Prospectors came to Rim Country, as to many other places, searching for silver, gold and other valuable minerals.
Their finds were few and rather meager, but there were other attractions holding them here magnetically. The relatively mild weather, breathtaking scenery and abundance of tall timber appealed to early homesteaders, and lush grass valleys were ideal attractions for ranchers looking for suitable spreads for cattle raising.
Before long, a small community developed in spite of the small but lingering presence of indignant Apaches who could never adapt to the White Man's notion of private ownership. Cowboys replaced Indians, and shopkeepers and saloon owners moved in to supply their needs.
Green Valley was the most common name given to the area, but Long Valley, Big Valley and Union Park were also used. Finally, when a post office was made possible through the assistance of a U.S. Senator named Payson, it was decided to give the community the single name, Payson. That has remained the official name of the town ever since, but Green Valley best describes it.
The town was a natural gathering place. Ranchers rode in for supplies. Cowboys rode in for entertainment or perhaps some improvement for their hard, lonely lives. Soon, homesteaders wanted schools, churches, and doctors, and businessmen wanted banks, mills and hotels.
Inevitably, the little settlement began to grow. It was endowed with all the necessary resources but one – water.
Payson is not located on a lake, a river or even a stream of any size. Precious water had to be hauled in or brought up from wells. Fire was a threatening enemy then as now, and destroyed many important and loved dwellings or gathering places.
Water was primarily used for animals and humans to drink. Other uses were pretty much rationed, such as bathing and clothes washing. Sanitation was maintained as well as possible, but this was not Martha Stewart country.
As the town grew, more and more wells were dug, and, fortunately, Payson lies atop a series of large aquifers (areas holding water underground.) Water was obtainable, but ironically its availability just about kept up with the demand, and no more.
More wells were dug, and more water was found, but usually at a deeper and deeper level. It began to be obvious that water was being used at a far greater pace than rains or snows could replace it.
Serious thinkers looked into the future and contemplated a dire dilemma. A number of factors, in play over many years, ultimately contributed to the survival, indeed, the prosperity of Payson and the surrounding area.
A century ago, early Arizona settlers faced harsh desert conditions. Water was scarce and undependable. Moving further west held no great promise. Water was needed. Lots of it, and a bright future seemed assured if it could be obtained.
In 1903, settlers formed The Salt River Valley Water Users Association. They looked toward the Federal Government, which in those days was considered an ally. A massive water storage and delivery system was needed, and “our” government was called upon to help out. No one thought of it as socialism or a government “takeover.”
The year before, the National Reclamation Act had been passed by a largely bi-partisan Congress led by a Republican majority and endorsed fully by the new Republican President, Theodore Roosevelt. The government agreed to loan certain approved parties as much money as needed to construct water storage and reclamation projects.
In this case, the Salt River Association put up 200,000 acres of their land as collateral for a loan. (There is no record of a “government bailout!” accusation.) The ultimate result was Lake Roosevelt and the Roosevelt power dam, which furnished water and electric power to the entire Phoenix area watershed. At this time, water draining into this reservoir became protected.
Later, as more water was needed, a canal was constructed bringing water from the Colorado River all the way to Phoenix. This is known as The Salt River Project (SRP), again government financed. Apparently, some of the early Payson families had no knowledge of this. No opposition is recorded.
Back in Payson, as early as 1970, a possible large reliable source of water was identified. The Phelps Dodge Corporation had captured a river in a deep valley north of Payson, built a dam and used the surging water to create electricity to power its mining efforts. The mines had played out, however, and the water and dam were no longer being used, but promised to SRP.
Over the next 20 years, the town of Payson attempted to find a way to have access to that water. Only recently has the effort found success. (Yes, the federal government is involved, sigh!) By the year 2015, if all goes well, Payson will finally be guaranteed all the water it needs to sustain present life and future growth. Finally!
In the meantime, two paths also converged which brought about a boon for Payson and an intermediate solution to the water problem. In 1984, The Northern Gila County Sanitary District was mandated to build a wastewater treatment plant, capturing and cleaning used water from the Payson area.
The “reclaimed” water was initially intended to be used for irrigation on school or town property or the Payson Golf Course, replacing and enhancing supplies of potable water. As it turned out, however, much more water was being re-claimed than was being used for these purposes. Thousands of gallons were being pumped into the Verde River as excess.
The Payson Water Department, under enlightened leadership, and in response to a mandate from SRP to use the water more efficiently, proposed a water containment area which would hold the effluent excess and distribute it only as needed. Also, the underground percolation from this facility would be cleansed and resupply the water table being rapidly drained by hundreds of wells.
Instead of a mundane water reclamation pond, however, a brilliant proposal came forth to create a beautiful park surrounding the pond. In 1989, a partnership was formed between The Payson Water Department and Northern Gila County Sanitary District , and plans began to create a multi use public park in conjunction with the water reclamation pond.
Three lakes were ultimately proposed - a small one just to capture run-off sediment from storms. The other two would be another small pond and a relatively large lake to contain and regulate water flow. Effluent water would be pumped into the largest lake and ultimately percolate its way back into the regional aquifer. Non-potable water would have a large source from which to draw to irrigate many areas, saving the pure drinking water for public consumption. Land was purchased from The Forest Service to build the facility.
Today, beautiful Green Valley Park is the result. Some original plans had to be changed, but a multi-use public park is in place which is unrivaled by any in small town America. It is a beauty which should be shown to all visitors.
There is more to this story, but I believe the important facts are covered. Payson should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. It illustrates how a trusted relationship between public and private entities, or even various government agencies, can accomplish great things for the common good.
This country was created to insure justice for the common good. It is OUR government, and the system of checks and balances should insure that no dictatorship will ever rule.
In the past, we have always found a way to work together, even if we disagree. The bond issue funding the Green Valley Project passed on a ratio 65/35. One third voted “NO”
Many people were heard to complain that they were being “forced” to vote too soon by “the government.” Too much money was being spent. More time was needed to study the plan. The majority prevailed.
It's a nice park, and it serves a great purpose. It is well named “Green Valley – Payson’s Crown Jewel.”
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