom structure with a mural depicting the local fauna and flora, as well as honor the historic and benefactor James S. Acker and people who helped found and preserve the land as a park in perpetuity, was approved. After gathering community input for the murals content the Mural Mice began work with citizen volunteers. The Mural was completed and dedicated on June 10, 2010. This was entirely funded by the Friends, with in-kind work by parks staff.
The Mural: A Vision of Acker Park
Look into a gentle place painted upon a wall. See a hidden creek and wild creatures gathering in a Juniper grove. What do we most enjoy about Acker Park? Is it the quiet refuge of bird songs and crickets that we retreat to, to watch the the sun set over Thumb Butte, or the display of native flowers that bloom and change with the seasons? Imagine a wall that speaks of our gratitude and love for this land set aside to remind us of the wild and peaceful.
Come discover this park and enjoy the mural which is one of eight other around Prescott. Please sign the trail register and share with us your impressions.
The Friends of JS Acker is an all-volunteer non-profit community group dedicated to supporting "the Park Different," — you'll find this at J.S. Acker Memorial Park! Low impact, no major man-made recreation facilities. After voters approved preserving all 80 acres donated by J. S. Acker in 1995, we have worked in partnership with the City of Prescott to provide a convenient place to encounter nature at its best. Through the benefit of a Heritage Fund grant, joint funding by Prescott and in-kind donations and money from the Friends, we have provided modest but pleasing improvements that keep in mind the parks master plan which recognized the citizens desire to create a space where nature reigns supreme. Trails, signage, a restroom, water fountains, a small presentation amphitheater, play area, youth art projects and parking were incorporated into the site with an emphasis on minimal impact to the land.
Acker Park is a hidden jewel in the heart of Prescott, located 5 blocks from the historic downtown courthouse plaza.
Come visit the park, check out the trails, view the restroom mural or enjoy a sunset from the hill top vista benches.
This open space park consists of approximately 80 acres of natural parkland with access from 421 S. Virginia St., Penn St./Eastwood, Autumn Breeze (in the Foothills subdivision) and S. Washington. The latter has limited parking and is best suited for walk-ins.
You'll easily find this quiet recreational getaway located at the end of S. Virginia St off of East Gurley St. which is one of the main west/east arterials through town.
Acker Park is also the location of at least 8 geocaches for visitors to discover, including one of the top geocaches in this area.
Amenities include:
• 1-mile Loop Trail
• Kids' mini playground
• Picnic Area
• Restroom with full wrap mural depicting the history of Mr. Acker, the land, and the nature to be found there
•Additional Mosaic Art Walls
•Amphitheater (great for family reunions, performances and other community activities)
In 1996, Friends of J.S. Acker Park adopted Acker Park and have been instrumental in partnering with The City of Prescott to provide funds, do improvements and maintenance.
For more information, e-mail Charlene
Craig
.
