The Verde Independent

In 2013, the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council and others completed a Visioning exercise for the Village of Oak Creek.

As a tribute to Dr. Mel Copen, the originator of the exercise, the Community held fund raising to collect seed money to implement the principles of the Vision Plan.

A primary vision is to transform our Village into an international art, culture, culinary and educational destination in Arizona.

Other basic principles (condensed) of the exercise are:

To expand and strengthen the business community

To develop a coherent Village theme and related signage

To build a sense of community spirit and citizen involvement

To improve access to emergency health facilities and police protection

To build a more comprehensive transportation and communications infrastructure

To make a Difference through Arts and Education

Although the Village is one of three important Gateways to Red Rock Country, it is unincorporated, and therefore lacks elected paid leaders and sources of revenue to get things done. With intent to transform the Village into an internationally known destination for arts, culture, entertainment and recreation, and to provide leadership for the Vision, the Sedona Village Vision Alliance was created under the not-for -profit 501c3 umbrella of the Sedona Village Main Street Partnership. Directors include Beverly Copen (President), David H. Gill (Vice President), Tom Graham, Treasurer and Secretary, Dave Norton, Tony Pugliano, Edgar Lozoya and Don Groves. The organization sees itself as a catalyst among and between other organizations, businesses, associations and entities, to find common ground and to begin to move forward with concrete plans.

Recognizing the depth of resources (talent, knowledge, experience and dedication to volunteer activities) in the Village, the Alliance has established a series of goals and objectives to convert the Vision into reality:

Find/create a place for people to gather - a sense of place - for art, artists and classes in art, educational seminars, a meeting venue, social events, presentations, and learning

Collaborate and/or develop a museum for art, art history and Native American art and memorabilia

Foster and/or sponsor cultural events and learning experiences of all kinds

Create and promote exciting and entertaining cultural events

Work in conjunction with other organizations, such as the Sedona Village Business Association, to promote the local establishments

Capitalize on the outdoor recreation of our area, emphasizing a healthy lifestyle

Promote volunteerism for the betterment of the Village

Work in alliance with other organizations/ businesses to establish a shuttle service to alleviate the serious traffic scenarios all over Sedona and the Village

Create a website for information about the Alliance's activities

These goals and objectives are evolving now with the Alliance. We encourage all Village residents and organizations to contribute your ideas, and to assist one another in implementing the principles of the Vision exercise.