Arizona’s Oracle State Park Named World’s Twentieth International Dark Sky Park

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Tucson – Nestled between the bright cities of Phoenix and Tucson, Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education is a dark sky oasis in the desert. Now the park’s impressive night skies will be protected for future generations. The International Dark-Sky Association is honored to name Oracle State Park an International Dark Sky Park. The prestigious designation is the result of exceptional efforts to protect the area’s dark skies and raise public awareness about the issue. Designated at the “Silver” tier level, the park is the first in the Arizona State Park system to receive IDA recognition.

The summer Milky Way Rises over Oracle State Park. Credit: Mike Weasner.

The summer Milky Way Rises over Oracle State Park. Credit: Mike Weasner.

“We welcome Arizona’s Oracle State Park as the world’s newest International Dark Sky Park,” said IDA Acting Executive Director Scott Kardel. “The team there has done a commendable job in protecting the park’s night sky.”

The summer Milky Way Rises over Oracle State Park. Credit: Mike Weasner.

Encompassing 3,948 acres (1,598 hectares) of land, the park is located in the northeastern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Pinal County, Arizona. It takes its name from the nearby, unincorporated community of Oracle, which was founded by prospectors in the 1870s. At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,370 meters), the park offers summertime relief from the intense heat of the desert floor below. Park visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife observing, and a variety of nature education programs.

Today’s designation owes much to the efforts of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee (ODSC), whose members include Oracle-area residents, members of the Friends of Oracle State Park, and State Park Rangers. Michael Weasner, a retired former U.S. Air Force pilot and aerospace industry manager, chairs the group and spearheaded the effort to obtain the IDA recognition.

“Oracle is proud to have its State Park receive this important designation to help preserve Arizona’s natural resources,” Weasner said. “The Oracle Dark Skies Committee worked hard to complete the necessary tasks and documentation in record time and is thrilled that Oracle State Park has received the designation.”

Staff (5796 Posts)

There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.


Facebooktwitterby feather
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Comments are closed.

  • Additional Stories

    Fatal accident closes highway

    March 13th, 2024
    by

      A fatal collision Monday, March 11, had SR 77 closed between Biosphere Road and Oro Ford in Oracle for […]


    Annual San Manuel Copper Classic motorcycle race returns March 9

    February 4th, 2024
    by

        Well, they will be at it again. The Trail Riders of Southern Arizona (TRS) will be hosting the […]


    Strong Start to Superior’s 2024

    February 4th, 2024
    by

    Our great town has entered 2024 at hypersonic speed, and we are excited about the many major milestones we have […]


    Winkelman Preparatory Academy plans expansion

    February 4th, 2024
    by

    By Mila Besich   When the school year first started in August of 2023, 16 young girls began attending the […]


  • Additional Stories

    New welding facility open for regional learning in Superior

    February 4th, 2024
    by

      By Nathaniel A. Lopez   It’s official.   On Jan. 23, members of Superior Town Council, Rebuild Superior, Resolution […]


    Queen Creek Bridge replacement project begins on US60; full closures will be required between Superior, Miami for blasting

    February 4th, 2024
    by

      SUPERIOR – The Arizona Department of Transportation is replacing two bridges on US 60 east of Superior with spans […]


    Pinal County hosts vaccine clinics in Kearny, Mammoth

    February 4th, 2024
    by

        On Jan. 14, the Pinal County Animal Care and Control offered low-cost vaccines to local pet owners in […]


    OWN Oracle to disband; Oracle Visitors Center to close

    February 4th, 2024
    by

      By Nathaniel A. Lopez   After many years of service in the Oracle, and surrounding communities, OWN-Oracle Women’s Network, […]


  • Copperarea

  • Southeast Valley Ledger