January 22, 2017
By Les Conklin
Audience Watches Dedication at Carolyn Allen Amphitheater.
Most Scottsdale residents would say that it was cold, dark, and damp at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead this morning. Despite the unusual weather, the approximately 100 people at the trailhead’s amphitheater were in a warm, friendly mood as Scottsdale officials named the amphitheater for Carolyn Allen. More than one speaker commented that the weather did not match Allen’s upbeat disposition.
Allen, who died in 2016, lived in Scottsdale for many years. She spent 16 years in the state legislature, first in the house and later in the senate. She also served on the City of Scottsdale Planning Commission. During her time in public service, she played a key role in supporting and protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Speaker at the dedication included Mayor Jim Lane, former Mayor “Sam” Campana, Councilwoman Virginia Korte, and Carla, a driving force in the creation of the preserve. Carla remarked that she once asked Allen how Scottsdale’s preservation movement might remember her absolutely essential contributions. Might a trailhead be named for Allen? A major trail? A mountain? Her service deserved them all, said Carla. Allen answered that naming a small amphitheater at one of the trailheads, as had been done for an early preserve advocate/volunteer would suffice. And that is what happened this morning. No one present needed the sun to warm their spirit. Being at the Brown’s Ranch Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and remembering and honoring Carolyn Allen’s contributions to Scottsdale’s beautiful preserve more than sufficed.
Former Scottsdale Mayor Campana.
Councilwoman Korte
Carla
Guests, inclduing Mayor Lane (in baseball cap) watch dedication with Brown’s Mountain in the background.
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Dedication of Allen Amphitheater at Browns Ranch Trailhead, Jan. 22
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