PHOENIX (AP) — Six Arizona state parks slated for closure will stay open for now.
The State Parks Board on Wednesday approved agreements with city governments and other state agencies to keep the parks open despite budget cuts.
Payson will subsidize operations at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and delay the park's planned closure from June 3 until Sept. 27.
Agreements with Camp Verde, Yuma and Tombstone call for those cities to take over part or all of the operations at Fort Verde, Yuma Territorial Prison and Tombstone Courthouse state historic parks.
The Arizona Historical Society will take over most of the cost for Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, delaying its closure at least three years.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will put up money to delay the planned closure of Roper Lake State Park by two months while park supporters try to come up with a longer-term plan.
