About Us

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Save Our Park is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to working with residents, visitors, businesses, organizations, institutions and the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside to improve, protect, and expand Woodland Lake Park.

A Board of Directors, comprised of residents and a Town of Pinetop-Lakeside representative, lead Save Our Park, a 501c(3) organization. Monthly meetings are usually at Town Hall on the second Monday of the month.

The Origins of Woodland Lake Park

Development of homes and businesses in what is now the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside meant that about 500 acres of U.S. Forest Service land became cut off from other forest areas. This type of “in-holding” makes it harder to manage forests well.

In the mid 2000s,

residents started Save Our Park to ensure the area remained community open space. Working with the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Save Our Park began to look at ways to preserve Woodland Lake Park. In 2021 with funds from private donors and approval from the U.S. Forest Service, the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside bought 107 acres of Woodland Lake Park. The purchase was necessary because the rules prevent the Forest Service from “gifting” the land. The remaining area is still in Forest Service hands. Save Our Park played an important part in raising awareness about the park and ensuring the initial purchase.

Today,

Now Woodland Lake Park is threatened by limited water coming into the lake due to decades of drought and the complexity of water delivery and upkeep of infrastructure. Save Our Park and the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside are working with numerous institutions and the local irrigation company to find solutions that will support the restoration of the lake.

The park is vital to residents for recreation and to the tourism that supports the community’s economy. Currently, an effort is also underway to move toward purchasing the remaining acreage. The U.S. Forest Service is supportive and is contracting with an appraiser to determine the cost of some 430 acres, which includes the Nature Preserve along Walnut Creek. Woodland Lake Park is the heart of the community and a vital asset to the region. Additional acreage is expected to boost the region’s economy while involving residents, visitors, businesses, and institutions in stewardship of this special place.

Donors

From donors’ generosity for the initial 107 acres to a student’s hours helping at a Work Day, all contributions make a big difference. Donors’ names will be highlighted in this spot continually to honor their commitment to Woodland Lake Park.