Tusayan officials have approved a new eight-year permit for the Moqui Cookout Site, giving the town a longer window to revive a gathering place that has seen relatively little use in recent years.

The Town Council approved the special-use permit with the U.S. Forest Service on Oct. 13, subject to review by the town attorney.

Town Manager Greg Clifton said the previous permit ran for two years. The new agreement covers essentially the same site and operation, including a stage, barbecue area, ramada, fire pit, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and portable toilets.

Photo Credit Explore Tusayan

Clifton said the town wants to make improvements and bring the site into greater use for community activities. But the proposed permit does not itself authorize changes to the facilities. Improvements would require an amendment approved through the Forest Service.

Council members expressed support for retaining the site and pursuing future improvements. The town has discussed upgrades to the stage and sanitation facilities, among other possibilities.

Mayor Clarinda Vail moved to approve the permit, subject to the town attorney’s review. “I would then move approval of the Moqui Cookout site with the United States Forest Service,” she said, adding that the action was pending legal approval.