Prescott’s Stricklin Park stormwater project aims to cut flooding and “black ice” risk on Sherwood Dr

The City of Prescott says stormwater attempting to enter Butte Creek in Stricklin Park becomes contaminated with excess nutrients and sediment as it travels down Sherwood Dr and Autumn Dr—and the water is unable to effectively exit the roadway. The city says accumulating water on the roadway contributes to flooding and black ice formation, creating safety concerns for people driving and walking nearby.

In its latest update, the city says the Stricklin Park Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) project (listed with an update date of July 7, 2026 on its “Projects in Design” dashboard) is intended to remedy stormwater pollution and accumulation conditions on Sherwood Dr and help address contamination reaching Butte Creek. The city’s goal is for GSI features to improve water quality and quantity in Butte Creek and driver/pedestrian safety on Sherwood Dr.

What the City says is happening near Sherwood Dr and Autumn Dr

In the project update posted on the city’s Stricklin Park GSI page, Prescott describes stormwater flow patterns that lead to pooling and ineffective roadway drainage. The city says that water doesn’t leave the roadway as intended, and that the accumulating runoff contributes to flooding and black ice formation.

Why Butte Creek is part of the city’s explanation

The city’s project materials connect the roadway drainage issue to local water quality. Prescott says Butte Creek is on the USEPA Impaired Waters list for high E. coli. In that context, the city frames the Sherwood Dr/Autumn Dr stormwater problem as something that not only affects street conditions, but also increases contamination risks tied to runoff reaching Butte Creek.

What the GSI project is intended to do

Prescott says it will install GSI features along the right of way and inside the park. The city’s stated intent is for those GSI features to improve water quality and quantity in Butte Creek and improve driver/pedestrian safety on Sherwood Dr.

Because the project is listed under “Projects in Design,” this is best understood as an in-progress design effort: the city’s update reflects current design status and goals, but residents should continue watching for more detailed status language as the project advances.

How local reporting described the public meeting

Local coverage of the Stricklin Park GSI public outreach described city staff presenting a current design concept to residents. Reporting said the project aims to improve water flow through the park, reduce impacts to the nearby roadway, and support long-term park plant health—tying the drainage/safety goals to both street conditions and Butte Creek water-quality concerns.

What to watch next

If you commute, walk, or manage property near Sherwood Dr—especially during wet conditions—the city’s update points to a drainage improvement as the key change under consideration. For the latest status language and next steps, check the City of Prescott’s “Projects in Design” dashboard and the Stricklin Park GSI project update page.

Sources

• City of Prescott — Stricklin Park Green Stormwater Infrastructure project update
• My Radio Place — Prescott public meeting for Green Stormwater Infrastructure project at Stricklin Park
• TheDailyCourier (front-page PDF) — Report on Stricklin Park GSI design/community meeting