River of Time Museum agrees to short-term lease with Fountain Hills, but future is unclear

The River of Time Museum reached a deal to remain at its Fountain Hills home at least through the first half of next year.

But the long-term future of the nonprofit museum, which is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of the Lower Verde Valley, with a focus on water conservation, remains uncertain.

In the meantime, the River of Time Museum & Exploration Center will face a significant rent increase when its new lease goes into effect Aug. 16.

Under the current 25-year lease, the museum pays $1 a year to rent a building next to the Fountain Hills Community Center (12901 N. La Montana Drive) from the town.

The rent under the new lease, which runs through June 30, 2027, is $1,000 per month. As part of the deal, the museum agreed to provide at least 12 free admission days per year and other public benefits. The town will continue covering building maintenance and utility costs.

“These types of agreements require thoughtful collaboration, and I appreciate the time, professionalism and commitment the museum’s leadership brought to the process,” Amanda Jacobs, economic development director for Fountain Hills, said in a June 30 press release.

Why did Fountain Hills and River of Time Museum agree to short-term lease?

The new agreement gives Fountain Hills and River of Time leaders more time to evaluate long-term options without disrupting operations at the museum, which serves as the Fountain Hills Historical Society.

Under the deal, representatives from both parties will meet for a joint review by Jan. 14, 2027, and discuss the museum’s long-term viability. The northeast Valley town will then have 30 days to let the museum know if it plans to pursue or decline an extension.

The River of Time Museum debuted in 2000 and was originally located in Fountain Park. It moved to its current space, which was funded through a $3.7 million bond issue, in 2003.

“For the museum, this is about more than just a space; it’s about establishing the long-term continuity required to preserve our regional history and build a vibrant legacy for future generations,” Jane Przeslica, the museum’s executive director, said in the release. “We look forward to a continued partnership with the town to elevate local tourism, expand our joint marketing efforts and drive the museum forward as a premier cultural institution.”

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