Congrats to the Stairizona Trail team! At this year’s Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the Governor’s Tourism Award for Best Cultural Preservation went to the Stairizona Trail, spearheaded by I Art Globe and co-founders Regina Ortega‑Leonardi and Dr. Thea Wilshire.
Why this trail stood out:
Historic revival – The project revived decades‑old WPA‑era pedestrian staircases and footbridges throughout historic Globe, turning them into a living time capsule intertwined with modern art
Public art & community vibrancy – Over 100 site-specific artworks by local artists (e.g., murals featuring poppies, quail, and Gila monsters) were painted across stair risers, retaining cultural narratives while enhancing urban aesthetics.
Inclusive planning & local input – Community members helped map three trail loops (ranging from 1.4 to over 6 miles), which encompassed staircases, bridges, and even the historic cemetery.
Collaborative funding – Grants from Freeport-McMoRan and BHP helped launch the initial steps and continue art installations, benches, lighting, and murals.
The trail’s blend of interpretive history, vibrant public artwork, and accessible urban hiking loops has become a standout cultural draw. Visitors today experience Globe through a lens of living heritage that celebrates the town’s past and present—precisely what the Cultural Preservation award honors. It is an inspiring example of preserving and activating history through art and community engagement!
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