The Arizona State Parks Board opted not to let Lake Havasu City become “Plan B” for Lake Havasu State Park.

The Board declined the request from Lake Havasu City to take over Lake Havasu State Park during its regular meeting Wednesday. The surplus revenue from the park, one of the state’s most profitable, is used to fund other parks that cost more money to operate than they generate. Mayor Mark Nexsen said the decision did not come as a surprise.

“I would still reiterate and emphasize that if they are not putting together a ‘Plan B’ with Lake Havasu City, then they’re not meeting their responsibilities,” Nexsen said Thursday. “They need to sit down with us across the table and figure out a plan and recognize that anything could happen in the state Legislature. If funding for the parks is pulled, Havasu is in position to keep that one park open.”

Nexsen and Interim City Manager Charlie Cassens attended several State Parks Board meeting in the past few months to propose a plan that would allow the city to lease the park for a few years in the event of lost funding from state parks. Nexsen said city officials would continue to attempt negotiations in the near future.

“We just can’t get them to the table,” Nexsen said. “The next step is to continue with the legislative process, which is not our first choice. We need to try to convince the state parks board they should have a ‘Plan B’ with us. What’s the harm? If they are able to successfully operate it, then it won’t go into effect, but if they do need it, they’ll have a fallback position.”

City officials are currently attempting to gather support for House Bill 2786. The bill, introduced by Doris Goodale, R-Kingman, in February, would require the State Parks Board to enter into a lease agreement with Lake Havasu City. The bill was heard at the Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee in February but no decision was made.

While the Board denied the city’s request, several proposals from other communities with struggling state parks saw approval Wednesday.

“After an unprecedented series of meetings with rural communities, the Arizona State Parks Board (Wednesday) voted to allow staff to enter into agreements to keep four State Parks open into the future although three would be managed by other entities,” Executive Director Renee Bahl said, according to a press release. “Two more agreements will extend the closure dates for Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and Roper Lake State Park.

“Management agreements are pending for the Town of Camp Verde and would keep Fort Verde State Historic Park open for one year,” Bahl continued in the release. “The city of Yuma has proposed that they would manage Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park for three years. The city of Tombstone would manage Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park for three years. The Arizona Historical Society agreement would keep Riordan Mansion State Historic Park open for three years.”

Ongoing discussions are being held to find financial solutions for Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Alamo Lake State Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, Picacho Peak State Park and Red Rock State Park so they can stay open past their closing dates of June 3, according to the release. Jerome State Historic Park, McFarland State Historic Park, Oracle State Park, Homolovi Ruins State Park and Lyman Lake State Park are closed, according to the release.

“The Arizona State Park system must continue to provide the best park experience possible, draw visitors from around the world into these rural towns, and work with the communities,” Bahl said in the release. “We are all committed to finding financial solutions to keep parks open and staffed appropriately.”

For more information about the pending closures of State Parks, residents are advised to call toll-free 800-285-3703 or visit AZStateParks.com.

You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com