An agreement is expected to move forward within the next couple of weeks between the owners of the Gonzalez Ranch and the Trust for Public Land to create a new public park. The 488-acre property is across from Interstate-40 north of Williams. In the 1980s, the property was purchased by Max and Thelma Biegert, who owned the land until they both passed away in 2021. Now, Rebecca Biegert Conti, her children and the family of nephew, the late Jeff Biegert, were given a chance to save the land. They want to turn the land into a public park. They are in discussion with the Coconino County Parks & Recreation department to plan how new management can conserve the land while opening it up to the public. Conti says “We are grateful to be a part of this, and we are excited that this beautiful land will be preserved for the enjoyment of the residents of Williams and northern Arizona for generations to come.” If approved, the County Board of Supervisors will begin planning the development of the property for outdoor recreation, with the opportunity for input from the community.
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Daisy Johnston
