In The News

Jul

2021

Graffiti and other vandalism a problem at riverfront heritage area

By JAMES GILBERT SUN STAFF WRITER

The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area has been experiencing issues with vandalism throughout the riverfront area and is asking for the public’s help to report anyone seen causing damage or dumping trash.

“Although it has been an ongoing thing, it seems like it has gotten worse over the past two weeks,” said Jesus Melendrez, Natural Resource Program Manager. “It is really frustrating.”

Melendrez explained that the Heritage area only has four employees and the workers have recently been spending at least two days at the beginning of the week removing graffiti and repairing damage.

Jul

2021

Yuma Territorial Prison turns 145 years old

Exactly 145 years ago today, on July 1, 1876, the Yuma Territorial Prison welcomed its first prisoner, William Ball of Tucson. He had been sentenced to life for second-degree murder.

In honor of the anniversary, the state park now hopes to welcome 145 visitors and raise at least $145 in donations on this day. Funds are needed to restore the sally port at the historic prison, which is made of adobe and has sustained water damage. To donate online, go to www.yumaheritage.com/donate.html or www.yumaprison.org.

May

2021

Colorado River state park boasts new sculpture fabricated by Aztec High School welding students

An interactive sculpture fabricated by Aztec High School’s next generation of welders joins the scenery of Colorado River State Historic Park, providing new photo ops to those who visit the locale at 201 N. Fourth Avenue.

Unveiled Wednesday, the “Youma” selfie station is the fruition of a three-year-old vision shared by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA), Greater Yuma Economic Development Council and Weld Like A Girl’s chief wellness welder Shanen Aranmor, who helped charter Aztec’s welding program last fall.

Mar

2021

Yuma Talks - Discover the YCNHA

https://youtu.be/gXfrVZH5KeM

Mar

2021

Yuma Crossing Discovery Center Ribbon Cutting

New Yuma gift shop opened its doors in October, but has officially kicked off their new business today with a ribbon cutting welcoming everyone to visit the new Yuma Crossing Discovery Center located at the Colorado River State Historic Park.

Jul

2020

ANHA Heart and Soul Article

Jul

2020

EXCITING NEW THINGS for YCNHA

EXCITING NEW THINGS IN STORE FOR THE YUMA CROSSING NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
July 20, 2020

Yuma, Arizona – Earlier this year, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) received the official approval of the Master Plan (Plan) for the future development of the Yuma Territorial Prison (YTP) and Colorado River state historic parks by Arizona State Parks & Trails. This exciting plan includes new interactive exhibits utilizing some of the latest in audio and visual technology, in addition to much needed restoration and preservation of the historic buildings gracing these two Yuma gems that will be key pieces of the future development of an historic “Mega Park” concept in the YCNHA footprint.

Jun

2020

Juneteenth

Nationwide, there’s a movement underway to broadly honor, celebrate and recognize Juneteenth. National Heritage Areas are committed to telling the stories of all people, especially those that historically have been left out of conversation. The Alliance of National Heritage Areas, of which the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) is a member, is firmly committed to achieving a national culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Juneteenth is “the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.”

Jun

2020

ANHA DE&I Committment Statement

We celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage.
We create experiences that stimulate cultural equity.
We empower inclusive communities to tell their stories.

The Alliance of National Heritage Areas is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our membership organization of Congressionally-designated National Heritage Areas and partner-affiliated organizations works collectively to protect and promote diverse people and places that tell America’s stories equitably and inclusively.

Jun

2020

Yuma State Parks Welcome Back Visitors This Week

Yuma’s state parks welcome back visitors this week
Mara Knaub Sun Staff Writer 8 hrs ago

Yuma’s two state parks are welcoming back visitors this week, with the Yuma Territorial Prison reopening today (Monday, June 15) and the Colorado River State Historic Park on Tuesday.
“We would like to take this time to say thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding during these trying times as decisions did not come easy to close the parks in March,” the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, which oversees the parks, stated in an announcement.
YCNHA said that it continues to monitor Yuma’s COVID-19 numbers, which will allow the organization to determine the safest decision for employees and guests