Yuma Territorial Prison slated for closure

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is on the list of 13 state parks Arizona officials are recommending for closure in response to budget cuts enacted late last year.

The recommendations were released Monday. The State Parks Board is set to consider them Friday morning at a meeting in Phoenix. Board members must cut $8.6 million in response to midyear budget cuts enacted during the Legislature’s December special session.

The proposal to close the Yuma attraction in late March has Yuma officials reeling.

"We can't let it close," said Charles Flynn, executive director of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. He said the park is too important to the mission of the Heritage Area, which has been working to renew the riverfront and downtown area, including its historic sites.

"We can't have it closed," he said. "How we prevent it remains to be seen. I don't yet have any proposed solution."

The Heritage Area and the city of Yuma do have some experience, though, at taking over a state park to keep it open for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors alike.

Last fall, the city took over the temporary operation of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot through an agreement with the State Parks Department until the state recovers financially. Under the agreement, the city will lease the Quartermaster Depot for three years and be responsible for its annual management and operating costs up to $166,000, with the money coming from the 2 percent hospitality tax revenue.

As part of that agreement, the Heritage Area is providing curatorial services and lending its historic preservation expertise, grant writing efforts and special events coordination.

Meanwhile, the Yuma Visitors Bureau has relocated its Visitor Center to the park, where both the center and the park have since seen increased numbers of visitors, reported Bob Ingram, YVB executive director.

Under the recommendation before the State Parks Board, Yuma Quartermaster Depot would continue to be operated under that arrangement, which was reached last year when the Yuma historic attraction was slated for closure.

Ingram shared Flynn's concerns about the need to keep the Yuma Territorial Prison open and pledged to offer what support YVB can to the cause.

"It's important to our history," he said. "It's a big draw."

Flynn noted that the Yuma Territorial Prison generates "a decent revenue stream. We just need to figure out how to cut costs."

He said the park has roughly 45,000 to 50,000 visitors a year and generates an estimated $175,000 to $200,000.

"This state historic park not only serves an important tourist value to western Arizona, but also it brings vital dollars, jobs and business to Yuma's economy," said Rep. Lynn Pancrazi, who plans to meet with the State Parks Board to share her concerns about the park.

The proposed cuts before the board spare some of the most popular parks, including Kartchner Caverns and Slide Rock. But officials say they may have to close more parks if they can’t raise $3 million from entry fees by June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Four parks, closed following budget cuts last year, would remain shut down.

The proposal by State Parks staff includes three waves of closures. Four parks would close on Feb. 22, four on March 29 and five on June 3.

Figures from State Parks indicate that six parks are profitable on a per-visitor basis: Alamo near Wenden, Kartchner Caverns in Benson, Slide Rock near Sedona, Catalina near Tucson, Dead Horse Ranch near Cottonwood and Lake Havasu at Lake Havasu City. They would remain open under the proposal, along with Buckskin Mountain near Parker, Cattail Cove at Lake Havasu City and Fool Hollow near Show Low.

They were chosen because they generate the most revenue over the summer, when cash is most needed, said Renee Bahl, executive director of Arizona State Parks. Officials hope fee increases slated for March 1 will also boost revenue.

‘‘Our goal is to keep as many parks open and operating as much as possible,’’ Bahl said. ‘‘Keep these rural economies thriving ... and keep people out and enjoying parks and open spaces.

Among the parks proposed for closure are: Tonto Natural Bridge near Payson, Red Rock near Sedona, Lost Dutchman near Apache Junction and Tombstone Courthouse in Tombstone.

Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Proposed plans for Arizona state parks:

• Closing Feb. 22: Fort Verde, Homolovi Ruins, Lyman Lake and Riordan Mansion

• Closing March 29: Yuma Territorial Prison, Roper Lake, Tombstone Courthouse and Tubac Presidio

• Closing June 3: Alamo Lake, Lost Dutchman, Picacho Peak, Red Rock and Tonto Natural Bridge

• Remaining open: Buckskin Mountain, Catalina, Cattail Cove, Dead Horse Ranch, Fool Hollow, Kartchner Caverns, Lake Havasu, Patagonia Lake and Slide Rock

• Remaining open with alternative funding: Yuma Quartermaster Depot and Boyce Thompson Arboretum

• Parks closed last year to remain closed: Jerome, McFarland, Oracle, San Rafael, Sonoita Creek and Verde River Greenway

Source: Arizona State Parks