City of Cottonwood, Arizona

09/11/2026

The City of Cottonwood’s Tourism & Economic Development Department encourages all local business owners to utilize our Business Updates & Resources page for helpful information and opportunities, including:

• Upcoming events and workshops
• Local business resources
• Tourism & Economic Development news from the City of Cottonwood
• Support and resources specifically for tourism-based businesses

Whether you’re looking to stay informed, connect with resources, or find opportunities to support your business, it’s all in one place.

Visit the Business Updates & Resources page today at cottonwoodaz.gov/997/Business-Updates-Resources

09/11/2026

The following is an important message from the City of Cottonwood Parks & Recreation Department. In preparation for the upcoming Thunder Valley Rally event on September 18-19, Riverfront Park will have a soft closure go into effect on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 6 a.m. The softball fields will remain open and usable, but access to the parking lot and green space by the ramadas will be limited.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 a.m. the entire park will be closed to the public in preparation for the event. We ask the public to not enter the main park area or softball fields during this closure. We encourage the public to use amenities that will remain open such as the skate park, disc golf, skate rink, and other public parks such as the Cottonwood Kid’s Park and Garrison Park.

This closure will allow for our Public Works and Parks Maintenance teams to perform needed maintenance on the park in preparation for the event.
Riverfront Park is scheduled to be reopened on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 12 p.m.

If you would like more information regarding this year’s Thunder Valley Rally event, please visit thundervalleyrallyaz.com.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this park closure, please contact Jak Teel, Parks, Recreation, and Library Director, at 928-639-3200 or [email protected].

The following is an important message from the City of Cottonwood Parks & Recreation Department. In preparation for the upcoming Thunder Valley Rally event on September 18-19, Riverfront Park will have a soft closure go into effect on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 6 a.m. The softball fields will remain open and usable, but access to the parking lot and green space by the ramadas will be limited.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 a.m. the entire park will be closed to the public in preparation for the event. We ask the public to not enter the main park area or softball fields during this closure. We encourage the public to use amenities that will remain open such as the skate park, disc golf, skate rink, and other public parks such as the Cottonwood Kid’s Park and Garrison Park.

This closure will allow for our Public Works and Parks Maintenance teams to perform needed maintenance on the park in preparation for the event.

Riverfront Park is scheduled to be reopened on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 12 p.m.

If you would like more information regarding this year’s Thunder Valley Rally event, please visit thundervalleyrallyaz.com.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this park closure, please contact Jak Teel, Parks, Recreation, and Library Director, at 928-639-3200 or [email protected].

09/10/2026

A big thank you to Representative Eli Crane and his staff for visiting Cottonwood and taking the time to see firsthand how federal funding and decisions in Washington impact our community.

These conversations and visits matter. Seeing our infrastructure, water challenges, transportation priorities, and other projects firsthand provides valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Cottonwood and the Verde Valley.

We appreciate Representative Crane and his team for making the trip, listening, and taking a closer look at the projects that matter most to our residents.

Thank you for your time and continued engagement with Cottonwood!

09/09/2026

Join us in congratulating the City of Cottonwood, Arizona’s Tourism & Economic Development Department for being recently awarded “Best Marketing Initiative” in the region by the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Presented at the Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tucson last month, Visit Cottonwood Arizona’s “Savor the Moment" campaign reflects the way visitors experience Cottonwood: inviting and unpretentious, filled with memorable, premium moments. From leisurely afternoons exploring Old Town's tasting rooms to kayaking the Verde River or enjoying locally inspired cuisine, Cottonwood offers stories that leave a lasting impression.

“We’re very proud of this acknowledgment by our industry peers. Tourism serves as a strong engine for economic development by converting visitor spending into community-wide benefits.” – Michelle Conway Kostecki, Tourism & Economic Development Manager

Join us in congratulating the City of Cottonwood, Arizona’s Tourism & Economic Development Department for being recently awarded “Best Marketing Initiative” in the region by the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Presented at the Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tucson last month, Visit Cottonwood’s “Savor the Moment" campaign reflects the way visitors experience Cottonwood: inviting and unpretentious, filled with memorable, premium moments. From leisurely afternoons exploring Old Town's tasting rooms to kayaking the Verde River or enjoying locally inspired cuisine, Cottonwood offers stories that leave a lasting impression.

“We’re very proud of this acknowledgment by our industry peers. Tourism serves as a strong engine for economic development by converting visitor spending into community-wide benefits.” – Michelle Conway Kostecki, Tourism & Economic Development Manager

08/31/2026

Stay connected with what's happening in Cottonwood! Subscribe to The Cottonwood Snapshot, the City's monthly newsletter, and get updates on City projects, City Council actions, community events, job opportunities, and more—all delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up today at https://mailchi.mp/cottonwoodaz/cottonwoodsnapshot

08/28/2026

Pilots flying in and out of Cottonwood Municipal Airport can now review updated guides for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The guides include recommended noise abatement practices and standard operating procedures to help promote safe, courteous, and consistent flight operations.

We encourage all pilots to take a few minutes to review the updated information before flying. Thank you for flying friendly! ✈️🚁

For more information, please visit cottonwoodaz.gov/369/Airport

08/27/2026

🎉🎓Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of the Civic Craft Leadership Program!

This nonpartisan, year-long program equips municipal elected officials with the tools to lead effectively through interactive workshops, expert mentorship, real-world case studies, practical resources, and meaningful connections with leaders from across Arizona.

We’re excited to see how these local leaders put their new skills and shared experiences to work in communities across our state!

08/26/2026

The City of Cottonwood administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of Labor Day.

The Cottonwood Public Library will be closed on September 7, and will reopen on September 8 at 9 a.m.

The Cottonwood Municipal Court will be closed on September 7, and will reopen on September 8 at 8 a.m.

The Cottonwood Recreation Center will remain open on September 7 and will operate according to the following schedule:
• Fitness Center: 4:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Indoor Pool: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Outdoor Pool: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (lap swim) and 12-4 p.m. (open swim)
• Group Exercise Classes: Canceled

Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT) will not offer regular bus service on September 7, 2026. The Verde Shuttle will operate as usual on all routes on September 7. The CAT administrative offices will be closed on September 7 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 at 8 a.m.

Public Safety will be working regular hours and emergency utility personnel will be on-call and available. Call (928) 634-0186 to contact emergency utility personnel after business hours, on weekends, and holidays.