DARK SKIES
Dark Sky Community Designation Project
"In a 2021 survey, Gold Canyon residents placed dark skies as their number two concern. Our Dark Sky Committee is working to ensure that our night sky is protected for generations to come by pursuing International Dark Sky Community certification with DarkSky International.
Dark sky does not mean dark ground. Dark Sky communities have plenty of light. However, unnecessary light and light pollution (sky glow and glare) are avoided by following a few simple steps.
WHAT IS A DARK SKY COMMUNITY?
It is a town, city, municipality, or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education, and citizen support of dark skies.
Preserving dark skies has a variety of benefits, such as helping protect the natural environment and wildlife, promoting human health, increasing public enjoyment of the night sky, and reducing energy consumption.
We Are Not Alone:
Arizona has over 20 certified International Dark Sky Communities and Parks, such as Flagstaff (see pictured), Sedona, Camp Verde, Fountain Hills, Bisbee, Grand Canyon National Park, Oracle State Park, and Saguaro National Park. We would like to be the first certified Dark Sky Community in Pinal County.
Lighting Ordinance:
Pinal County has had a dark-sky friendly Outdoor Lighting Ordinance since 2012. The ordinance is currently under review (2024 and 2025). A revised ordinance is expected in late 2025 or early 2026 and will further support our dark-sky efforts."
GOLD CANYON DARK SKY HISTORY
Gold Canyon has long been an unofficial dark sky community. However, new developments are bringing increased light pollution. Therefore, we took action to anchor and preserve our dark skies for generations to come.
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Early efforts by Gold Canyon residents to strengthen Pinal County's lighting ordinance around 2011 resulted in dark-sky friendly guidelines
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Strategic presentations to Pinal County staff to consider dark-sky region, networking, and first contact with DarkSky International in 2022
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80-page, data-heavy application with DarkSky International to obtain certified International Dark Sky Community status submitted in August 2023
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Community meeting with presentation from DarkSky International staff in late 2023
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Throughout 2024 and 2025, marketing the idea to Pinal County and the community: joined County committees, task forces, and work groups to shape the new lighting ordinance; networked with other Pinal County communities interested in dark skies; mobilized Gold Canyon HOAs; prepared County BOS proclamations in support of International Dark Sky Week (unanimously approved); published media pieces; and initiated and entered social media discussions
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Hired a world-renowned dark-sky consultant to provide an analysis of Pinal County's existing lighting ordinance to serve as a model for dark sky policy.
