Quechan Tribe shares riverfront plans

The Quechan Indian Nation has a vision for a stretch of riverfront now choked with non-native vegetation, a vision that would turn the tribe's side of the Colorado  River across from Gateway Park into an equally attractive and inviting area.

Representatives of the Quechan Tribe shared their concept during the Yuma City Council's roundtable meeting Tuesday afternoon. The area in the Quechans' master plan, developed in recent months, encompasses the north side of the river from the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge to just west of the 4th Avenue bridge.

There are four elements to the master plan for that stretch of riverfront of about 50 acres, said Allyson Collins, project manager. They are the creation of a gathering area, a dry camping area, a tree farm and beach areas with easy access to the river.

The gathering would be a big grassy area with a large ramada where families and organizations could come together to enjoy outings along the river, Collins said. Nearby will be a beach with volleyball courts and plantings of native trees, flowers and grasses.

"It is a serene area," Collins said. "These things would add to the character of the area."

Hiking and bike pathways would wind through the area to add to its enjoyment. That includes access from the existing Quechan Walking Trail as well as a boardwalk connecting to Gateway Park. And a handicap accessible pier would extend the experience of the river to everyone.

Just as the city is developing an interpretive plaza to celebrate the various crossings of the once mighty Colorado River, so, too, will the Quechan Tribe on its side of the river. Called the Eagle Plaza, the feature will be directly across the river from the Pivot Point Interpretive Plaza where the historic locomotive now stands.

The name Pivot Point reflects the historic significance of the site where the railroad first entered Arizona on a bridge that swung on a pivot over the river.

Plantings in the Eagle Plaza would come to a point resembling an eagle's beak that will face south toward the Pivot Point, while two slightly curved walls will give the impression of wings, said Collins.

This will represent the relationship between the city of Yuma and the Quechan Tribe, she said.

The Quechan's riverfront project likely is a ways off yet, said Fred Phillips of Fred Phillips Consulting. The final plan still needs to be completed, then funding sought, he said.

However, some funding may become available next year to help, said Charles Flynn, who oversees the riverfront redevelopment efforts for the city.

Because of the successes of the riverfront over the past few years, the effort has gained the support of Arizona's congressional delegation, Flynn said. As a result, he said he is hopeful that Congress will allocate $2 million in federal funding to the wetlands project next year, some of which could potentially be allocated to the north side of the river.

In addition to partnering with the city in the development of the east and wet wetlands, the Quechan Tribe is part owner Main St. Cinemas, purchased the former Monarch's Rest and is a partner in the Hilton Garden Inn and Pivot Point Conference Center.

Quechan President Mike Jackson Sr. questioned what the city's plans were to revitalize the downtown district, redevelopment that would benefit both sides of the river, he said.

"Our nation has invested in the downtown and don't know what the city's plans are," he said. "In the ’60s the downtown was a booming place. We need to achieve that again."

The city of Yuma has a unique opportunity in Arizona with its riverfront and history, he said. "Don't let the city be the last outpost."

City Administrator Mark Watson responded that several major projects are in the works, including the $25 million federal courthouse planned for the site next to the former city hall. That project is expected to spur other downtown development.

The city also will be identifying potential future projects, Watson said. "We're moving ahead as quickly as we can."