State parks staff asked us to consider supporting a proposed capital improvement project at the park, which they believe may have long term benefit and help move the park from the June 3rd closure list to the “keep open” list.

 As part of their regular agenda Tuesday evening February 16 the Apache Junction City Council will consider a ‘Resolution of Support’ for the AZ State Parks’ Board to authorize the capital improvements to Lost Dutchman State Park. Highlights of that discussion included:

Arizona State Parks Board will be considering proposed capital improvements to Lost Dutchman State Park at their meeting of 2/17/10, in the Peoria City Council Chambers, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Funding for the improvements are from Land and Water Conservation Funds (federal dollars) matched by Heritage Funds (Arizona lottery funds) in the amount of $1.2 million dollars.

Proposed improvements include providing the availability of electricity to 38 camp sites, enhancing restroom and shower facilities, and expanding parking in the areas of trail heads.

Planned improvements will increase the usability of the park. Increased usability means more revenue, which would better position the park to remain open as a self sustained operation or possibly a revenue generating facility. The Lost Dutchman State Park receives 100,000 visitors per year and is estimated to have a $4.1 million dollar economic impact on the community.

Arizona State Parks and the City of Apache Junction are in the process of developing a Memorandum of Understanding further outlining areas of mutual interest and cooperation with regard to the park’s continued operation. The City of Apache Junction continues to support efforts to protect the Heritage Fund, a primary funding source for enhancing recreational opportunities across the state, from further legislative sweeps.

The City of Apache Junction has initiated discussion with the Arizona State Parks Foundation to explore the formation of a “Friends of Lost Dutchman State Park” group.

The community is advised to send supporting letters and e-mails to Stephen Filipowicz ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), Economic Development Director, City of Apache Junction or Ellen Bilbrey ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), Public Information Officer, Arizona State Parks.