Tactic D1.2
Sedona's Dark Sky
Identify and promote experiences that are synergistic with Sedona’s dark sky designation.
In order to take full advantage of the dark sky designation from the International Dark-Sky Organization, new ways should be found for visitors to experience existing attractions by incorporating a dark sky theme. An excellent example is the Sedona Star Party initiated in August 2018, which attracted more than 400 people. Additional events of this type will add to Sedona’s identity as a dark sky destination.
As new experiences are developed in Sedona, dark sky themes should be considered.
IMPACTED PILLARS
TIMEFRAME Short-term (12-18 months)
LEAD PARTNER SCC&TB
SUPPORTING PARTNERS Keep Sedona Beautiful, City of Sedona
ALIGNING RESEARCH Resident Surveys, Nonprofit Focus Group, Public Input
TARGET / STATUS TO DATE
1. Number of experiences linked to dark sky designation
2. Benchmark through visitor surveys
PROGRESS TO DATE
Dark Sky
Identify and promote experiences that are synergistic with Sedona's dark sky designation (Star Party).
FY21: In August 2020, the pandemic necessitated cancelling the annual Star Party, but as of June 2021, COVID restrictions have lifted sufficiently for the SCC&TB to begin planning to resume the event.
During both fiscal years, Keep Sedona Beautiful met with City of Sedona representatives to clarify Sedona outdoor light pollution code revisions and address plans to deal with grandfathered lights. KSB Dark Sky Committee Chair Joanne Kendrick accompanied a dark sky expert to discussions with the City of Sedona Manager’s Office.
FY20: In February, KSB held an initial meeting to discuss goals and identify team members in accomplishment of this tactic. Keep Sedona Beautiful, the SCC&TB and Verde Valley Astronomers planned the annual Star Party, setting a date of August 21, 2020. The SCC&TB agreed to include gauges of sentiment regarding Dark Sky into its next visitor survey.
The committee met again in March; further activities were postponed due to the pandemic.