Signals AZ

A Message from Prescott’s Mayor Mengarelli



Article audio is made possible by CAST11 Prescott Podcast Network. A Talking Glass Media production.

As we continue to approach the start of the gorgeous summer season here in Prescott, it continues to impress me watching our citizens and local businesses navigate through the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been many frustrating days, but overall, we are seeing days with promise and hope. Governor Ducey continues to phase the re-opening of Arizona’s economy and Prescott is following suit. So many restaurants and small businesses have taken the negative aspects of their circumstances and turned them into positives and inventive new ways to do business. Our local governing bodies also continue their teamwork in helping guide the quad city areas and all of Yavapai County through this difficult season.

Photo By Jim David

While our trails, lakes and parks remained open throughout the stay-home orders, we’ve now also been able to re-open playgrounds and public restrooms for the convenience of Prescott families. So many parents have reveled in the opportunity to have more quality time with their children despite the sometimes stressful moments of schools being closed, and seeing our parks and playgrounds full showcases this. In light of the distancing restrictions that have been associated with COVID-19, time in the great outdoors has made such a positive impact on everyone that has been able to take the time to enjoy what Prescott has to offer. In addition to reopening playgrounds and bathrooms, city staff has worked diligently to reopen city hall and satellite offices to the public once again. As you come to visit the community development department or utility billing you’ll see evidence of this with safety barriers and floor markings to help encourage the safety of city employees and the public. I am truly proud of the level of service that has continued through all of the uncertainty and the dedication of city staff in serving our community in new and unique ways.

As re-opening continues, it has been inspiring to once again see citizens enjoying an afternoon patio lunch or drink at our local restaurants and supporting our local economy. Restaurant owners are working hard to ensure social distancing and CDC cleaning requirements are maintained while welcoming their customers back. They are continuing to offer curbside pickup and delivery services, specialized menus for “family to-go meals”. While not all of our restaurants have yet been able to reopen it is my hope that by the end of summer everyone will have been able to navigate this pandemic and begin serving their loyal customers once again. In addition to restaurants reopening their doors, so many of our locally owned shops, salons, barbershops and gyms have also been able to welcome their customers back. Prescott is such a unique and vibrant community and the value its citizens hold for our small business owners is heartwarming and has never been more evident.

The Prescott community has a long history of coming together to get through times of crisis and stress, and that has been highlighted extensively during the last few months. We’ve remained strong, positive, and showed grace to each other as everyone has navigated this unique and trying time. That perseverance has allowed us to come back step-by-step and continue to support each other as we look to the future. There are many good things to come. It is important to continue to be diligent, safe, and respectful as reopening continues so that the positive progress continues. I have been and continue to be deeply proud of our beautiful hometown.

Sincerely,

Mayor Greg Mengarelli

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6 responses to “A Message from Prescott’s Mayor Mengarelli”

  1. Lily says:

    It’s amazing how this article manages to say nothing at all. I’ve experienced reopened businesses in Prescott and the CDC recommendations are defenitly not being followed. We were seated in a dining area at a restaraunt that was operating at regular capacity. Patrons were defenitly not six feet apart and we were given menus. The table had salt and pepper shakers and condiments that anyone who sat at the table could use. Social distancing is not even an afterthought, with long lines of unmasked people standing side by side to get ice cream. Retail store clerks and employees at drive through restaraunts with no masks or gloves. A barber giving haircuts with no mask in sight. I’m not really sure what the mayor is so positive and proud off!

    • Paul Coe says:

      Lily is right about the CDC recommendations. Not followed. Maybe the companies should show the public before they go into the primisses.

  2. Mary Cassle says:

    Please call in the National Guard. This is no longer about George Floyd but about stealing, destroying our society and democratic processes.

  3. Monty says:

    I’m glad to live here where we’re not being oppressed, like in the blue states. We’ve done very well and it’s because people here care for others and keep being faithful, besides of our leadership. It’s a GREAT city.
    Thanks everyone.

  4. Linda Carter says:

    And now we have the Bluegrass Festival! Took a ride downtown on Saturday and got out of the car to just take a quick picture of all the people not wearing masks and not social distancing. .SHAMEFUL when our COVID numbers are increasing daily. Wake up. People!

  5. D Balsom says:

    How do festivals and town tourism events comply with gatherings of 50 or less? …..especially with few masks!

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