The Camp Verde Equestrian Center will become vacant at the end of this month after nearly eight years under the Camp Verde Arena Association.
The Camp Verde Town Council voted unanimously on December 3, 2025, to terminate the lease after the association rejected a proposed lease amendment. At CVAA’s request, the town council extended the vacate deadline to March 31.
The CVAA, founded in 2018 with Mary Phelps as president, had managed the town-owned facility and hosted rodeos, youth programs, and community events including Fort Verde Days.
The town cited the need for greater financial transparency and oversight to comply with Arizona law. After issuing a request for qualifications for new operators, the council recently decided not to move forward with any proposals at this time. The facility will remain vacant while town officials gather more information and consider long-term options.