The IDA, a nonprofit organization fighting to preserve the night sky, has announced the designation of Oracle State Park, located in Arizona, as
a Dark Sky Park.
Photo: Michael Weasner

The International Dark-Sky Association has announced a new Dark Sky Park - Oracle State Park, which is located in Arizona about 40 miles north of Tucson. The park was designated at the "Silver" tier level and is the first park in the state to receive IDA recognition.

"We welcome Arizona's Oracle State Park as the world's newest International Dark Sky Park," said IDA Acting Executive Director Scott Kardel. "The team there has done a commendable job in protecting the park's night sky."

The designation owes much to the efforts of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee (ODSC), whose members include Oracle-area residents, members of the Friends of Oracle State Park, and State Park Rangers. Michael Weasner, a retired former U.S. Air Force pilot and aerospace industry manager, chairs the group and spearheaded the effort to obtain the IDA recognition.

"Oracle is proud to have its State Park receive this important designation to help preserve Arizona's natural resources," Weasner said. "The Oracle Dark Skies Committee worked hard to complete the necessary tasks and documentation in record time and is thrilled that Oracle State Park has received the designation."

For more information about the IDA, please visit darksky.org.

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